Wild swimming club for men started in Cotswolds

The 'Blue Bloods' will meet to swim at Lake 32 near Cirencester

Organisers of a new wild swimming club based in the Cotswolds say they want to bring the health benefits of outdoor swimming to men.

Started by Paul Flynn, 'Blue Bloods' will meet to swim at Lake 32 near Cirencester with plans to take trips further afield to other swimming spots.

Mr Flynn, who wild swims all year round, said it leaves him feeling "euphoric".

He said: "The first thing I noticed with cold water swimming was the mental health effects - it gives me a euphoria that will last for a few hours afterwards."

"That's partly because of the physical reaction but also because of the sense of achievement," he added. "Being surrounded by nature is very calming.

"I noticed that men at the lakes are often on their own, and some of my friends told me they would like to give it a go but would rather do it with others.

"So, given that men’s mental health is an issue and many find other types of men’s groups beneficial, I’ve decided to start Blue Bloods.”

The first meeting on 27 July saw 10 men take a dip in Lake 32

Mr Flynn, founder of outdoor brand Diptribe, told the BBC that no experience is necessary and there is no expectation to swim at first.

"The Saturday just gone there was about 10 of us that chatted for ages and allayed any fears that people had.

"Some people were good swimmers and shot off to do a longer-distance swim, whereas others stayed in the same area and chatted in the water."

Mr Flynn hopes that the group will be “fun, relaxed, non-competitive, and offer a chance to talk through issues with other men whether they are serious things like money or relationships, or slightly less serious, like sports results.”

After a successful first meet-up on 27 July, the group will convene to swim at Lake 32 near Cirencester for the foreseeable future at 08:00 BST on Saturdays, with non-members paying £8 to enter the lake.

Mr Flynn said he hopes that the group will be able to secure a venue with a free or lower entrance fee in the future to make the meetings "more accessible".