Wild Swimming: Hidden Dips in the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Britain: 4 (Wild Swimming: 300 Hidden Dips in the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Britain)

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A mostly easygoing exploration of the southern tip of the Cambrian mountains, with some inviting wild swim spots along the way. River swimming spots abound on the River Irfon. A couple of miles off the route on the mountain road west of Abergwesyn is Wolf’s Leap, a series of pools among smooth, flat boulders. Further downstream the Wash Pool is a wide sun-dappled pool once used by drovers to wash their sheep. Swimmers know the deeply calming effects of immersion in water. Here, Tessa Wardley explores and explains why wild swimming can leads to such great awareness and calm. Tessa is an environmental consultant and has written previous books on rivers and woodlands. I loved the approach of this light-hearted and informative guide. There are some laugh out loud moments as Calum explores everything Wild Swimming, Outdoor Swimming and Cold Water.

We Swam The Grand Canyon by Bill Beers is a tale so crazy it still blows my mind. Just like the title suggests, Beers and a companion pulled off an audacious unsupported descent of the GC in the 50’s. Wiiiiild swimming! Lynne Cox has swum the most gruelling and demanding long-distance swims in the world. The Channel crossings came early, then the Bering Strait, Straits of Magellan, Cape of Good Hope and Cook Strait in New Zealand. Her life story and those of her swims are gripping, culminating in her 24 minute Antarctic Swim.An original in the watery journey genre, Waterlog is an account of the author’s 1996 attempt to swim his way through the British Isles. With the helpful eyes and ears of his naturist and documentary maker, his passion for rivers, sea, ponds, pools and lochs is brought to life. In many ways, Roger Deakin founded the wild swimming movement himself. He died in 2006, aged only 63. From the dramatic turquoise bays of Orkney to the peaty lochs of the Cairngorms, the thundering waterfalls of Skye to the calm depths of a reservoir in the Pentlands. Locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular dookin’ spots across Scotland. Now they are yours to explore too. (Publisher’s Synopsis) A beautifully illustrated book which explores the traditions of cold-water swimming and dipping in Scandinavia and beyond. Dr Susanna provides detail of why Winter Swimming provides such a boost to both body and soul, through this shared experience in the outdoors and in nature. This wonderful outdoor activity can influence our happiness, our energy and our inner tranquility, and give us that winter glow. Why are we drawn to the ocean each summer? Why does being near water set our minds and bodies at ease? In Blue Mind , Wallace J. Nichols revolutionizes how we think about these questions, revealing the remarkable truth about the benefits of being in, on, under, or simply near water. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, their home is taken away and they lose their livelihood. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall.

This is an account of the history and culture of swimming in Britain. I haven’t read it myself, but there is a review here. The Story of Swimming Wild Swimming: 300 hidden dips in the rivers, lakes and waterfalls of Britain: We keep this in the car, and I think it’s the original and best of the series. A circuit of the Creddyn peninsula taking in the queen of Wales’s seaside resorts and the dolomite cliffs of the Great Orme. Llandudno isn’t the wildest swimming spot in the world, but the huge sand and shingle North Shore beach rarely feels overcrowded. Wilder, and even more scenic, is the West Shore beach with its dramatic mountain views.Scotland is famed for its rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, endless rivers and deep lochs. The whole country is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. In this unique guide, adventurer Mollie Hughes introduces many of her favourite places to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf. Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms, the book shows us how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces. Mollie includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild watersports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer. (Publisher’s Synopsis) Splash is a dive into the history of swimming. 10,000 years of swimming history to be precise. Howard Means begins this compelling narrative in the ancient world through to the modern day. Covering social, geographical, religious and architectural history, the book moves beyond swimming as a sport. It encapsulates how swimming has shaped our society and is a thorough exploration for those who love to get into the water. Lakes, mountains, pine forests and upland pastures make for a challenging ride in the big hills around Bala. There’s a series of waterfall plunge pools in the clear, peaty waters of the Eunant Fawr stream and at the end of the ride there’s a chance to take a relaxing dip in the cool, calm waters of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), Wales’s biggest natural lake. Firmly placed in the genre of swimming against adversity, this book tells how swimming off the coast of Ireland helped Ruth Fitzmaurice deal with the illness of her husband, who had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Together with fellow “Tragic Wives,” she swims all year, using the waves and the cold to combat her trauma.

A look at the cultural aspects of what swimming means. A bit highbrow! The Great Swim by Gavin Mortimer

Dips and Chips is an illustrated guide to wild swimming across Central England. It has over 60 swims in it along with lots of useful advice about how to get started with wild swimming. What makes this book different is the beautiful illustrations of each swim with hand drawn pictures painted by Emma Jane O’Brien. We’ve been to and swam at every single swimming location so we know exactly what each swim is like and usually have a funny story to tell. Wild Guide: Devon, Cornwall and South West: This was co-written with Tania Pascoe and Joanna Keeling. It’s not just about swimming but if it’s like Start’s other books then it will be a winner. New from the publishers of Wild Swimming, the Wild Guide booktakes you on a voyage of discovery to the lesser-known corners of Britain’s favourite holiday region. Featuring over 500 ideas to help you plan the perfect escape, this is the ultimate local guide to river swimming, secret coves, ancient forests, sunset hill forts, lost ruins, canoe camping and other adventures: Buy the Book from our online shop Victoria Whitworth details a year of daily swimming in the Orkneys, the islands north of Scotland. The writer is a novelist and historian, living through the breakup of her marriage. Her writing is vivid, her swims are intense, challenging. She leavens this with so many fascinating stories of life in Orkney, its history and people, and her own life changes. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. If you have not yet started this amazing outdoor activity and would like a helping hand to get started, we would love to support you in your first endeavours.