Spending time in green and blue spaces can have a huge positive impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. It is proven to improve mood, reduce stress, help you connect to the wider world and for colleagues is an especially good way of getting to know one another beyond the working day. 

As part of their ongoing commitment to well being, St Peter's Midwifery Team have arranged six, 2 hour sessions from which to choose. We hope that as many people will have the chance to chance to take part and so please book onto your first choice. If spaces remain, we will offer them out at a later date. 

Wild Swimming - Thursday 20th July at 6:30pm - Ripley, nr woking

Swim Walk Explore - Tuesday 29th August at 6pm Ripley, nr Woking

A Guided Walk - Saturday 2nd Sept at 2pm - St Martha's Hill, Guildford

Wild Swimming - Thursday 26th Sept at 10am - Ripley, nr woking

Sunset Guided Walk - Thursday 5th Oct at 4:30 pm - St Martha's Hill, Guildford

Wild Swimming - Saturday 14th Oct at 2pm - Ripley, nr woking

The aim of all the sessions is to have fun, enjoy yourself and perhaps do something you have never done before or don't get the chance to do often. There is always a lot of laughter, great scenery and homemade cake on offer.

The activities will be led by highly qualified & fully insured open water swimming coaches, lifeguards and mountain leaders, Jude Palmer (Run Surrey Hills) and Paul Mackenzie (Adventure Swims)

Jude and Paul have years of experience swimming, hiking, running, kayaking and other adventures around the world and leading groups from all walks of life. But they get their best rewards when supporting others to get outside and into nature. Please get in touch if you have any comments. There is no such thing as a silly question.

The session is subject to weather and water conditions. We will inform you asap if we need to postpone the session and offer a new date. 

For more detailed information about each activity, please read on.

Wild Swimming

Wild swimming is all about the experience, the joy of being in the great outdoors and sharing the adventure with others. It is often less about swimming for exercise and more about enjoying being immersed in nature and enjoying the mental and physical benefits of cold water. The evidence supporting cold water dipping to support positive mental health continues to grow (you can even get it on prescription!) and includes improving sleep, increasing energy levels and reduced anxiety. 

The aim of this wild swimming session is all about fun with a dose of learning new skills thrown in. It  will last around 2 hours and the time we spend in the water depends on the group and the conditions. You must be confident to be able to swim more than 200m in a swimming pool. Choose to swim either with a wetsuit or not. They are not compulsory and if you need one let us know as we have a small selection to borrow.

Whilst there are many benefits to being in cold water there are also risks which can include the affects of a rise in blood pressure. If you have any concerns regarding your health and level of fitness please get in touch with us and/or speak to your doctor. 

Full details including kit list will be sent on confirmation of your booking

What to expect: 

A relaxed dip or swim in the river followed by lots of hot drinks and homemade cake. If you are new to wild swimming, we will give you plenty of top tips and encouragement. 

Swim Walk Explore 

‘Lose yourself in nature’ with this micro adventure that explores some beautiful and historic meadows of the River Wey and its tributary streams near Ripley, Surrey. After a short walk through a meadow full of wild flowers, we will get into the river and float gently downstream back to our starting place where once dry again we can enjoy hot tea and homemade cake. If you want to swim you can or perhaps lay back and watch the clouds. Great for more confident swimmers. 

Full details including kit list will be sent on confirmation of your booking

What to expect: 

A short walk over flat uneven ground, a stile to climb and a relaxed swim with the current back to the start. A wetsuit is recommended since the gently flowing water is shallow in places and the reeds and riverside fauna can scratch and tickle.  Footwear for walking and swimming in is essential. 

A Guided walk

Join us for a guided walk as we explore the sandy trails around St Martha's Hill near Guildford. Enjoy the varied history of the area and take in the views across the county. It won't be flat but it will be fun. Relax as the guides take care of the route, know all the good spots to go to and bring along homemade treats. A great way of getting well earned head space and time to chat to each other while in beautiful countryside.

Full details including kit list will be sent on confirmation of your booking

What to expect: 

A walk of about 7km at a social pace on footpaths. The ground will be uneven and as we will be in the Surrey Hills, there will be ups and downs. Comfortable shoes to walk in are strongly recommended and clothing appropriate to the conditions.