Are you ready to take the plunge at The Angus Tour’s best dooking spots?

The Angus Tour Dookers Facebook group has been created as a tool to plan meets, share tips and build a community for those keen to dook in Angus but unsure about the area’s hidden gems, such as the beautiful Arbirlot Falls, two miles west of Arbroath.

Cameron Smith, Visit Angus ambassador and avid dooker, hopes a community of like minded cold-water enthusiasts will be created, encouraging visitors from all over the UK to enjoy Angus’ sandy beaches and beautiful rivers as they take part in the Angus Tour.

Launched in November and created with input from locals, The Angus Tour stretches along the east coast from south Aberdeenshire to Dundee, and inland to Kirriemuir. Centering around sustainable and responsible tourism, the tour showcases the best of Scotland, inspiring people to design their own adventure, whilst also offering suggested three-day long itineraries. People are encouraged to head off the main roads and routes to Dundee and Aberdeen and take in the plethora of vast sandy beaches, historic castles, stunning Angus Glens, local delicacies and green experiences.

Cameron Smith, Founder of Arbroath Cliff Tours, plans to shine a light on the invigorating swimming offerings on the Angus Tour and encourage both new and existing swimming groups to Visit Angus.

Cameron said: “We are extremely lucky in Angus to have so many incredible freshwater spots and beaches, such as The Westlinks in Arbroath and Corbie. We were regularly dooking during the first lockdown and before long, through onlookers’ curiosity and word of mouth, we had a huge community braving the cold with us, all year round. For us, it gave back a sense of socialising and community that we lost during the lockdowns. It gives us something to look forward to as it’s such a great buzz and we always enjoy a hot drink, a blether, and a bite to eat afterwards.”

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director said: “Our research has shown the positive influence water can have on wellbeing and over the past year we have seen an increase in popularity of activities embracing this such as wild swimming. Angus with its coastline, lochs and rivers is well-placed to capitalise on this trend which will bring people to the area and help support the recovery of local tourism and hospitality businesses.

She added: “Whilst our coast and waters offer plenty of opportunities, it is important to remind water users to remain safe and we recommend not entering the water alone, making sure swimmers have the necessary safety equipment and before trying any new activity, that swimmers book a session with an experienced operator.”