Based just off Dartmoor Above Below have a dedicated woodland Camp run by Nigel Jenkins, a relaxed ex-British Army Commando Physical Training Instructor. Nigel knows the area and the coast like the back of his hand and starts the day with a coffee and his OS Map, planning adventures.

Above Below don’t rush, the focus is on being outside, enjoying the water and this beautiful part of the British coastline. That said, the RuckRaft Retreat is a challenging event with 2 – 3km of sea and estuary swims each day. It’s not suitable for complete beginners to open water and you need a level swim fitness and confidence in rivers, sea.

The routes that are possible.

Hope Cove to Bantham is a spectacular swim, hike down the south west coast and coastal path. Around 2k of swimming, 3k hike.

The Bantham Swoosh and Burgh Island are an iconic day out with the Swoosh viable in most conditions and Burgh Island needing a little more serenity on the sea (less than force 3). 2 – 3k swim but with flow.

The river Yealm Estuary, Noss May and Newton Ferrers offer beautiful swims – and we make sure they end at one of the pubs where you can swim right into the beer garden. Again a 2k swim with flow.

Mothecombe Bay swims (and superb School House cafe) with the ‘Blowhole’ and swim hiking along the South West coastal path to Newton Ferrers or east across the bay to Kingston and Bantham. Swims can vary from 1km to 4km depending on conditions.

Then there’s always Dartmoor with tors, pools and divine scenery too.

NEED TO KNOW. Above Below are about enjoyment of the scenery, swim rambling if you will. But to enjoy the weekend you need a certain level of fitness, ability and confidence.

ABOVE – on land we may do the odd little jog, preferring to enjoy the scenery rather than race through it. However, this is rough and ready outdoor activity across land, on rocks, up hills, gullies with a bit of scrambling. A hardy attitude helps.

BELOW – in the water you need to be a good, strong swimmer able to comfortably swim front crawl for a mile or ideally more at approx 40 mins a mile. Ideally with some experience in the sea and open water as you need to be able to enjoy long periods on the move, outdoors. For your extra safety and reassurance, we have fully qualified lifeguards along with us. Bring your wetsuit – we don’t hurry.