FOCUS ON Aberdeenshire

Discover rugged beauty, hidden history, a load of lighthouses then enjoy an outdoor swim and make your own chocolate

-  MARIE PENMAN

Pooling Power

Embrace the invigorating benefits of a North Sea swim in Stonehaven - without the chill

THERE is undoubtedly something special about swimming outdoors, feeling the sun on your face, with a soft breeze rippling the surface of the water. But unless you're prepared to wear a wetsuit, or restrict your swims to the few hours of the year in Scotland that are warm enough, outdoor swimming is usually best enjoyed abroad, preferably in the Mediterranean.

Unless, of course, the freezing water of the North Sea is heated up to a balmy 29C (warmer than the Med!), which happens to be the case at Stonehaven's open air pool.

This stunning art deco building, which opened 90 years ago this month, houses an impressively large Olympic-sized swimming pool, 50m (164ft) long and 18m (59ft) wide, surrounded by sun terraces and changing rooms.

Stepping into it is almost like entering a bygone era, when Scots holidayed locally, and people seemed immune to the cold.

Perhaps we have all been spoiled by too many foreign holidays. Despite the increasing popularity of wild swimming, there's no denying that, for many, the idea of swimming in the sea in Scotland still seems like a particular kind of madness. Which is why heated outdoor pools are so exciting.

Stonehaven is the northernmost open air swimming pool in the UK and is located on the seafront of the picturesque town, meaning it's possible to do an invigorating "compare and contrast" exercise, immersing yourself in the sea before running across the road and jumping into the warm embrace of the pool.

Don't Miss...

Night disco swims with a DJ providing the music. They run from 10pm until midnight during peak season. Booking is advisable!