Into the Wild #1: 

Into the Wild is a monthly series celebrating the people who make the outdoors such a special place to be. Swimmers, adventurers, organisers and community builders, all with stories worth sharing.

For our first edition I caught up with Tom Gold, founder of Men's Outdoor Group, to chat about cold water, community, campfires and why some of the best conversations happen under a tarp in the rain.

How did you get into wild swimming and the outdoors generally?

I love Scotland in all its seasons but for a long time I suffered with low moods during winter. Four years ago, on a particularly cold, dark night, I decided to roll the dice and go for a dip in Loch Lomond.

I'd heard so much about the boost it could give your mental health and wanted to find out if it was real. It felt like a big commitment, but afterwards I felt invincible. I've been cold water dipping ever since.

The outdoor thing has been with me much longer. I've kayaked white water, crawled through caves and climbed mountains, but these days my favourite thing is cooking dinner over a fire with friends.

Tell us about Men's Outdoor Group.

Men's Outdoor Group is about connecting men with the outdoors and creating space for community. We spend time learning practical skills like building shelter, making fire and cooking outdoors, but that's only part of it.

The most important thing is giving people time to swap stories, laugh together and make new friends.

Favourite place to swim?

Loch Ard, near Aberfoyle... but don't tell everyone.

(If you're looking for it, you'll find it on our Scotland Wild Swimming Map:)
https://wildchanger.com/pages/scotland-wild-swimming-map

Any advice for someone new to wild swimming?

Definitely join a group. There are loads around now and they're a brilliant way to build confidence, meet lovely people and make genuine friendships.

What does being outdoors do for your mental health?

It's my version of going to church. I'm at peace, I'm happy and all the clamour and worry in my life can go on hold. Some of my best moments have been spent watching the moon rise above the treetops or swapping yarns around the campfire.

What are you working on just now?

This summer I'm running a series of 24-hour Wilderness Resets through Men's Outdoor Group. Sleeping in hammocks under tarp shelters, good food, amazing views, the company of a few stand-up guys and the chance to learn some new skills. https://www.mensoutdoorgroup.co.uk/

Fancy being featured in a future edition of Into the Wild? Whether you organise a swim group, run an outdoor business or simply have a story worth sharing, I'd love to hear from you.

Lee