WILD SWIMMING IN WINTER | Scotland Vanlife in Winter

[@highlands2hammocks]

What about sea swimming in winter?! Would you try it? We never thought we would be ones to take the dip when we can see our breathes, but it is proving to be the perfect way to ground ourselves when eveything else in our lives feels like they are flying. Can HIGHLY recommend! Let us know if you have been swimming or what your thoughts on it are down below!

[@LorraineG123]

I love sea swimming,never wear a wetsuit, keep it up all year round. Its better than any therapy. Always put a hat on after. Sea swimming is awesome. We do challenges like swim everyday for a month.To encourage ye, even run in the sea, best thing to do is dip almost immeduatly, sometimes its tge breeze makes you colder. Well done you two, ye did a great job for first one back.Look up Wim Hoff he has ways of learning how to build up to cold experiences.Just to let you know, post is much slower now, just i mail stuff and is noticeably slower.

[@WattsOccurring]

Loved your vlog 💙 I went swimming once in the North Sea...and as Billy Connolly said, 'The North Sea is Gaelic for Hypothermia' 🥶

[@campervan_katla_bee]

You missed out on Pittenweem tidal pool, recently restored and a great place for a swim even in the winter

[@Spokie7]

I went swimming in the Northsea on the coastline of the Netherlands. It was very cold that day in march. But my friend and I were breathing like Wim Hof, the Iceman. It helped me a lot. When I came out of the water, it wasn't that cold anymore. I was glad I did it. Your skin is glowing afterwards 🥰🥶🥵💝

[@margiyoung3271]

My family castle is near St. Andrews. Love seeing the surrounds

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aww that’s lovely! It’s such a lovely part of Scotland 😁

[@travellingwithcrowsfeet]

Don't worry about people wondering where their book is. You've done your bit and now it's up to the post. They can wait. We'll get ours when we get it in Feb / March . We loved the vlog. (Especially Campbell half naked) Great footage and Gemma having a wee dram was fun to watch. Her eyes when it kicked in 🤣 Keep up the great work. We all love what you do.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks for the support guys! Hope you get your book real soon! Hahaha thanks i guess?

[@live.love.travel5720]

The country I like to live for 😍

[@highlands2hammocks]

Scotland is beautiful isn't it 😍

[@live.love.travel5720]

Yes it's a beautiful country❤️

[@jamescrook9749]

Hi guys definitely go for a diesel heater I put a 4kw in mine and its more than ample for our 7 metre van and had it connected direct to the diesel tank and we also had a silent pump installed so all we hear is the fan and ref gas we have had a 33ltr underslung tank fitted and life is so much easier and we don't worry anymore about gas also every time we see LPG filling station we just pull in and top up even though we do have a gauge that tells us if we are low, with the installation we got EU adapters and also and extra pipe with connector so we can attach a gas BBQ or Cadac and cook outside 👌

[@highlands2hammocks]

brilliant i reckon we will save up for one of them and get it installed as it would be a game changer! Where did you get your underslung tank installed? That would be brilliant

[@DariaThomasNr1]

Your name is so creative! I love that idea! 👍🏻 Greetings from Germany 🙂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Glad you like it 😁 thank you Daria ❤️

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari Om A grand wee run around the East Neuk... with inbuilt bloopers!!! Stay cosy you two, keep bright, and remember tha days get longer now! YAM xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

haha we decided to drop the bloopers as they were just too funny to leave till the end 😂our lives are just one big bloop!

[@ianross04]

Great to see you both back. Nice to see Gemma have a wee dram. Now I'd be more impressed if that would be a mug of fresh coffee....im still waiting Campbell

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha not sure I’m a whisky drinker just yet 😂😂 and for the coffee.. well campbell will just need to keep working on that one 😂

[@handsomesteve2131]

I’m happy to fit / help u fit a diesel heater if you are ever near the south of scotland, Annan. They are straight forward but I can’t imagine you carry all the required tools in your camper.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thats amazing mate thank you! Yeah we dont have them or the experience haha if we are in the area we will need to hit you up!

[@georgegraham3342]

Hi guys. It’s been over 60 years since I was last in Scotland. Came to Australia when I was 13. My father, and his father before him, owned the bakery at Elie. Many holidays at the beach in summer. I believe the family house is still there. One of my aunts had a house at Kingsbarns, but I have been unable to identify it on google maps. Keep safe from Covid and SAD. George

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aw wow what a small world! Fife is a beautiful part of Scotland, we are looking forward to going back for more adventures there 🙂

[@1firwood]

Only just found your videos, watch a bout 4 and love them. Promise I will watch all of them. Your a wonderful couple full of life and enjoying it! My wife and I don't own a motorhome but have hired quite a few times now and even visited Scotland for Christmas and new year in 2019 for Penny's 50th, our best holiday yet! Would like to get hold of your book if you could drop me a link, maybe this winter (2022) we may explore more of Scotland. xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hi Stuart, thank you so much for your lovely comment 😁 that sounds like it would have been a great trip! Was your Scotland trip in a motorhome? The freedom they give you is incredible! You can buy the book on our website here highlands2hammocks.co.uk/product/destination-nc500-guide-book/ hope you can come back and explore more of Scotland soon!

[@1firwood]

@@highlands2hammocks Yes it was in a motorhome and we loved it. Just ordered the book 👍👍

[@mazingmumma1]

Lol swimming you're mad love ur vlogs just subscribed !!!!!

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha thanks! Lovely to meet you

[@janedrews3255]

HI Gemma and Campbell , love the video, and your right take your time to do the things yous love, life is too short not to. Loved Gemmas face with whisky lol. you guys Rock keep safe and chill . Janie

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hey Jane! Thank you so much 😁 Hahaha I think whisky will be a work in progress for her. Stay safe and have a great weekend!

[@JB-hb7fd]

Beautiful views and beautiful couple....😍

[@highlands2hammocks]

aww thank you 😁

[@robertstevenson3126]

Why don't you get one of those camping gas stoves in a case with the airasol type canister as a back up you can buy the can's at lots of camping shops and amazon

[@highlands2hammocks]

We have one of them for when we go camping and its a great back up! Great suggestion, thanks

[@Happyinmyautotrail]

Urban van life recently fitted a diesel heater for their friends. Maybe have a look at their vlog. Hope you get fixed up. Don’t like to think of you freezing with no gas.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hi Elizabeth, we will need to have a look at that then 😁 thanks for the recommendation! We’re also looking into refillable gas so hopefully we won’t run into that problem again 😊

[@sandracrosby5204]

Love watching your videos such a lovely couple xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aww thanks so much Sandra, we're so glad you enjoy our videos 😊❤️

[@lindawilsdon6385]

Just had your book for Christmas present...wow!!! You two its just amazing beautiful...what a fabulous job you have done xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you so much for your kind words Linda 😁 we're so glad to hear you like it ❤️❤️

[@CampervanTravelsInDora]

Another great video, thanks both😀

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you so much! We’re glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@Trish-Dan]

Some diesel heater video's that might be helpful. John and mandy diesel heater installation. Urban vanlife DIY van build Chinese diesel heater installation. Travel trolls how to fit a diesel heater. Hope this helps x

[@highlands2hammocks]

Amazing thank you! We will need to check these out

[@djsmiley01]

Diesel heaters are awesome. However, their output air is usually higher than the gas heaters, so the ducts might not be suitable. I would install the diesel heater alongside the gas one. Also provides redundancy if 1 heater fails. Install it somewhere in the garage and run duct to both bathroom and the general living area. There are addons available for the Ducato/Relay/Boxer vans to allow fuel from the fuel tank. Especially when you're getting a cheap chinese one order some spares (control, PCB and glowplug) since they sometimes do fail, are cheap and its a pita to get them on a short term if it fails. Ow and I love the scottisch (?) accent, although it's harder for me to follow as a foreigner :)

[@highlands2hammocks]

thats very interesting! thanks for all of the advice! And thank you haha we will try to speak more slowly, we jsut get carried away sometimes 😅

[@000caro555]

Love your videos guys. X all the best. 😘

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you very much 😊

[@carriemuriel5897]

Absolutely adore watching your videos, one day I will visit Scotland so making note of your excursions to Distilleries etc. Namaste 🙏🌾🌴

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hi Carrie, that makes us so happy that you enjoy watching our videos 😁 hope you can make a trip to Scotland soon 🥰 where are you from?

[@carriemuriel5897]

@@highlands2hammocks thank you for replying. I live in Surrey, England and what with one thing n another have never got to Scotland. I was planning on taking my wing dog Skylar to Skye in 2020 yet we never got there 😔🐾 xx

[@Sssssssslf]

@@carriemuriel5897 there are lots of dog friendly accomodation and places to visit along the NE coastal towns of lossiemouth, fochabers spey bay, cullen (my hametoon) and portsoy and if your pup is a beach baby she'd be in her element here! lots of long sandy beaches popular with dog owners. gemma and campbell visited a few months ago during their NC 500 trip and got lucky with their first northern lights sighting, its a good place to see the aurora due to the low light pollution. skye is lovely too, anywhere on the coast you cant go wrong! hope you and skylar make it up here at some point 🤞🐶x

[@chasb441]

That's Reekies in Anstruther where you got your gas....I stay there!!!!....about 1/4 a mile away in Cellardyke

[@highlands2hammocks]

Small world haha! Loved our time around Fife, there are so many cute little towns

[@simonportlock2235]

Great video you two. Glad you are both enjoying yourselves. X

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you very much Simon, we’re glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@opticsmachine6813]

All the very best 👍🏻 🇮🇳

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you 😁

[@matthewdavies7431]

Diesel heaters are great, fitted a few but I'm in south wales

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yeah the majority of people are telling us that’s the way to go 😁 if we get stuck we might be shouting on you for advice haha 😂

[@matthewdavies7431]

@@highlands2hammocks I happen to have a back to basics campsite overlooking some small lakes down here too. Just saying 🤣🤣

[@kingli4008]

Love all of your content i Would love to see more of y’all cooking.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you! We will try and include more of our recipes for you then

[@SBCBears]

Humorous to hear Gemma analyze so calmly what they should do for the next cold dip. As a group, women are more physiologically tolerant of cold water than men, i.e. it's cold, but no complaints. 😊

[@highlands2hammocks]

You certainly are haha! I just cannot handle it!

[@SBCBears]

@@highlands2hammocks Nothing that an insulating layer wouldn't help.

[@gracesmith6199]

Very good , from me in Irvine 🤗🤗

[@highlands2hammocks]

thanks 😁

[@paullancaster297]

Don't know about Sad, but I certainly smiled with your swimming and wild game adventures with the killer pidgeons. I got my book and really enjoying it, plenty of ideas for our NC500 trip later this year. Ever thought of replacing one of your gas bottles with a LPG refillable or even an underslung bottle, which would have more capacity and another option for getting gas. Currently helping my son with his camper conversion, unfortunately, he's not quite at the Solar and diesel heater install yet, although this weekend the heater would have been greatly appreciated. Good luck with the mods.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks very much mate, I am glad that you are enjoying the vids! Hope you have an amazing time on the NC500 this year as well. An LPG will be one of our next projects when we get back from the north as we have read they can be installed in Edinburgh. Best of luck with your conversion!

[@Steffybobeffy]

Steph from Guernsey here! Love watching your videos. I’m thinking of starting sea swimming this year! Looks great fun.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hey Steph! Lovely to meet you! You are going to love sea swimming, especially with the lovely people in the clubs over there

[@lynnbittner5190]

Make sure you take time for youselves 😁Enjoy your videos, take care and stay safe!

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you Lynn ❤️

[@stephenpatrick6762]

I got my diesel heater fitted professionally by company called acs lanark area also fitted direct to diesel tank bit more expensive but was well worth it

[@highlands2hammocks]

will need to look into that! A direct fit to the tank would be perfect as then we dont need to top up another tank.

[@campervan_katla_bee]

Another great video, can't believe we only stumbled across the channel a few weeks ago. You were only a half hour drive from us, Elie or Kingsbarns beach are our favourite spots for a wee spur of the moment overnighter. You should definitely come back to StAndrews in the summer 😁

[@highlands2hammocks]

lovely to meet you and thanks for the kind words! Elie is a beautiful little town! It was dark skies in Kingsbarns but it was also lovely. Need some more of that whisky as we can't find it anywhere in the shops haha

[@martinwyatt6390]

Greetings from Fishguard West Wales, i hear uve had probs with gas bottles, my gas used to last about 3 months, its propane 7kg, I lit gas one morning last week and nothing, after 3 days it had run out, it wasnt used a lot maybe for a few kettles for drinks, so am thinkin maybe the bottles arent full when new, ive bought new regulator, but still no good, so have got one of those 1 burner stoves, brilliant, i also have in my van, its ex BT box van, a multi fuel burner, which uses coal and wood i can heat my kettle on it do cooking on it, loads of wood hanging about, just need a small saw, the fire stays in all night, a poke in the morning and off to go again,, and in Scotland there must be loads of wood hangin around😀 am in my van all year round, altho i have a flat in Cardiff i'd rather be in ma van, cos its nice an cosy, good luck on ur travels, stay safe an enjoy, i went to Glen Etive a few years ago, stayed for 2 weeks by jetty, 😀

[@highlands2hammocks]

So lovely to meet you! I usually check them when I buy them to be sure as this is something I have heard before. We use a lot of gas I think, between the heating, fridge and cooking, they last us about a week each for 6kg. Need to get a diesel heater installed. Thank you for your kind words!

[@KieranVGallagher]

Loved the video.. me and the wife have been loving reading our new nc500 book and we are booked up for June. If you guys are ever in East Lothian gives a shout and we we love to take you for dinner.. we do travelling in your tent box but motorhome is hopefully round the corner soon 🙌

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thats amazing! So glad you are enjoying it. We will need to take you up on that offer then when we next visit the East coast. Cheers dude!

[@stevencraigie2430]

Went swimming at portobello this morning, makes me sleep better lol

[@highlands2hammocks]

Sounds lovely Steven 😊 yeah it definitely has a lot of benefits! We’re going to make sure we prioritise it more this year 😊

[@colinjoyceart]

You guys really need to get a Gaslow system. I've got twin 11kg bottles, costs a fraction of replacement bottles to fill up so pays for itself in no time.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hey Colin 😁 a lot of people have suggested this so it’s definitely something that we are going to look into now! Sounds a really good way of saving money and making finding gas a bit easier 😁 thanks!

[@lindao1327]

You guys are great. You put so much into your vlogs. I’m not good in winter either, so try to get out and about as much as I can. I’m not keen on sea swimming in the winter! I do go to the local pool though. My sister wild swims in the sea with a group of like minded people in North Devon. She is in her sixties! Look after yourselves!

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks Linda! Always appreciate the kind words. Just trying to keep busy when the sun is up helps us a lot as the nights are just so long in the van. Thats brilliant! You ever thought of joining her?

[@lindao1327]

@@highlands2hammocks I will stick to indoor swimming pools! 😆

[@lilly6766]

New viewer here! I am binging your videos and loving it. In Denmark they recomend keeping your head warm. To keep it above water and have a hat on. And maybe neopren gloves and boots if the hands and feet get to cold. The feeling is great. At my clubhouse there is are a sauna and changing facilities. Do you have winter swimming clubs?

[@highlands2hammocks]

So glad you are enjoying them! We usually take a hat with us as it definitely helps! I think we do around the country but I havent heard of any as fancy as that!

[@mcduff4284]

Great vlog guys & will certainly check out the distillery 🥃

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks Alex 😁 it was a great distillery! Very interesting 😁 not sure I’m a whisky drinker yet but campbell definitely enjoyed my leftovers later on haha 😊

[@mcduff4284]

I was going to patron you guys but no link

[@highlands2hammocks]

@@mcduff4284 aw cheers dude! There should be one in the description or if you just search Highlands2hammocks on it you will find us 😊

[@mcduff4284]

Can’t find I will go onto my Patreon account and search for you. Keep up the good life 👍

[@highlands2hammocks]

@@mcduff4284 cheers dude really appreciate it! 😁

[@Kawalerka_na_kolkach]

I love yours channel

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you very much 😁

[@HadriansWallNZ]

You should visit the Whisky Isle - Isle of Islay. I used to live there, has a distillery on every corner 😂😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

We’ll definitely need to add it to the list 😁

[@toobydude41]

One of your most hysterical vids I've seen :) You lovely lads never fail to bring the smiles. When you were in St Andrews, did you happen to catch a glimpse of the famous golf course there? I LOVE golf and have watched the Open Championship a few times at that course. Them buildings and the architecture...well how can one not be awe struck. No winter swimming for yours truly, I cannot swim at all..maybe I'd take a wee dip in then scream my head off and get out of dodge LOL. Cheers guys

[@highlands2hammocks]

So glad you enjoyed it Scott 😁 yes we did haha, very well known place! Haha yeah the water was absolutely freezing ❄️😂 really woke us up for the day though 😂

[@CamperVanya]

Great video. I do find wild winter sea swimming strangely appealing. Whether I'll ever try it though, hmm 🤔🥶

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha that is what i used to say! Give it a shot and Im sure you will love it 😀 Just be sure to read guides on how to do it safely online

[@MrRobster55]

excellent Vlog guys 👏👏

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks very much Rob 😁

[@Sssssssslf]

do you guys have a vlog from your time in my hametoon of Cullen and Portsoy? i had a wee look through your videos but couldnt see any, i'd love to see it if you do! ☺️

[@highlands2hammocks]

We sure do!! Visited Cullen beach and fell in love 😍 one of our favourite towns in Scotland! It’s on our North East 250 playlist called “exploring Scotland’s most beautiful beaches”. Enjoy!

[@Sssssssslf]

@@highlands2hammocks it took me a while but i eventually found it! a beautiful vlog, you really did our local area justice with your filming! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍦🐂👏

[@graememckay9972]

I loved the part in the distillery when you both said "mffmfff mfffffdffdffmffgggm, mfmfffmf". Audio with masks on is impossible, even the Pro news reporters struggle. After I tried to ride my motorbike with a wheel clamp still on (£400 of damage) I started to leave the clamp bag attached to the brake lever and in our van I'd leave it on the drivers seat. Simple but effective

[@highlands2hammocks]

Brilliant! 😂 I spent ages writing that script just for you! We are so lucky that we didnt have any damage haha

[@void.x730]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@highlands2hammocks]

😁

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Great vlog. Wild swimming is invigorating, I could watch it all day. But I'm afraid I'd need a wet suit.

[@highlands2hammocks]

It really is, we do love it! When we were living in Guernsey we did it at least once a week for a year and it felt really good 😊 just need to get back into the routine of it!

[@alastairpeskett7029]

Enjoyed your flog. Doesn't it make sense to have 2 gas bottles on board, when one runs out just swap to new one then replace empty at your leisure. Lots of vans have LPG which you fill up with at petrol station and looks cheaper than calor gas. Have a good January.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hi Alastair 😊 we do usually have two so that we always have a back up, however one had previously ran out and we stupidly forgot about it whilst we were at home for Christmas! 😬 we are looking into the refillable bottles. It seems like a much cheaper option 😊 thanks for your suggestions 😁

[@Martin37vg]

​@@highlands2hammocks Think carefully about going refillable as take note how many fuel stations still offer LPG . A lot of fuel stations have been removing LPG pumps as less lpg cars on the roads and with electric coming more and more I can see it being a bit of a rarity. We just use our truma gas heating but we not full time so not too worried. My only issue with diesel heaters is the annoying clicking of the pump and they suck loads of juice out your batteries. Saying that they do give off a good amount of heat My wife like the sea swimming so will try that spot next time we venture that way.

[@ruth_HEX]

Get some vitamin d supplements for SAD, try and go for the high strength ones, it has helped me enormously this winter :)

[@highlands2hammocks]

we take that daily and believe it helps with our energy levels for sure! Feeling a lot better now we are into the new year with new adventures!

[@andrewberkkis8912]

👍👍👍

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you 😊

[@fungchan3780]

❤ Great video good job Gemma and Campbell! ❤ I had never felt that some people are going wild swimming to help their mental well-being and health. I thought almost like 3 years to think about swimming or even snorkelling in cold water. ❤🥶❄️👙I’m sorry Gemma, if you don’t like drysuits or any full-body dive gear, I think you should pack a zipper or thermal rash vest with you on some occasions otherwise you will feel sick and there are many deadly diseases linked to hyperthermia or freezing blood. 😷You might not feel well and spread communicable diseases if you use the same swimsuit without checking your mental and experience like you always do before, summer or winter 👙🥶❄️❤ Nobody wants you to get hypothermia and die, including your childhood and future enemies. ❤ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Gemma and Campbell, there is someone to support you! ❤

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks for your concern and support ☺️❤️ we are always very careful when we swim and do not stay in for long at all. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! 😁

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Do you use Calor, I was told they are supplying down south but the garages I have tried to get a 7 kg butane filled from say they are just not getting delivery's.ps I stayed in the Loch for 20 minutes, when I came out I took of my drysuits and still felt fine lol .

[@highlands2hammocks]

We do! They are the easiest to find around Scotland. It really depends on where you are looking, as if a shop only has a couple of bottles it will only ever get a couple as they arent providing any new bottles to shops. Haha a dry suit is what i need then!

[@linoleumbonypart385]

Don’t get the crappy Chinese diesel heater … the Russian Planar is middle ground price wise and works great

[@adrianrowan5037]

Another brill vid loved it yous two should try south of Girvan try sawney beans cave should goggle the history before you go there gruesome history then you have snibs cave next to it anyway look forward to seeing more of your adventure s

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks for watching 😁 that sounds great! Will need to keep it in mind

[@matthewoliver6655]

If you could bottle that girls accent, and sell it, you would be multi millionaires. Is that like a standard Scottish accent? So cool, and sorry ignorant American…🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hahaha thank you so much! No need to apologise 😁There are so many different accents across Scotland but we are both from west Glasgow so I guess its from there

[@shaunspencer6437]

Nice vid but did you not find any rubies and become rich. 😂😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Oh I wish 😂 that would be nice haha!

[@shaunspencer6437]

@@highlands2hammocks plenty there if you look after a storm but takes time. Nice momento though just to find one lol

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

Hermes, far from good.

[@highlands2hammocks]

They are terrible!