March Musings: Cold Water, Long Light, and Little Joys

March always feels like a funny in-between time. Winter hasn’t quite packed its bags, but spring is definitely knocking on the door. The mornings still have that sharp bite in the air, the water is still properly cold, but the light is changing. Longer evenings, brighter mornings, and those little hints of green starting to appear if you slow down long enough to notice.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how important it is to keep doing the small things that make you feel good. Not the big, flashy adventures (although I love those too!), but the simple rituals. A flask of hot coffee after a dip. A quiet walk somewhere new. Sitting listening to birdsong. The things that reset your headspace.

Cold water has always been that for me. There’s something about stepping into cold water that clears the mind in a way nothing else quite does. You can’t think about emails or the to-do list when your body is saying, “Right, we’re in cold water now!” It’s the ultimate present moment experience.

Lately I’ve also been reflecting on how much the outdoors connects people. Some of the best conversations I’ve had have been standing on the side of the loch , wrapped in changing robes, clutching mugs of tea, with a bobble hat on and slightly numb toes. There’s something wonderfully honest about those moments.

And now some things that I'm loving to right now.

 

Podcasts I’ve been listening to recently

When I’m driving, feeding sheep or doing housework, podcasts are my go-to. A few that have been on rotation recently:

• Tough Girl - adventure, connection, and real-life stories of women doing extraordinary things. Whether you're planning your first challenge, find practical trail advice, or tune into incredible stories from women around the world – this is where your journey begins https://www.instagram.com/toughgirlchallenges/

• Dig It with Jo Whiley & Zoe Ball - they lift the lid on the messy, everyday reality of trying to live well. They catch up on everything going on in their lives - from homes and gardens to family life, health, ageing and music https://www.instagram.com/digitpod/

• Adventure Unfiltered - every episode is packed with inspiration, courage, passion, vulnerability and a pure celebration of wild places https://www.instagram.com/adventure_unfiltered_podcast/

 

Books on my bedside table

I’ve also been trying to spend more time reading again. There’s something really calming about switching off screens and getting lost in a good book. A couple I’ve been dipping into lately:

• Where the Beck Flows - a brooding landscape, a woman who craves belonging, a man torn between love and duty (by Sara Barnes) https://www.instagram.com/bumblebarnes

• The Slow Traveller - discover the secrets to more authentic, meaningful and sustainable travel with this inspirational guide brimming with evocative photographic naturescapes and advice (by Jo Tinsley) https://www.instagram.com/slowjotinsley

They’re the sort of books that make you want to pull on your boots and head outside.

 

A Little Evening Reset

Something else I’ve been trying to do lately is be a bit more mindful in the evenings. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of endless doom scrolling on the phone, and before you know it an hour has disappeared. So I’ve started leaving my phone in another room and doing jigsaw puzzles instead. It sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly relaxing. A cup of tea, and a puzzle on the table. No notifications,  just a quiet way to wind down after a busy day. And oddly enough, it feels like proper rest.

 

Gear I’m Loving

Anyone who spends time outdoors knows the right kit makes all the difference.

A good changing robe is essential for me. Waterproof, warm, a fabulous colour and with lots of pockets is what I'm looking for. And my new robe from Stravaig is ticking all those boxes. A Scottish outdoor clothing brand rooted in family, freedom and the spirit of exploration, named after the Gaelic word "to wander without purpose". https://stravaig-clothing.co.uk/

 

People Worth Following

Instagram can be a strange place sometimes, but there are also some brilliant people sharing genuinely inspiring outdoor content.

A few accounts I am enjoying:

• @jomoseley – fresh air and self care to age well https://www.instagram.com/jomoseley
• @gsabiosphre - everything that's going on in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere https://www.instagram.com/gsabiosphere
• @thewildfix – Scottish photographer & writer; nature, wellbeing, wild swimming
It’s always refreshing to follow people who make you want to get outside rather than just scroll https://www.instagram.com/thewildfix

 

Places That Are On My Mind

At this time of year I find myself constantly scanning maps and wondering where to explore next. Hidden rivers, quiet lochs, secret beaches, or little coves that look perfect for a quick dip. Often the best places are the ones you stumble across by accident.

 

Food After Adventure
Let’s be honest: part of the joy of an outdoor adventure is the food afterwards. A proper café stop after a swim is hard to beat. Hot soup, thick sandwiches, coffee that warms your hands as well as your soul. And I can't recommend highly enough The Hive at Garlieston. Delicious homemade food, great coffee and harbour views. https://thehivegarlieston.co.uk

 

What I’m Trying to Remember Right Now

Life can get busy. Running a business, planning events, keeping everything moving forward, it can feel like a lot sometimes.

So at the moment I’m reminding myself of a few simple things:

• Get outside every day if possible
• Don’t overcomplicate things
• Adventure doesn’t have to be big
• Cold water fixes a surprising amount of problems
• Coffee after a swim is one of life’s great pleasures

And most importantly, keep making space for joy.

March might still feel like winter some days, but spring is coming. You can feel it in the air. And I, for one, am very ready for it. 🌿

And if any of this has inspired you to get outside and dip your toes in, head over to the events page to see what I've got coming up.