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THERE'S a man behind me walking his dogs along a woodland path who looks as though he's forgotten to get fully dressed before going out.

His top half looks totally normal, in a T-shirt and fleece, and he has boots on his feet. But his bottom half is completely bare.

With fresh snow on the surrounding hills a straitjacket may seem more appropriate.

The Belgian naturist - here with his wife and three dogs - is used to the warmer continental climate. He's not alone in deciding it's too cold to shed all his clothes, though most of the group wear only shoes and smiles.

They certainly make an arresting sight as they tramp cheerily through the secluded glen.

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There are about 100 in total for the weekend, most aged from 40s to 70s from Scotland and England, a mix of couples and people by themselves or with friends.

Some are single, others have partners who aren't into nudism.

All of them are carrying clothing to put on if they meet unsuspecting members of the public however, so they don't expect to end up in handcuffs.

(Image: Alan Oliver / British Naturism)

Danny Callaghan is definitely the most oddly dressed, in a colourful grass skirt bought for the Hawaiian theme of the group's fourth annual weekend social on the Firth of Clyde.

The retired furniture businessman from Falkirk , 71, says: "It's muddy, sunny and a laugh. I've walked here before but not naked and I thought we'd meet some other people but we didn't. It's been a bit chilly at times but it's a giggle."

Gesturing to his skirt he jokes "there's not much to hide", before adding that he's known as the Naked Sailor because he takes his boat out in the buff.

Unlike the infamous Naked Rambler, Stephen Gough, who was jailed repeatedly after refusing to put clothes on, the group say their walk is legal because they will happily cover up if they meet children or anyone appears offended.

(Image: Alan Oliver / British Naturism)

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Being nude in public is not a crime until and unless it is found to cause offence or alarm.

Back at Glenmorag Hotel in Dunoon, where the annual social event is held, members get dressed to head into town before stripping off again for their first nude swim in the town pool.

Some jump in happily, delighted that a previous ban by the council on 'health and safety' grounds has been lifted.

(Image: Alan Oliver / British Naturism)

Helen and Mike Alexander, who run a B&B in the south of Scotland, are splashing about on large floats.

Helen, 46, says: "It's great to swim without your cossie. I think people are getting more tolerant. We 'came out' as naturists to our friends last year and everyone was fine."

Ivan Gill, 68, weekend organiser, says: "I do this first and foremost for people to have fun, but it's also about making naturism more socially acceptable."

Other activities planned for the Bank holiday weekend include a Burns in the Buff supper and ceilidh tonight, in which the men wear bow ties and women sashes, and nothing else.