Reconnect with yourself and nature

Rewild, reset and recharge with a one-to-one session.

*Please note that personal sessions are currently on hold until further notice due to an injury*

Personal sessions are available to book with myself – Emma. These sessions are a chance to take time out from your normal routine, reconnect with yourself and nature, and try something new or in a supported personal setting. The session will give you an introduction to cold water therapy, wild dipping and breathwork – focused around mindfulness and resetting the nervous system, along with practical information and safety tips and a chance to escape the everyday. They are based at Smithills, Bolton in Greater Manchester.

The Session

Taking around 2 hours per session, it will involve a beautiful 30–40-minute walk up into the Smithills moors, where we will set up by the waters side and go through a grounding and connecting breathwork session (based on the Wim Hof method) – this helps to prepare you for the cold water, resetting the nervous system and boosting energy. Then it’s time for the cold dip! I will guide you into the water supporting you the whole way through, focusing on your breathing and being in the moment and finding that calm in the cold. There’s no pressure, just support. How long we stay in for will depend on the time of year, weather and yourself! When we get out we will get changed in our cosy towel ponchos on the side of the moors and have a delicious cup of hot chocolate, which is an experience in itself! We will then walk back down through the moors, reconnected, recharged and reset!

What’s included?

A walk through beautiful countryside
Wim Hof method breath work session
Supported cold water immersion in a wild body of water
A pair of neoprene gloves to borrow for the dip – these help to protect your hands from the cold as your hands and feet will feel it the most.
A towel poncho to borrow for changing in after the dip – helps to dry you straight away, protects from the wind and allows you to get changed in modesty!
Mat to sit on for the breathwork session and for getting changed on.
Delicious hot chocolate with added adaptogenic seven blend mushroom powder*, Cacao and an immune boosting blend of spices for that added natural support– dairy free available.
A tasty treat usually in the form of a flapjack, chocolate or Naked bar – please let me know if you have any dietary requirements too.

*A blend of seven mushrooms – Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, Maitake, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Tremella. These pure ground mushrooms are milled into powder that you can mix into drinks or food and is tasteless. Mushrooms are known as adaptagens, these help the body to better manage it’s response to stress and can give a natural lift to your mood. If you’d prefer not to have this in the hot chocolate please let me know.

The Walk

Overall, the walk is just under 2k either way taking around 30-40 minutes on the way up, as it’s up hill and 25-30 minutes on the way down. It starts off on the road for about 15 minutes until we reach the path upwards. This path is quite steep and when wet can be very muddy and slippy, there’s no rush up though, we can take a bit of time to stop, catch our breath and enjoy the view. There are some beautiful mosses and lichens, trees and wildlife to admire on the way. Once up this path we pass through 2 stiles and head through the moors up to the water. This part is still uphill but not as steep or muddy. Check out the gallery below to see photos of the walk up.

The Breathwork

At the start of the session we will use a special blend of essential oils designed to open up the air ways and focus the mind. The breathwork is based on the Wim Hof method and the techniques are focused on deep and rhythmic inhalations and exhalations (circle breathing) and controlled breath holds. It’s all about controlling and quickening your breathing patterns and becoming more connected and aware of your body. We will do 3 rounds of this technique which will help prepare your body and mind for the shock of the cold water by flooding it with oxygen, making you feel relaxed but invigorated and resetting that nervous system!

The Dip

Now this is the fun bit! Once we have finished the breathwork we will begin to get ready to enter the water. Once ready I will guide you into the water, taking one step at a time focusing on our breathing and staying in control. Once the water is at waist height, we will take a deep breath and slowly submerge together up to our shoulders and neck. I’ll be talking you through the sensations as your body begins to adjust and after 30 seconds or so it hits: the calm, the release, the thrill! You did it, you’re in a wild body of water. Time for a little whoop I think! There is never any pressure to get in or stay in and we will go with the flow of the session and how you feel. Once we are out I’ll get you wrapped up in a towel poncho followed by hot chocolate and snacks once we are dressed and snug!

The Weather

Part of the rewilding experience is to face whatever the weather has to offer, and I have been up there in howling winds, snow, rain and beautiful sunshine. All equally exhilarating and a brilliant experience. Each time we go up there it’s a different vibe as the seasons and weather changes, just embrace whatever the weather has to offer, go with it and enjoy the experience. The weather on the moors can be quite different sometimes compared to in town so it’s always best to be prepared and bring a waterproof coat and wear suitable walking footwear.

What you need to bring

Rucksack or Backpack
Bottle of water
Towel – You don’t have to bring this as you’ll have the towel poncho to use to dry and get changed in after, but even a small one is handy to stand on and dry your feet and lower legs with.
Wet bag or plastic bag – this is to put your wet swimwear and towel in after.
Sunscreen and or bug spray – depending on the time of year.
Aqua shoes or a pair of old trainers – these are to wear to go into the water with. As we enter the water it is quite rocky underfoot but quickly turns to soft peat. The shoes will give you some grip when getting in and out and offer your feet some protection from the cold.
Swimwear – whatever you feel comfortable in. You’ll be wearing this under your clothes to start with, so when we get ready to chilly dip you just have to take your outer clothes off and we are ready to go!
Warm clothes – please bring lots of layers to put on afterwards. I would recommend at least 3 layers and then a coat. These can consist of a base layer, t-shirts, something long-sleeved and a jumper or hoodie. It is always better to have extra rather than not to have enough. Your body cools down for up to 30 minutes after you leave the water so layering up is essential. Even when the sun is shining the water is still very cold and even in summer you can be surprised how cold you feel after a dip.

Suggested:
3-4 layers
Coat
Hat
Gloves
Loose easy to get on pants.
Thick socks.
Walking boots, shoes or trainers.

Usually, I walk up in jeans, with my swimsuit on underneath, a t-shirt or jersey top and my coat. The rest is packed away for after. I always walk up in jeans and have cosy jogging pants to put on after, this is especially important if it’s raining as you’ll want a dry pair of pants to put on after the dip. The same goes for socks too!

Also, on a more personal level – underwear! After the dip it can be tricky getting dressed so the easier the better. Sometimes commando is best – just think of it as part of the nature experience! Trying to get a bra, knickers, or boxers on after the dip can be difficult so think ahead. I usually bring a vest top with support in and go commando for the rest! But it’s whatever you’re comfortable with.

How to book?

You can book a session in, by yourself or with friends (up to 6 people unless a bespoke group session). The sessions cost £45 for a single, £35 each if there are two people or £30 each for three or more people. You can pay by card before, PayPal, bank transfer or cash on the day.

Sessions can be anytime Monday to Sunday, from sunrise, early to mid morning, afternoon or a sunset dip it’s up to you. Each time of day offers a different perspective and experience. Just get in touch to have a chat about arranging a session that suits you, any concerns or questions you might have! Click on the link to send us a message Contact

“Thank you so much for the experience, such a lovely morning, cleansing the soul. Not just the dip, everything from the walk up, the breathing, dipping and calming hot chocolate afterwards. I think we can safely say we will be doing it again.”

Diana – First time dipper