Bob & Blether, the cold-water swimming group based in St Andrews, has announced the return of its International Women’s Day celebration in partnership with the five-star Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. The event will take place on International Women’s Day, Saturday 8 March 2025, offering a day of empowerment, inspiration and wellness for women.
Limited to 150 spaces, the event begins on the iconic West Sands Beach with an uplifting yoga and breathing workshop using silent disco headsets. This will be in preparation for a Swimrise “dook” where participants can immerse themselves in the invigorating waters of the North Sea. Following the swim, attendees will gather in the stately Hall of Champions at the Old Course Hotel for a welcome breakfast provided by Taste, St Andrews, after which they’ll take part in a series of wellness workshops.
Among those already signed up to deliver the event is singer songwriter Nati Dreddd, who will host an exclusive performance; and acclaimed photographer, writer, and wild swimmer Anna Deacon.
The expert-led workshops will cover topics such as wellness and nutrition, alongside pilates, yoga and meditation classes, with more details on contributors and sponsors to be released soon.
Tickets are priced at £45 and all proceeds will be donated to Dundee Women’s Aid, supporting women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, and other local charities.
A celebration of resilience, strength and community, the event is open to all women regardless of cold-water swimming experience. Lifeguard and ambulance support will be in attendance at West Sands Beach.

Phyllis Wilkie, General Manager at Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa said: “This is set to be a fantastic event, and we are so proud to partner with Bob & Blether to celebrate International Women’s Day. Having recently hosted the 2024 Global Wellness Summit, we truly understand the need for rejuvenating not just the body, but the mind and spirit, too.
“This exclusive experience perfectly captures that ethos, with the power of cold-water swimming and uplifting connections in our iconic coastal setting. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone, and to celebrate the incredible achievements of women this International Women’s Day”
Caroline Blair, Bob & Blether, Founder said: “Our International Women’s Day event is the cornerstone of our calendar, and we are thrilled to partner with the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa for this year’s celebration.
“Now in its third year, the event continues to grow and evolve but its purpose stays the same: to get women together, raise money for charity and support local businesses in the process.
“We started as a group of six women but we now have over 100 members and, through our International Women’s Day events alone, we’ve raised close to £10,000 for Dundee Women’s Aid.
“There’s truly no better place in the world for a swim—or ‘dook’—than the stunning waters surrounding St Andrews and we look forward to welcoming seasoned swimmers and those who are new to this glorious pastime on the day.”
For further information and to book tickets visit www.trybooking.com/uk/76050.