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

After learning to run and writing a successful book about it, Heminsley sets her sights on sea swimming. This books stands as a cheery account of the trials and tribulations of going from landlubber to proficient swimmer. There’s a twist though, Alexandra commences IVF treatment, which fails and fails again. A winter of sea swimming helps ease the pain and trauma. 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. The Mindful Art of Wild Swimmingexplores how swimming in rivers, lakes, and seas is the very epitome of conscious living. Zen-seeker Tessa Wardley reconnects the physical and spiritual cycles of life to the changing seasons and flow of wild waters worldwide and leads the reader on to a mindful journey through the natural world. With expert insight and personal anecdote, she shares a sparkling clarity on why our relationship with open water is so fundamental to pure wellbeing, and reveals how wild swimming can be the ultimate Zen meditation. 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)

Informative Books on Wild Swimming, Scottish and UK Destinations

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! 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. Here is a literary account of the history and struggles of women who swim. Before the 1930s, very few women swam at all, until the ‘swimming suffragettes’ took to the water and forged a splash into pools and onto beaches. This book explores the author’s own love affair with water and swimming, along with the almost 100 year history of woman’s freedom to swim. From the otherworldly fens of the east to the vast dramatic waters of the Lake District, the thundering icy waterfalls of Snowdonia to the secluded sandy coves of Cornwall. Locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular swim spots across England and Wales. Now they are yours to explore too. (Publisher’s Synopsis) 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.

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. 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. 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.

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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 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. This is not an instruction manual – it is much more useful and entertaining than that. This is a huge collection of small tipsto make a real difference to your outdoor swimming, whether you’re planning your first Winter Swims, hoping to enjoy some icy swims the depths of the Scottish winter – this book will take you through everything you need to know. An unusual story about an encounter that Lynne Cox had with a baby grey whale when swimming off the California coast

Imagine a summertime tour through the wildest and most beautiful regions of Britain – boating, camping and swimming along the way. Wild Swimming – inspired by Roger Deakin’s cult-classic Waterlog – is a celebration of wilderness dipping, natural bathing and riverside picnics. Best-selling book Wild Swimming combines inspirational photos, engaging writing and practical information to make this a truly unique British travel guide. WSS Members can request to borrow the 2008 version from Maree Books with “Wild Swimming” Reflections Taking The Plunge As part of the competition to win a bundle of wild swimming books, we asked outdoor swimmers to tell us their favourite reads about water or nature. The competition generated great conversations and we have added many books to our “must read” list.What makes the perfect swim? It’s all about the most magical locations (and how to protect them), finessing your kitbag, keeping yourself and others safe … and maybe discovering a nice place for a warm-up cuppa and cake. Whether you’re a seasoned dipper or a fledgling, The Art of Wild Swimming is the ultimate guide to becoming an awesome, joyful and responsible swimmer. (Publisher’s Synopsis) The Art of Wild Swimming – Scotland WSS Members can request to borrow from Maree Wish You Were Still Here – The Scottish Seaside Holiday 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 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. This is a memoir of alcoholism and recovery, Amy Liptrot left rehab in England and returned to recover in Orkney, where she was brought up. She joined a swimming group and found in the chilled waters of the North Sea as well as around the hills and islands of the Orkneys what she needed to truly recover.