Group bookings
All my courses, walks and experiences can be tailored to meet the individual needs of your group. My extensive experience of working with a variety of groups means I am well placed to understand the needs, goals and requirements those you work with and create a programme to fit. Whether you are looking for a great day out for a group of friends or colleagues or a programme designed to educate and build confidence, I can create a session or series of sessions which will do just that.
Cold water swimming can be used as a way to build confidence and shared experience, and can be combined with other skills such as navigation to foster a relationship with the outdoors which in turn can lead to a range of benefits including increased wellbeing. Everything I run is designed to give people practical skills, the right knowledge delivered in a manageable and accessible way and the confidence to feel able to foster their own relationship with new environments, places and activities.
Courses can be focused on personal development, nature connection, mindfulness, confidence building, wellbeing, team building, getting active, skills acquisition or simply enjoying time outdoors. Ideal for charities, CIC's, community groups, wellbeing groups, work teams, clubs and friendship groups.
Programmes can run over a series of weeks or months to appropriately support the development of new habits and to introduce people to a range of conditions and environments. Programmes can be co-designed with staff or participants or designed by me to meet your goals and can be made accessible for mixed ability/confidence groups.
I am fully qualified to deliver all the activities I offer, hold valid relevant public liability insurance and all activities are fully risk assessed. First and foremost my job is to keep you and your group safe. A range of venues and locations are used and I provide all the information you need including kit lists and exact locations for parking. Please note I only work with over 18's.
Introductory sessions
A taster or stand alone session is a great way for your group to experience either cold water swimming or time spent on Dartmoor. Sessions can be delivered at a variety of locations to meet your needs. Prices start from £250 for a group of up to 6, get in touch to discuss your requirements
Cold Water Swimming and Navigation Courses
My courses will introduce skills and knowledge in a practical, pragmatic and fun way. They will allow participants to learn theory alongside practical skills and leave them understanding how to move forward once the course has concluded. Choose from my Introduction to Cold Water Swimming Course or my Navigation Skills Training Course. Prices start from £300 for a group of up to 6, get in touch to discuss your requirements
Four week personal development course
This extended programme will allow participants to return week on week to build their skills, knowledge and confidence in the outdoors. Different locations will help build on previous experiences and expand horizons. Not only will participants leave with practical skills but they will also discover the vast natural resources available on their doorstep. This programme can include cold water swimming, hiking, navigation or a combination of these and will be co-designed with your groups needs and goals in mind. Prices start from £1000 for a group of up to 6, get in touch to discuss your requirements further
Ready to take the next steps?
Share the relevant information about your groups including previous experience levels and goals and I'll suggest some options, or if you already know what you want I'll send you my straightforward booking form to secure your dates. Questions, queries or need more information? I am always on hand to answer these so you can book with the confidence that my services are right for your group and their needs.
Who am I?
I’m Cathy—a wild swimmer, someone who loves being outdoor and an outdoor education professional. My career has been spent working with a variety of groups, from young offenders to adults recovering from addition, to primary school groups and corporates. I have gained extensive experience and qualifications along the way and I operate from a trauma informed perspective. I pride myself on creating a calm, supportive atmosphere & responding to each person as an individual. For more information about me including my qualifications and experience , please see my About section
Why Dartmoor?
Dartmoor National Park is a stunning and varied landscape, perfect for finding your sense of adventure and connecting to the world around us and each other. There is so much to see, from sheltered valleys, temperate rainforest to exposed granite tors, extensive Bronze age settlements and mining heritage. This variety means we can meet your groups level of fitness, desired challenge or topic of interest. Foster a sense of adventure and learn about local landscapes.
Work with previous groups
"Our YMCA walking group had a fantastic experience exploring new locations and being introduced to wild swimming with Cathy. Cathy is extremely knowledgeable and imparts that knowledge in a friendly and relaxed way. She puts people at ease and creates an environment where participants are comfortable asking questions and speaking up when they need help. Beyond gaining practical knowledge on tides, safety, weather and essential equipment, the real highlight was the confidence she built in our group. Thanks to Cathy's guidance, our members have formed their own regular swimming group enabling them to keep exploring safely. Lovely friendships have grown out of a shared enjoyment of the outdoors and the ability to explore it safely and with good company. " Bryony Chalcraft - Health & Wellbeing Manager YMCA Plymouth
"Cathy is an incredibly knowledgeable instructor who puts safety at the heart of everything she teaches.Over four weeks we explored a variety of beautiful wild swimming locations across Dartmoor, Cornwall, Plymouth and the River Dart. Along the way we learned about local history, basic map reading and navigation skills, as well as how to understand tides, wind conditions and other factors that affect safe wild swimming.The course gave me so much more confidence, both in cold water swimming and exploring new places. Before the course I was nervous about Dartmoor because I'd never explored the area, but I now feel much more confident thanks to the navigation skills Cathy taught us.The only downside was that the four weeks went far too quickly! I'd happily have done a longer course. If you're thinking about trying wild swimming or building your confidence outdoors, I'd thoroughly recommend this course and Cathy's expertise."
Rachel Oakes - Previous participant
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Learn more about this project in an article written published by the Outdoor Partnership
Young Adult Carers - Improving Lives Plymouth
"Many of our unpaid young adult carers lacked confidence in open water. Having recently completed swimming lessons in a pool environment, they felt ready to take the next step and experience sea swimming for the first time. Cathy was calm, patient, and incredibly supportive throughout the session, taking the time to understand and acknowledge each young person's fears and reservations about entering the sea. Her encouraging and reassuring approach helped build their confidence, allowing them to challenge themselves in a safe and positive way. Cathy created an environment where everyone felt supported, respected, and empowered, enabling the young people to enjoy the experience and achieve something they had previously thought was beyond their capabilities. Her kindness, professionalism, and ability to inspire confidence made a significant difference to the group and their overall experience. The impact was so positive that the young people specifically requested additional sessions with Cathy as part of their drop-in activities, demonstrating the trust, confidence, and enjoyment they gained from the experience."
Nicolle Ormston - Community and Connection Manager - Young Person Lead
"Our group had a fantastic experience walking on Dartmoor with Cathy Harshaw. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel welcome, and the information provided beforehand meant we were well prepared for the day.
Cathy was very mindful of the different levels of stamina within the group. We moved at a comfortable pace, with regular check-ins, and there was always the option of an alternative route if anyone found the walk too challenging.
What really made the day special was Cathy's knowledge of Dartmoor. Her stories and insights into the landscape, its industrial past and cultural history added so much to the experience.
I would happily bring our group back to explore more of Dartmoor with Cathy and would certainly recommend her to other groups."
Dean Bowles - Recovery Practitioner Hamoaze House
"Would recommend, Cathy made our group of clients feel welcomed. She was very knowledgeable and a great walk leader. She introduced us to some beautiful parts of Dartmoor and made the experience very fun and enjoyable. After the day with Cathy, the group was in high spirits and was asking when the next one was. Thank you Cathy"
Sam Dyer - Activities Coordinator Hamoaze House
Working in partnership with
