GB Ice Swimmer Fenwick Ridley opens new venue in Ponteland

Fenwick, otherwise known as 'Ice Viking', began swimming at an early age.

He developed a keen interest in the sport, which led him to discovering a passion for 'outdoor swimming'. 

The 6ft 4 swimmer set up his business, H20 Trails, around a decade ago. Since then he has been helping people to swim outdoors, all while teaching them of the health benefits of taking a plunge.

Fenwick has represented Team GB at the Ice Olympics and Ice World Championships. (Image: Lee Smith) "Getting into the water is what I describe as a hydrostatic hug. When you get into anything between 10 to 18 degrees in the water, you can release lots of adrenaline and endorphins in the body.

"Some people get a real high after getting into the water, because there's such a large amount of those natural chemicals being released".

There are also numerous physical benefits from outdoor and cold water swimming as well, with Fenwick telling me it is an effective remedy for inflammation, arthritis and even Alzheimer's.

Swimmers at H20 Trails (Image: Fenwick Ridley) "We've got a list of positives and benefits from just getting into the water, even just once a week, and you don't have to swim. You get the same metabolic response from just floating in the water.

"It's that perfect sort of one to two minutes is just enough to keep it to get a decent amount of benefits from getting into the water."

After spending close to nine years at his previous lough, Fenwick has recently moved to a new location at Higham Lakes, Ponteland.

At this new spot, the Ice Viking will be running outdoor swimming classes, with access to 200 and 400 metre courses, as well as heading sauna sessions with his other business - Northumbrian Sauna

Northumbrian Sauna (Image: Fenwick Ridley) "We officially opened at Higham a couple of weeks ago. I'm now open to all of the members that are signed up.

"It feels like I've had to start afresh, but I've got a lot of experience behind myself now - so I know what to do.

"I'm really excited about this year. My aim is to be the best outdoor swimming venue and sauna in Northumberland."