Sauna now installed at popular cold water bathing spot
Cold water dipping is now so popular at Keeper's Pond that the site has attracted its own travelling sauna.
Cold water enthusiast Neil Cox, decided to build 'Y Sawna' and offer it to fellow dippers at the blustery home of Gwent wild swimming. The Blaenavon site, nestled on the border between Torfaen and Monmouthshire, attracts year-round cold dippers.
Y Sawna can fit up to six brave and shivering people to enjoy a post dip warm up and a chat.
Brave bathers are drawn to the site's stunning views of the Sugarloaf, the Brecon Beacons, the extra chill in the rarefied air and the camaraderie of the cold water community.
The wider area offers walks on the windswept high landscape, stunning views and UNESCO heritage site, Big Pit. Wild horses roam the Blorenge and there's always someone on hand for the newbies to nippy bathing.
Other benefits include the site's safe reputation, coming as it does in a remote and wild location. There are no strong currents and Keeper's Pond and entry into the water is easy for beginners. However, the water temperature is certainly not for the faint of heart or raw beginners.
Enthusiasts claim great benefits for cold dipping. Mental and physical benefits are always talked about when bathers chatter together. The late Dr Michael Mosley, who braved and researched all kind of new fad health treatments and tortures, said: 'It looks as if cold water treatment could be surprisingly powerful and long lasting. One study found that just six immersions in cold water produced a physiological effect which could still be seen over a year later.'
Claims have been made that cold bathing boosts positive hormones such as dopamine and endorphins. A tiny bit of stressing the body is good for us, whereas chronic stress is bad and cold dipping is an effective treatment, Dr Moseley concluded.
Studies have shown winter bathing can help manage stress, improve mood, reduce use of anti-depressants and help with inflammation. The cold community report post bathing highs, less stress, lower levels of upper respiratory tract infections and the benefits an all-round feeling of belonging to a community.
Y Sawna boss, Neil recommends taking it slowly: 'Try a cold shower in the morning. It's a good way to begin and then you can build up from there if you feel like it.
'Safety is so important. Make sure you never wild swim alone. The Keeper's has no currents, but it is cold up there! There are risks of hypothermia and it is essential to know what you're doing and to do it with others who know what they are doing.'
Next time you take a shower, why not save a bit on your heating bill and see if you can improve your health and your bank balance at the same time.
Safety Tips
Always begin slowly and consult a health professional if you have cardiovascular issues or are pregnant.
Cold water and prolonged exposure can be very dangerous and cause hypothermia.
Never swim alone, especially in wild bodies of water.
Have dry clothes and a source of warmth after your dip.
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