Do you love the feel of silky cold water on your skin? The Cairngorms is one of the most fantastic places for wild swimming (or just outdoor swimming as it was called when I was wee). In the summer, water temperatures can reach almost 20°C, and in winter the thermometer readings start to creep down: 10, 8, 5, 3 … and then, one day sometime near Christmas a hardy soul must venture out with a sledgehammer to break the ice to allow us to dip. These are my favourite days. The air temperature might be minus 6 or 7 degrees, the winter sun is just skimming the horizon, and geese fly overhead. Wonderful, mindful, and all right here to enjoy.

Some local favourites, and just a short drive from Aonach are Loch Insh and Loch Morlich. Both have regular group swims – check out the Cairngorms Wild Swimmers Facebook page, and the all-important choice of lochside cafés for a hot chocolate and cake afterwards! Try the Boathouse at Loch Insh or the Pine Marten at Loch Morlich.