The Little Book For Wild Swimmers

Escape the frantic pace of everyday, reconnect with your wild side and discover the healing power of swimming outdoors. Whether you've already taken the plunge or simply want to dip a toe in, this beautiful book is brimming with all the tips and inspiration you need to find your way back to nature and harness the benefits of wild swimming.

New to wild swimming and wondering how to stay safe? Old to wild swimming and wondering what's been accidentally left out of this book? Fed up of hearing about wild swimming but in need of a present that looks like you care about it? All welcome. After ten years of swimming in the sea in Scotland, Sue Gyford found herself on the admin teams of two online wild swimming groups amid what she lovingly calls "The Great Influx of 2020". Lockdown, cabin fever, the closure of swimming pools, and the inability to fly to Magaluf, saw huge numbers of people heading to beaches, rivers and lochs near home to swim. At the same time, wild swimmers could no longer swim in groups, so more experienced swimmers couldn't lead by example or pass on scraps of advice over their shivery bites. Eventually she decided that, rather than concocting ever-more baroque facebook posts about the dangers of cold water swimming and how to avoid them, she'd put it all in one place. A place where nobody could answer back in the comments. The Little Book of Swimming Safely is part advice, part warning, part saving her a hell of a lot of future facebook posts if everybody buys this for themselves or their pet swimmer. It doesn't pretend to be complete, she's probably missed out some obvious but important tips but she's publishing it herself, so this is her best shot. Keep safe, have fun, don't be stupid, be kind. That's about the size of it.

Inspired by John Cheever's classic short story, 'The Swimmer', Roger Deakin set out from his home in Suffolk to swim through the British Isles. The result of his journey is this personal view of an island race.

In this stunning and inspiring guide, Kate Rew, founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society, takes you on a wild journey across Britain, braving the elements to experience first-hand some of the country's most awe-inspiring swim spots, from tidal pools in the Outer Hebrides to the white-sand beaches of the Isles of Scilly. Waterfalls, natural jacuzzis, sea caves, meandering rivers - every swim is described in loving detail, taking in not only the gleeful humour of each mini-adventure and the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, but also practical information about how to find these remote spots. Featuring evocative photography from Dominick Tyler, this is a must-have book for serious swimmers and seaside paddlers alike, and is perfect for the outdoors enthusiast in your life.

The famous swimming Ladies of Hampstead ponds bring us their favourite walks with a dip in London and south east England, all accessible by train. Featuring secret lakes, river meadows and sandy seaside beaches, this is the perfect way to escape the city and leave the car at home this summer.

Live a more creative, content and fulfilled life by reconnecting with nature. Brothers Jack, Calum and Robbie have been swimming together their whole lives, and have never lost the sense of wonder, excitement and relief that getting in open water brings. In this book, we learn about their swimming feats, from tackling the 145km River Eden to setting the world record for swimming in the Arctic. They take us through their preparation for these expeditions, including sourcing wild spots in the heart of sprawling cities in which to train. They document the challenges they encounter and the successes often achieved in the most unexpected ways. And with everything they've learned, they give tips for those wanting to take on their own aquatic foray, whether a beginner or a seasoned swimmer. This book will show people of all ages how they too can take part in open water swimming and reconnect with the natural world around them. Their experience will embolden readers to escape their status quo and build confidence and contentment by challenging themselves to try something new and reconsider their relationship with nature and the wild. At its core, this book will provide advice, reassurance and inspiration for anyone in search of something more joyful, peaceful and, ultimately, meaningful.