Pool Bridge Farm, York: The farm which is Yorkshire's unofficial capital of wild swimming
Just over four years ago, Pool Bridge Farm near York was a quiet but pretty spot for fishing, little known to anyone outside the angling community.
But when owner Mike Fletcher had a brainwave to invite swimmers into the ponds, he could not have foreseen that its four lakes would become arguably Yorkshire’s unofficial capital of outdoor swimming.
Over the past few summers, thousands have headed to enjoy a bracing cool off on hot days before spending hours lazing on the banks of the ponds, with tickets being highly sought after during heatwaves.
And although winter marks a quieter time at the wild swimming site, there are still plenty who want to brave the cold, Mr Fletcher said.
Each weekday during the colder months, around 50 hardy souls plunge into the water to take what Mr Fletcher describes as “a massive kick of dopamine.”
Many combine a short plunge with a session in one of the Farm’s saunas, dotted on the perimeter of its ‘M’ Lake, or swim around the smaller ‘Monet’ Lake, so named for its trademark waterlilies.
Temperatures in the ponds over winter have dropped to as low as 0.5 degrees celsius, meaning that the team at Pool Bridge Farm have had to crack ice over the past few weeks to allow swimmers to take a dip.
Mr Fletcher said: “We have people that are coming every single day. We probably have about 50 core swimmers, some are coming each day before work.
“And the saunas are still operating seven days a week, and they are really busy.
“When we have ice, we only open two of the lakes, and that really ensures our staff know everyone is being safe as we can break into an area and make sure everyone is using that, rather than going to one of the other lakes.
“We’ve been going down every morning and breaking a big ice hole in front of the saunas, and in front of the steps at the Monet lake.
“And we’re making sure everything is salted, so there’s no slipping. We’re wild swimming, but with a big emphasis on safety. So we do close down two of the lakes, so people aren’t wandering around trying to break the ice for themselves.”
Explaining the appeal of January dips, Mr Fletcher said: “Essentially, what you’re doing is getting a massive kick of dopamine and releasing a big cocktail of your good hormones.
“Once you’ve been in for 90 seconds, you get the full benefit of cold water immersion.
“And the dopamine doesn’t crash. You’re on a bit of a high for the rest of the day.
“It’s very mindful. Because it’s so cold, you can’t really think about anything else. It’s almost a forced meditation.”
The ponds in winter are also a haven for wildlife, Mr Fletcher explained.
“There’s every chance you’ll get to see a kingfisher, as well as early morning herons which are quite a sight.
“We have deer who come and drink from the water and otters have been seen a few times. People have swum with them, which is incredible.
“It’s incredible how quickly the wildlife accepts the swimmers. We have moorhens and ducks who will just come up and swim with you.”