Wild Hebridean Swimming

Wild Hebridean Swimming was honestly one of the best adventures I’ve ever had. Swimming off Iona in that hauntingly beautiful turquoise water felt otherworldly, and then in Fingal’s Cave on Staffa — the place that inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture — gave me goosebumps. Emma and Rachel were amazing coaches: encouraging, fun, and full of knowledge about the sea and the islands. They made every swim feel safe and exciting at the same time. Back on land, the food was a total treat — colourful, flavoursome veggie dishes that hit the spot after a day in the water. The beds were super comfy too, so you actually woke up ready to do it all again. What made it even more special was the sense of community — both within our lovely group and with the locals on the Ross of Mull. A visit to the Island Sauna Shack was the perfect way to round things off. It wasn’t just a swimming trip — it felt like being welcomed into a whole island way of life. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

This was a truly amazing trip! (The 4 night Hebridean Swim Odyssey) Firstly the welcome to Mull from Emma and Rachel our hosts and guides, Anna our chef (and also Flora for yoga, David our Iona guide, Ed at the beach sauna, and Staffa boat tours) was so warm and genuine, their thoughtfulness and the care taken to tailor the trip, experiences and swims flexibly to everyone’s needs was exceptional. I felt encouraged and also challenged to step safely out of my comfort zone in beautiful (windy!) weather, my first time doing longer sea swims. They were fun and lively hosts with a great sense of humour and adventure. Their knowledge of the local area, community, the sea and marine life that they shared with us, made us feel like special guests to the island and its community, not just passing tourists. The chance to meet swim and spend time with likeminded adventurous people from across the world was also unique and heart warming. Mull is stunningly beautiful and the swim spots all glorious with a highlight being the unforgettable trip to Staffa and swim into Fingals cave. Achaban house is a comfortable cosy and peaceful base with incredible vegetarian catering by Anna. If you are thinking of booking this trip do not hesitate, you will not regret it! I cannot wait to go back!

I joined the Odyssey-ers group in Sept 2025 as I was looking for some fun and wild swimming in places that I wouldn’t be able to go solo, and with a lovely group of people. It was everything I hoped for and more. It was probably the most challenging swimming I have done because of the wind and choppy waves but I loved how clear the water was and the sand beneath and all the cool kelp forests. I always felt very safe with Emma and Rachel and appreciated the care they took over selecting the swim spots and also that they were in the water with us. Being able to borrow equipment (towfloat, wetsuit, dry robes etc) is a great option. I found the accommodation to be excellent - very comfortable and welcoming - and I particularly enjoyed the delicious vegetarian food - so many home-made dishes and breads. The day on Iona and Staffa and the swim in Fingal’s cave together with the mobile sauna and yoga were the highlights of the trip for me. I loved it all and would definitely go again. Thank you Emma, Rachel and Anna.

I recently returned to the United States from Emma McDonald’s 5-day Wild Hebridian Swim Retreat. I am a member of a masters swim team and an avid open water swimmer. The 5-day retreat surpassed my expectations and, quite honestly, was one of the best experiences of my life. The accommodations at the Achaban guest house were AMAZING, and included daily, home-cooked, delicious meals. The week started with a variety of people coming together from various parts of the world with a common love of cold water swimming. By the end of the week, we were a community cultivated through sharing unparalleled experiences. I have traveled a lot, but have rarely experienced the remote and stark beauty of Inner Hebrides. If you want to have an unusual retreat that both cleanses and fortifies your body and soul, a swim retreat with Emma cannot be matched.

I have just had ANOTHER amazing 5 days with @wild_hebridean_swimming, the second in 9 months. Emma has managed to blend calm experience with challenging excitement resulting in the best swims off the coast of Mull. The weather was on our side too and we were bathed in warm sunshine all week. With Rachel’s infectious enthusiasm and Anna’s culinary masterpieces the team that greets you here is second to none. You HAVE to experience it for yourselves - I know I will be back!!

Wow! Just returned from a magnificent weekend. Emma and the team (especially Rachel & Anna) made the whole holiday wonderful. They totally looked after us all from the moment we arrived. Everyday was an adventure, sea dips or swims depending upon how you felt. Beautiful beaches and sunshine all the way! Yoga, massage and those packed lunches! Then the big challenge of Staffa. Special thanks to Emma and the wonderful group for giving me the courage to climb the stairs to see the puffins! Finally the moment we all shared in the magical Fingals cave - I will never forget it. Emma and the team, ensured we were always informed on how to enjoy the cold water safely and supplied encouragement and very cosy dry robes. Thank you everyone for a wonderful weekend. I highly recommend and want to return.

In September, in the Inner Hebrides I experienced something that truly touched my heart and soul. Swimming in remote, unspoilt, wild and stunning locations in aquamarine, crystal clear water from beaches of fine powder white sand across dunes of heather, gorse & sheep. Swimming with strangers who became friends. Swimming with locals whose passion inspired us. Emma and Rachel led us with such confidence, knowledge, great skill, competence and huge amounts of enthusiasm. Swimming which challenged and enthralled us. Emma is so passionate, supportive and encouraging, she helped us enjoy the health benefits of very cold water! We never felt out of our depth. I loved it, despite my illness, I embraced it. I came home with a deep sense of joy, buoyed by adventure, camaraderie and the sheer joy of life and I shall always treasure the memories. Thank you.

My husband bought me the Dip and Chill retreat as a surprise gift for my 60th birthday and it has been one of the best things I have ever done. Emma kept the secret so well while my husband was planning it and was so helpful in her communications with him. We both travelled to this very special place together and had just the best week with the loveliest group of people. Emma is such a natural retreat leader; she is kind, really motivating with her passion for wild swimming and so welcoming. We were made to feel totally at home in Rachel's lovely house and we slept incredibly well in our very peaceful, comfy room. Rachel and Emma both went out of their way to help us with anything we needed. Nothing was too much trouble. Anna's cooking was fabulous - fresh vegetarian meals, homemade sourdough, brioche, muffins, soup and she was always smiling, even though we kept chatting to her while she was cooking! It was amazing. We packed plenty into each day; dipping twice in different beautiful locations, visited a traditional weavers, did yoga by a crackling log fire, travelled to Iona and saw puffins which was magical, but we never felt rushed. There was plenty of time to chill out and we spent a couple of wonderful evenings in the hot tub chatting and laughing in our lovely group. Dinner with the group was always so much fun; so many interesting conversations with a superb bunch of humans. I really could have stayed longer! Both Hugh and I will remember this experience for a very long time and hope to return. Thank you so much Emma, Rachel and Anna for your special kindness xx