Coldingham Brave Bayers

14/10/2026

🥾🌊 Connect Outdoors with Mhor Outdoors | Session 4

📍 St Abbs Head to Burnmouth Harbour

Another fantastic day exploring our beautiful Berwickshire coastline! 🧡

This week, our group covered:
⛰️ Ascent: 214m
🥾 Distance: 10km
⏱️ Hiking time: 5 hours 30 minutes

♿ Inclusion and adaptability are at the heart of this programme. Every mile covered is celebrated, every challenge is supported, and every achievement is cheered on by the group. It’s about finding your own pace, enjoying the journey and experiencing the outdoors together.

🗺️ This week, we were joined by Emily, who shared some map-reading and navigation skills with us.

🐾 We also welcomed a very special four-legged companion — Leftie, our leader Kevin's one-year-old Collie, who is training to become a search and rescue dog!

🥪 A huge thank you to Loughs for providing another fabulous lunch. Nothing beats good food and good company after a day on the trail!

💬 One piece of feedback that sums it all up beautifully:

“Loving it! We don’t have to think about a thing — just walking and enjoying our countryside.” ❤️

And that’s exactly what Connect Outdoors is all about: fresh air, friendship, building confidence and discovering just how much our wonderful local landscape has to offer.

🌊 Next week: We complete the Berwickshire Coastal Path, walking from Burnmouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed!

Keep following our journey as we take on the final stretch together. 🥾🧡
mhoroutdoor

14/10/2026

What a lovely first Move & Mingle session at Eyemouth Pool!

We had over 20 people join us for a swim, sauna, soup and scones, and it was so lovely to see everyone coming together, giving things a go and enjoying each other's company.

There were some really special personal achievements along the way. One person came along to an indoor swimming pool for the first time in 40 years. Another hoped to swim just one length and ended up managing four and collectively the group swam 10850m aka 10.58km which all adds to our collective challenges. We also had people choosing to stay for a chat and a bit of social time, even when being on their own is what feels most comfortable.

These might seem like small steps to some, but they are big achievements, and we were so proud to see everyone having a go in their own way. That's what Move & Mingle is all about: getting out, trying something new, building confidence and enjoying a bit of company in a relaxed, friendly space.

A huge thank you to Holly and all the volunteers who helped make it happen, and of course for the absolutely delicious soup!

Thank you, too, to everyone who came along, for your patience, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved as we find our feet with this new group. This funding is for you, and we want these sessions to be shaped around what you enjoy and what you need.

Move & Mingle is delivered with Live Borders, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and is Bookable via the website www.wildandfreezing.co.uk

We can't wait to see you all again next week. And if you haven't joined us yet, there's always a warm welcome waiting for you!

11/10/2026

🌊🧘‍♀️ Wild Swimming & Seasonal Yoga for Wellbeing – What a beautiful few weeks! 🧡

As our Wild Swimming & Seasonal Yoga for Wellbeing sessions with Amy draw to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us, embraced the elements, rolled out their yoga mats and shared their time, energy and company with us.

It has been an absolute pleasure spending these past four weeks together. We hope you’ve learned a little more about yourselves, the water, yoga and the changing seasons, and that you’ll continue to be kind to yourselves and enjoy your own lifelong journeys with wild swimming and outdoor wellbeing.

And the feedback throughout the programme says it all! 💬

🧡 “It was a lovely way to spend time, great coaches, good company, hope to see everyone at some point in the future.”

🥰 “Loved it too, absolutely fab x still feeling euphoric, we are so lucky to live where we do.”

😊 Feel so energised and thankful.”

These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do. It's about so much more than getting into the water or practising yoga. It's about connection, confidence, belonging, feeling good and appreciating the incredible places we call home. 🧡

A huge thank you to everyone who made these sessions so special. We hope the friendships and connections continue long after the sessions end. 💙

✨ WHAT'S NEXT? ✨

🌬️🎨 Sea Sense: Art & Breathwork for Wellbeing with Kevin Peden

📅 Starting Wednesday 21st October
🕡 6.30pm
📍 Eyemouth Community Centre
🗓️ A six-week programme

Join us as we explore creativity, breathwork, social connection and wellbeing in a welcoming community setting.

Whether you're looking to meet new people, try something different, take some time for yourself or simply feel more connected, we'd love you to join us.

Because wellbeing is better when we do it together. 💙

Thank you to the Scottish Government for funding this wellbeing programme. (Actioned by Borders Community Action).

10/10/2026

We might not have brought home a Thistle Award this time, but we’re still incredibly proud!

We were honoured to reach the finalist stage of the South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2026 Inclusion Award .

As a small, volunteer-led, disabled-led social enterprise on the Berwickshire coast, we put our hearts into creating inclusive experiences, welcoming visitors and tourists, and helping people connect with our beautiful coastline through wild swimming and associated activities.

We know we still have lots to learn, particularly when it comes to marketing and raising our profile, but being recognised alongside so many fantastic organisations is an achievement in itself.

A special thank you to Amy and Lucy, who represented Coldingham Brave Bayers CIC on the evening. We’re delighted they had a fantastic time celebrating with everyone!

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. We wish you all the very best and thank everyone who continues to support the work we do here in the South of Scotland.

We may be small, but we have big hearts, big ambitions, and a passion for making our coast accessible to everyone. And that’s something we’ll always be proud of.

08/10/2026

Tonight Amy Craig and Lucy Anderson are representing Coldingham Brave Bayers for our nomination for the inclusion award for South of Scotland Thistle Awards. We wish them the best of Luck and as a collective hope we do well.

South of Scotland Enterprise VisitScotland South of Scotland Destination Alliance

40 finalists across 15 categories - put your hands together for the finalists of the 2026 South of Scotland Thistle Awards, sponsored by Shortridge 🎉

This year's shortlist features long-established businesses alongside brand new ventures, a true testament to our region's diverse mix of fresh talent and renewed commitment to excellence.

The full South of Scotland Thistle Awards shortlist, by category:

🛌 Best Accommodation or Unique Stay:
airhouses, Lauder
Black Bull Inn, Duns
Braeview Escapes, Coldingham

🍻 Best Bar or Pub:
Millar’s L’Atelier Du Vin, Kirkcudbright
Tee Room Bar Kippford
The Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn

👥 Best Community Tourism & Events Experience:
Burns Light, Dumfries
Creation Mill CIC, Langholm
Hike & Bike Hub, Galashiels

🍽 Best Eating Experience, sponsored by 3b Construction:
1610 at The Globe Inn, Dumfries
Ernespie Farm Shop & Kitchen, Castle Douglas
OakHill Cafe & Deli, Carsluith

🏨 Best Hotel , sponsored by Shortridge:
The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries
Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick
SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Kelso

👣 Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience:
Eat, Sleep, Ride, Lamberton
Mostly Ghostly, Thornhill
Wild Dook Sauna, Lochmaben

🛏 Best Self Catering or Exclusive Use:
airhouses, Lauder
Dod Mill, Lauder
The Green House, Selkirk
Orroland Holiday Cottages, Dundrennan

🏰 Best Visitor Attraction:
Abbotsford The Home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose
Lochcarron of Scotland, Selkirk
The Whithorn Trust, Whithorn

🍃 Climate Action Award, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland:
Dod Mill, Lauder
Faldonside Eco, Melrose
The Green House, Selkirk

👥 Employer of the Year:
Dunskey Estate, Portpatrick

🤝 Inclusion Award:
airhouses, Lauder
Coldingham Brave Bayers, Coldingham

🏅 Individual of the Year:
Romano Petrucci, The Central Cafe and Stranraer Development Trust

💡 Innovation Award:
The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries
Cedar Hus, Lilliesleaf

🎫 Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by Scottish Borders Council:
Duns Play Fest, Duns
Northern Lights, Dumfries
Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown

🌟 Rising Star Award, sponsored by Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland:
Lewis Graham, Feast Cafe, Portobello and Kirk Coo Brew
Zoey Darnbrough, Annandale Distillery
John Picken, Domes by the Sea

South of Scotland Enterprise VisitScotland

07/10/2026

COLDINGHAM BRAVE BAYERS CIC
AUTUMN & WINTER 2026 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
COMMUNITY • COAST • WELLBEING • SOCIAL CONNECTION • ALL YEAR ROUND
Coldingham Brave Bayers CIC welcomes the community to join our FREE autumn and winter activities.
Our programmes are designed to help people stay active, build confidence, learn new skills, connect with others and enjoy the benefits of water, nature, movement and creativity.
All activities are FREE, but booking is required.
Book online: www.wildandfreezing.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
________________________________________
MOVE & MINGLE
A wellbeing club bringing people together through the winter
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
Every Tuesday from 13 October 2026
20 weeks
Swim sessions: 19:00–20:00
Centre access: 18:45–20:45
Location: Eyemouth Leisure Centre
Move & Mingle is a welcoming winter wellbeing club combining:
• Swimming
• Sauna
• Aqua aerobics
• Refreshments
• Soup and social time
• Support to build confidence and set personal goals
You can take part at your own pace. You do not have to be a confident swimmer.
18+ welcome — with a particular welcome to people aged 45+ who would like to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
We have funding available to help remove barriers to participation, including support with:
• Transport
• Swimwear
• Hygiene products
• Other essential items needed to participate
Please speak to us if cost or equipment is stopping you from taking part.
________________________________________
WILD SWIMMING & ART FOR WELLBEING
SEA SENSE • BREATHWORK • ART
NO SEA SWIMMING REQUIRED
Funded by the Scottish Government – Wellbeing Fund
Starts Wednesday 21 October 2026
18:30–20:30
6 weeks
Eyemouth Community Centre
A creative and calming wellbeing programme for people interested in wild swimming, water safety, nature and creativity.
You will explore:
• Sea Sense and understanding water safety
• Breathwork
• Wellbeing
• Creativity and art
• Confidence around water
• Connection with others
You do NOT have to swim or enter the sea.
A tow float, swim cap and whistle are included.
18+ welcome, particularly people looking to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Refreshments available.
________________________________________
COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR WORKSHOP
HANDS-ON PRACTICE • BUILD CONFIDENCE • REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS
Funded by Coldingham Brave Bayers CIC and St Abbs Independent Lifeboat
Saturday 24 October 2026
18:30–20:00
Location: To be confirmed
Learn how to respond when someone may be experiencing a cardiac arrest.
The session includes:
• How community defibrillators work
• Hands-on CPR practice
• Using a defibrillator
• Real-life scenarios
• What to do while waiting for emergency services
• An opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, non-pressured environment
18+ welcome.
No previous experience is required.
________________________________________
MEN-ONLY COLD DIPPING FOR WELLBEING
WINTER COLD-WATER IMMERSION
NO SEA SWIMMING
Funded by the Scottish Government Wellbeing Fund
Starts Thursday 12 November 2026
18:30–20:30
4 weeks
Scoutscroft Holiday Park, Coldingham
A supportive introduction to cold-water immersion for men.
The programme will explore:
• How the body responds to cold
• Breathwork
• Acclimatisation
• Cold-water risks and benefits
• Safe immersion
• Recovery
• Building confidence
• Wellbeing and social connection
• Q&A and discussion
Cold-water immersion will take place in a controlled tub environment.
18+ welcome, particularly men looking to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Booking is required.
________________________________________
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Are all the activities free?
Yes.
All of these activities are completely FREE to participants because they are supported by different funding programmes and community partners.

Can I attend if I have previously taken part in one of your funded courses?
Yes.
These activities are supported by different funding pots and have different aims, so previous participation does not automatically exclude you.
Places may be subject to the eligibility requirements of each individual programme.

I have never been wild swimming. Can I come?
Absolutely.
You do not need to be an experienced wild swimmer.
Some of our programmes do not involve entering the sea at all. We want people to be able to learn, explore and build confidence at a pace that feels appropriate for them.

Do I have to swim?
No.
For example, Wild Swimming & Art for Wellbeing does not involve sea swimming.
Our aim is to make activities accessible to people with different levels of confidence, experience and ability.

Can I bring a friend or family member who isn't a Coldingham Brave Bayers member?
Yes.
These activities are for Coldingham Brave Bayers and the wider community.
You are welcome to invite a friend, partner or family member who would benefit from taking part, provided they meet the requirements of the individual programme.
You don't have to already be part of our swimming community.

What if I can't afford swimwear or equipment?
Please talk to us.
We have a budget to help remove financial barriers to participation.
Support may be available for:
• Swimwear
• Essential swimming equipment
• Hygiene products
• Transport costs
Please don't feel embarrassed about asking. Our aim is to make participation possible, not to create another barrier.
Email [email protected], speak to us at a social swim or talk to a member of the team.

Can you help with transport?
Yes, where funding allows.
We recognise that transport can be a significant barrier, particularly during the winter.
If transport costs or access to transport are preventing you from attending, please contact us before assuming you cannot take part.

What happens to my personal information?
We take your privacy seriously.
Participant information is collected only where we need it to safely organise activities, communicate with you, meet funding requirements and understand the impact of our programmes.
We use Wix to manage our website, bookings and participant information. Wix provides security measures designed to protect information stored through its services.
Coldingham Brave Bayers CIC follows applicable UK data protection and GDPR requirements.
We aim to:
• Collect only information we reasonably need
• Keep information secure
• Not keep personal information longer than necessary
• Use information only for appropriate purposes
• Not sell your personal information
• Explain where information needs to be shared as part of delivering or evaluating a funded programme
As a community organisation receiving funding, we may need to collect anonymised or relevant participant information to demonstrate our impact to funders.
Your personal information is not a product and we do not sell participant data.
For further information, please ask us for our Privacy Notice.

Why do you need information about me?
Funders often require organisations to demonstrate who their activities have supported and what difference the project has made.
This may include information such as age range, participation, wellbeing outcomes or other relevant demographic information.
We collect this information to help demonstrate the impact of our work and secure future funding for community activities.
Where possible, information used for reporting will be anonymised or aggregated.

What if I don't feel confident enough to come on my own?
Come and talk to us.
You can email us before the activity, speak to us at one of our social swims or ask someone you know to come with you.
You do not have to arrive already knowing everyone.
Creating a welcoming environment is part of what we do.

What if I have a disability, health condition or additional support need?
Please contact us before booking or let us know when you book.
We will do our best to understand what support or adjustments may help you participate safely.
We believe accessibility means removing barriers wherever we reasonably can.

What if I am nervous about the water?
That's okay.
You will never be pressured to enter the water.
Our programmes include education, confidence-building and wellbeing activities, and some activities do not involve entering the water at all.
You are always allowed to say no.

What if I need to leave a session early?
That's absolutely fine.
Listen to your body and your own needs. Let a member of the team know if you need to leave so we know you are safe.

Are the activities suitable for everyone?
Each programme has its own eligibility, safety requirements and risk assessment.
Please read the information provided when booking and tell us about anything that may affect your participation.
If you are unsure whether a programme is suitable for you, contact us before booking and we will be happy to discuss it.

What happens if bad weather affects an activity?
Outdoor activities may occasionally need to be changed, postponed or cancelled because of weather, sea conditions or other safety concerns.
Safety always comes first.
If an activity needs to change, we will contact registered participants using the contact details provided at booking.

Do I need to be a member of Coldingham Brave Bayers?
No.
These programmes are designed to support both our existing community and people who have not previously taken part.
Come as you are.

WE WANT TO REMOVE BARRIERS, NOT CREATE THEM
If there is something stopping you from taking part — money, transport, equipment, confidence, experience or simply not knowing anyone — please talk to us.
We may be able to help.
Email: [email protected]
Flyer: https://canva.link/ic290twq6fp5g2f
Website: www.wildandfreezing.co.uk
COLDINGHAM BRAVE BAYERS CIC
Community • Coast • Wellbeing • Social Connection • All Year Round

We would appreciate the share around your communites.

Check out this A1 (Portrait) designed by Coldingham Brave Bayers.

06/10/2026

A busy day on the Whiteadder River, combining citizen science, learning, water testing and a little time simply enjoying being outside.

We started with citizen science for river health, exploring the river and collecting samples from separate points within the river to collect the data on riverflys (different species) today, we saw some of the biggest stoneflies we have ever seen, thank you to Eric from River Tweed News Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust for spending the afternoon with us.

We then carried out water testing for nitrates and phosphates as part of Earthwatch Fresh Water Watch helping us build a picture of the health of our rivers over time.

Our observations and results from the River Whiteadder indicate that the river is in good health, although water levels remain low. Citizen science gives us the opportunity to keep monitoring these changes and understand what is happening in the places we swim, explore and care about and the best thing is that anyone or any group can do it!

And then, after all that science, it was time for some us time.

An evening swim, a glorious sunset, bats flying overhead, fish jumping and that wonderful feeling of simply sitting quietly in nature.

Days like this are a reminder that looking after our rivers is not just about collecting data. It is about building a relationship with the places around us, noticing change, learning together and making time to enjoy them too.

River health. Citizen science. Community. Connection.

Our Riverfly monitoring has finished for the season follow Tweed Forum for training opportunities for next year.

06/10/2026

05/10/2026

We’re collecting damaged tow floats and neoprene items for our Second Wave Swims Project.

REPURPOSE • REUSE • RECYCLE

Your damaged kit could be:
✨ Cleaned
✨ Repaired
✨ Repurposed
✨ Made into something new

It’s all about reducing waste, supporting inclusion and helping more people enjoy the water.

📍 DROP OFF IN COLDINGHAM
You can bring your tow floats or neoprene items to a social swim or get in touch with us to arrange a local drop-off.

📦 CAN’T DROP OFF LOCALLY?
You can post items to us. Please contact us first for our postal address and guidance on postage.

Whether it’s a tow float that’s been sitting in the shed, an old wetsuit, boots, gloves or other neoprene — please don’t throw it away. It may have a second wave!

♻️ Give your old swim kit a second life.

Thank you for helping us make swimming more accessible while also looking after our environment.