The Outdoor Partnership will work with clubs, schools, individuals, and specialists to increase opportunities for people in Ayrshire to achieve their potential through outdoor activities, active participation, volunteering, training, and education.

The Outdoor Partnership’s Hike and Dip – Look out for updates regarding 2024 events !

The Ayrshire Outdoor Partnership’s first Hike and Dip session was a great success.

The Outdoor Partnership has a policy of regular shared learning meetings and discussions across all areas we operate in the UK.

Since 2022, my colleague Sioned Thomas has pioneered a Hike and Swim programme in the Swansea Bay region of Wales, which I have replicated in Ayrshire. A great example of shared learning between Wales and Scotland!

The Ayrshire Hike and Dip at Irvine went extremely well! 12 of us headed out on a 3 mile coastal walk guided by Gillian’s Walks learning some fun facts about the area as we went along and getting to know each other a little bit. The views from the dragon were stunning! Following that Open Water with Elaine gave us a fantastic introduction to open water dipping, with many of us trying it out for the first time! After 20 minutes in the 14 degrees water we dried off and gathered around the firepit for a wee while afterwards, munching on melon and cake and enjoying hot drinks from our flasks whilst reminiscing about the amazing experience we’d all just shared. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning . We will be planning more of these combo events throughout the summer, hopefully trying a few different locations. So keep your eyes peeled for more details! This event was made possible by support and funding from The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire.

Health and Wellbeing – Hike and Dip with Gillian and Elaine

 “You know it’s going to be a good day when even the drive down to the car park makes you say “WOW” out loud to yourself.

The buzz everyone felt from today’s Hike & Dip event was absolutely contagious! Thank you all for being amazing sports and bringing all the energy .

Conditions were picture perfect with possibly the clearest view I’ve ever seen of Ailsa Craig and Arran. We enjoyed a peaceful walk along our beautiful coastline towards Culzean Castle, perched on its clifftop and illuminated by the sun all the way. After a very important loo stop at the visitor centre we made our way back via “secret” wild woodland tracks and trails . Open water with Elaine then took over and led us through a fantastic dip. The water was a very pleasant (actually!!) 19 degrees. If you’d been on the beach you’d have heard many MANY shrieks of laughter and cheers of support coming from us as members of the group attempted mermaid dives or handstands in the water.

“So. Much. Fun  On days like this Ayrshire really does deliver! Look out for my reel coming soon too, which includes photos sent to me by others in the group . A huge thanks to The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire for bringing Elaine and I together to deliver these Hike & Dip events and funding subsidised tickets”.