A Lochside Sauna Session at The People’s Sauna

I’d first come across The People’s Sauna in a local newspaper, which highlighted its pay-what-you-can approach. It stood out as something a bit different, and something I wanted to try — not just for the experience, but because I liked the idea behind it. Having got a lot from saunas myself, it felt like something worth supporting.

My sauna experience started on a bright, calm day. I’d booked an ambient sounds session with a few family friends, and we met first at The Nest café at the Ecology Centre for coffee and cake. It sits slightly higher up, overlooking the loch, and the views were clear across the water.

First impressions of Kinghorn Loch

Walking down to the loch, it immediately felt more natural and less managed than I expected. There were ducks of all different breeds resting and wandering along the water’s edge, along with a few swans, completely unfazed by people nearby.

It felt more like a bit of a hidden gem — somewhere people come for a walk, spend time by the water, watch the wildlife, or get out onto the loch itself. The area has a slightly wild feel to it, with a mix of trees, wild plants, and open space rather than anything overly kept or decorative.

The ducks were so at ease that it felt like the space belonged to them, and you were just stepping into it for a while. It felt quietly special to be there alongside them. It was quiet, well looked after, and not overly busy, which made it all the more enjoyable to spend time there.

I later read that the loch is managed as a wildlife haven, with volunteers helping to support birdlife and maintain the habitat. It made sense — there was a real diversity to it, and it felt like a place that’s been allowed to grow naturally rather than shaped just for visitors.

A sauna in a tent (that actually works)

The sauna itself is a pop-up tent, which I’ll admit I was sceptical about at first. I didn’t expect it to get as hot as it did.

But it does.

Inside, there’s a stove in the centre with benches around the sides — space for about eight people, with two to a bench. It’s simple, but effective. Once it heats up, it feels just as intense as more permanent saunas I’ve tried.

Gilly, who runs The People’s Sauna, was welcoming and talked us through how everything worked before we got started.

Ambient sounds and atmosphere

I’d booked the ambient sounds session, and that ended up being one of the standout parts of the experience.

The music was subtle and calming, and combined with the sound of birds outside, it created a really relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes people chatted quietly, other times everyone just sat in silence, eyes closed, listening.

It didn’t feel structured or rushed. People moved between the sauna, the water, and the space outside at their own pace.

Cold water dips in the loch

After the first round, we headed into the loch using the ladders a short walk from the sauna.

It’s shallow enough that I could stand (I’m 5’1), but still deep enough to swim. The water was very cold, so I didn’t stay in long — just in, a quick swim, and back out again.

The ducks stayed where they were, just watching, and paddle boarders passed by on the loch. It added to how calm and unhurried the whole place felt.

The bottom of the loch is rocky and uneven, with some slippery patches of algae, so it’s worth bringing sandals or water shoes if you have them. I didn’t for the first dip and it was fine, but for the last one I used the ramp beside the sauna and kept my sandals on, which made it easier to walk in gradually.

There’s also a small outdoor shower set up, which is useful between rounds.

Small details that made a difference

Between sessions, Gilly brought out orange slices and grapes, which was a nice touch. There was also a mat outside the sauna, so you could sit and take a bit more time between rounds if you wanted.

It’s a simple setup, but those details make it feel considered.

What stood out

More than anything, it was the combination of the setting and the atmosphere.

The music, the birds, the stillness of the loch, and the fact it never felt busy or rushed. Even with eight people in the sauna, it stayed calm.

And the location stood out too. It’s so close to where I live, but it felt like somewhere I wouldn’t normally think to go. Most of the other saunas I’ve visited involve more of a drive, so having something this accessible changes how often you could realistically come.

A different kind of sauna experience

The pay-what-you-can model is a big part of that.

Sauna sessions can add up if you go regularly, so having something more flexible makes a difference. Booking through Eventbrite also keeps it discreet — you choose what you pay, and that’s it.

Because it’s a pop-up setup, The People’s Sauna also moves between locations locally, so it’s worth checking Eventbrite to see where it’ll be and what sessions are running.

Would I go back?

Yes — I’d like to try some of the other sessions, especially the sound bath sauna.

It’s somewhere I’d come back to with my fiancé, and combine it with paddle boarding, and spend more time by the loch.

Final thoughts

It’s a different kind of experience, but one that works — and one I’d definitely come back to, especially for the setting.