Embracing Autumn: Cold Water, Cosy Evenings & All the Good Stuff 🍂

There’s something about autumn that makes me want to slow down a little.

The days get shorter, the mornings get darker and there’s definitely a noticeable nip in the air. But rather than mourning the end of summer, I’m choosing to embrace everything that makes autumn rather lovely.

Colder water. Warmer drinks. Cosier clothes. Longer evenings.

And, of course, plenty of swimming.

Hello, colder water

There’s something pretty special about an autumn swim.

The water is getting colder, the air has that crispness to it and those early morning swims suddenly feel like a proper adventure. There’s something incredibly satisfying about getting changed in the cold, taking that first gasp as you get in and then emerging feeling completely alive.

Sunrise swims are pretty spectacular at this time of year, but I’m equally fond of a sunset dip. Watching the colours change across the sky before getting into cold water? Yes please.

And then comes the best bit…

The warm-up.

Bring on the hot chocolate

Autumn is officially hot-drink season.

Coffee after a swim. Hot chocolate when you get home. A steaming mug held between cold hands while you chat about the swim you’ve just had.

There’s something about drinking something warm when you’re slightly chilly that just hits differently.

And yes, I absolutely believe hot chocolate tastes better after a swim.

My Outdoor Swimming Is My SuperPower enamel mug is pretty much made for this time of year. Fill it with your favourite brew, wrap your hands around it and settle in.

Cosy is the new cool

This is the season for woolly jumpers, big coats, thick socks and anything else that makes you feel like you’re permanently wrapped in a hug.

And obviously, no autumn outdoor adventure is complete without a bobble hat.

My Retro Swim the Lochs Bobble Hat is perfect for those chilly mornings, post-swim hair disasters and generally embracing the fact that your ears are now freezing.

Cosy? ✔️
Warm? ✔️
Slightly ridiculous hair underneath? Almost certainly.

Slow evenings

Autumn also seems to give us permission to slow down.

There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about an evening spent reading a book instead of endlessly scrolling.

Or picking up a crochet project.

Or sitting around the table with friends for supper, eating something comforting, drinking wine and putting the world to rights.

The evenings feel longer somehow, even though technically there are fewer hours of daylight.

Maybe it’s because we’re actually paying attention to them.

The changing colours

And then there are the colours.

The greens slowly giving way to golds, oranges, reds and browns. The hills changing almost daily. Mist hanging in the valleys. Crisp leaves underfoot. Low autumn sunshine making everything look just a little bit magical.

Living somewhere surrounded by countryside, I never really get bored of watching the seasons change.

Every year is different.

And every year I find myself thinking, bloody hell, it’s beautiful here.

A different kind of adventure

Autumn doesn’t mean the adventures stop.

If anything, they just change.

It’s sunrise swims and sunset swims.

Crisp walks.

Cold water.

Woodburners.

Hot chocolate.

Coffee.

Cosy clothes.

Autumn colours.

Good books.

Crochet.

Friends around the table.

And those moments when you step outside, take a deep breath and realise that there really is something rather wonderful about this time of year.

So, I’m not saying goodbye to summer with a sulk.

I’m putting on my bobble hat, filling my enamel mug, embracing the colder water and getting stuck into autumn.

Bring on the cosy season. 🍂

A little note about cold-water safety

As lovely as autumn swimming is, the water is getting colder — and that means it’s important to respect the conditions and know your limits.

Cold water can affect your breathing, movement and ability to swim, particularly as temperatures drop. You don't need to prove anything by staying in longer. Shorter swims are absolutely fine.

Before getting in, check the weather and water conditions, make sure you know your entry and exit points and consider swimming with other people rather than going alone. A bright tow float can also help you be more visible in the water.

And don't forget about the bit after the swim. Have warm, dry layers ready and get dressed promptly. Your body can continue cooling after you leave the water, so don't hang around in wet swimwear having a good old natter!

Most importantly, listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, get out.

Cold-water swimming should be about enjoying the experience, connecting with nature and having an adventure — not pushing yourself to the point of being unsafe.

Swim safe. Stay warm. And enjoy every chilly, beautiful minute. 🍂