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Cold water swimming is one of nature's most powerful resets - a plunge into the wild that clears the mind and awakens the body. From reducing stress to improving sleep, the mental and physical health benefits are well-known. But beyond the science, there's something more profound: a chance to silence the noise of everyday life and rediscover ourselves through the healing power of cold and the calming embrace of blue spaces.
Cold water coach Gilly McArthur delves into this elemental practice. She shares her passion for icy water and wild places, guiding us through some of her most treasured experiences including daily cold-water dips in January, swimming in Scottish caves and rescuing wildlife. Every encounter or 'glimmer' offers a chance for reflection and renewal.
Whether you're seeking resilience, calm, community or simply the joy of being immersed in nature,
The Beauty of Cold offers a life-affirming path back to yourself in simple, achievable and lasting steps.
About the author
Gilly is a cold water swim coach and free climber born in the north of Scotland. She has travelled the world in pursuit of these passions and has worked in the outdoor industry for over 20 years. Much of Gilly's work is strongly tied into mental wellbeing and nature connection and she passionately shares her love for cold water and nature with CEOs, charities, sportspeople, A-list actors, businesses and individuals. Her work has been profiled in the National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller and on the BBC, and she has featured in various award-winning films, books and publications. She is also part of the coaching team working with Outside2, a UK-based university programme exploring the applications for outdoor swimming to help improve wellbeing for NHS patients, and is director of the Women's Trad Festival and founder of Blue Mind Men - a men's cold water swim club.
