It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but more and more Brits are swapping chlorinated indoor pools for the exhilarating, mind-altering thrill of a bracing cold-water dip. Whether you prefer to stay cosy and live vicariously through others or are ready to uncover the best spots yourself, these books about wild swimming are the ones you’ll want to have on your radar.
What was once a niche pursuit has transformed into an almost cult-like movement, with people from all walks of life taking the plunge into rivers, lakes, and seas across Britain.
This cultural shift has inspired a wave of literature celebrating the joys, challenges, and transformative power of wild swimming.
Whether it’s a practical guide to educate and inspire you to find more places to take a wild dip, a travelogue offering a mental escape, or an insightful memoir on the profound impact of cold natural water, these books about wild swimming across the UK are staples in the genre.
So let’s dive into exploring wild swimming from the comfort of home with these recommendations on some of the topic’s best books.
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- 1. Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain by Roger Deakin
- 2. 21 Miles: Swimming in Search of the Meaning of Motherhood by Jessica Hepburn
- 3. Wild Swimming: 300 Hidden Dips in the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Britain by Daniel Start
- 4. Wild Swim: River, Lake, Lido and Sea: The Best Places to Swim Outdoors in Britain by Kate Rew
- 5. Swimming Wild in the Lake District by Suzanna Cruickshank
- 6. The Art of Wild Swimming: England & Wales by Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan
- 7. Dip: Wild Swims from the Borderlands by Andrew Fusek Peters
- 8. Swim Wild: Dive into the Natural World and Discover your Inner Adventurer by the Wild Swimming Brothers
- 9. Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches: Explore the Secret Coast of Britain by Daniel Start
- 10. Toes in the Water: Stories of Lives Changed by Wild Swimming by Rachel Jones
1. Waterlog: A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain by Roger Deakin
In this genre-defining classic, Deakin chronicles his personal journey to swim in Britain’s rivers, lakes, and seas, exploring the natural world and the historical and cultural significance of the country’s waterways along the way.
Part travelogue, part environmental reflection, Waterlog is a delightfully poetic and thought-provoking love letter to swimming that has inspired countless readers to take to the water.
I listened to the audiobook version, wonderfully narrated by Roy McMillan, which was an utterly wholesome and enriching listen. It’s one of my favourite books about wild swimming. Who knew there was so much to uncover about Britain’s waterways and the joy of swimming in them!
2. 21 Miles: Swimming in Search of the Meaning of Motherhood by Jessica Hepburn
After decades of infertility, Jessica decided to throw herself into something radical – training to swim the English Channel. In this book, 21 Miles, the ‘unlikely athlete’ chronicles her physical journey and personal exploration of the complexities of motherhood.
Through heartfelt reflections and interviews with inspiring women, she examines what it means to live a fulfilling life, with or without children.
We actually interviewed Jessica about this incredible feat of swimming the channel (and the launch of her other book, Save Me From the Waves), for our Adventurous People series – it’s a highly inspirational read!
3. Wild Swimming: 300 Hidden Dips in the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Britain by Daniel Start
If you’ve got the wild swimming bug, or have someone in your life that has, then this book will be your antidote.
‘Wild Swimming’ is a definitive guidebook, first published in 2013 well before wild swimming became so trendy. It unveils a treasure trove of secret swimming spots across Britain. From tranquil rivers to dramatic waterfall pools and serene lakes, it provides practical details on some of the best outdoor swimming spots across the country, like access points, safety tips, and nearby attractions.
Packed with maps and inspiring photography, it’s ideal for adventurers seeking unique water-based experiences across the UK.
4. Wild Swim: River, Lake, Lido and Sea: The Best Places to Swim Outdoors in Britain by Kate Rew
Kate Rew, founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society, guides readers through Britain’s most iconic outdoor swimming spots.
From the historic Hampstead Ponds to the remote lochs of Scotland, her lyrical prose brings each location to life.
Rew also shares her own experiences, from tranquil swims to exhilarating cold-water plunges, reminding readers of the profound joy and connection nature provides. Her advice on safety, gear, and community events ensures that anyone – from first-timers to seasoned swimmers – can dive in.
5. Swimming Wild in the Lake District by Suzanna Cruickshank
Can there be a better destination to swim in the outdoors than a region named for its abundance of lakes? For anyone enchanted by the Lake District in Cumbria, then this guide offers a swimmer’s perspective of its legendary beauty.
Suzanna Cruickshank introduces readers to hidden tarns, shimmering lakes, and peaceful streams, providing detailed advice on how to find and safely enjoy these waters.
The book also delves into the history and folklore of the region, with fascinating tidbits about Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter’s connection to the lakes. This book is an invitation to explore the Lake District in a way few others do.
6. The Art of Wild Swimming: England & Wales by Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan
This stunning book celebrates the beauty, community, and health benefits of wild swimming in England and Wales.
Deacon and Allan combine detailed guides to over 100 swim spots tipped by locals, with personal stories from swimmers across the country, offering insights into why so many are drawn to open water.
From the chalk streams of Dorset to the thundering waterfalls of Snowdonia, this book is a celebration of wild swimming as both a physical and emotional experience, and it’s as much about the wild swimming community, as it is about where to take a dip.
7. Dip: Wild Swims from the Borderlands by Andrew Fusek Peters
Part memoir, part poetic tribute to wild swimming, Dip chronicles a year of Peters’ swims in the rivers and pools of the English-Welsh borderlands.
As he navigates his personal struggles with depression, Peters finds solace and healing in the cold embrace of nature’s waters. His vivid descriptions of swims in places like the River Teme and the Elan Valley transport you to these enchanting locations.
This book is as much about mental health and resilience as it is about wild swimming. “The river doesn’t judge,” he writes. “It carries you, as you are.”
8. Swim Wild: Dive into the Natural World and Discover your Inner Adventurer by the Wild Swimming Brothers
The Hudson brothers bring their infectious enthusiasm for wild swimming to life in this engaging and humorous adventure book.
Drawing on their experiences as a trio of fearless siblings, they recount daring swims in some of the UK’s most challenging and remote waters. From navigating the icy currents of Arctic rivers to plunging into the crystal-clear lochs of Scotland, their stories highlight both the exhilaration and the physical demands of wild swimming.
Beyond their thrilling escapades, the brothers share invaluable insights into cold-water acclimatisation, offering practical advice to swimmers aiming to push their limits while staying safe.
The book also delves into their commitment to environmental stewardship, encouraging readers to respect and protect the waterways they explore.
9. Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches: Explore the Secret Coast of Britain by Daniel Start
If it’s more the wildness of the sea that calls you, then this is another book in Daniel’s series you must check out.
This captivating guide is a treasure map for coastal explorers, uncovering 400 hidden beaches and secret coves scattered across Britain. Forget your local beach — there are countless hidden nooks and crannies waiting to be uncovered.
Daniel Start takes readers on a journey from the turquoise waters and golden sands of Cornwall to the dramatic, windswept cliffs of Northumberland, revealing a side of Britain’s coastline that’s often overlooked.
The book is filled with stunning photography, detailed maps, and practical advice, making it easy to plan your next seaside adventure. Start provides invaluable tips on finding tidal pools, navigating hidden coves, and exploring isolated beaches.
10. Toes in the Water: Stories of Lives Changed by Wild Swimming by Rachel Jones
Toes in the Water is a compelling anthology that explores the life-changing potential of wild swimming. Compiled and edited by Rachel Jones, the book features 14 inspiring stories from individuals who have experienced profound changes through their connection with natural waters.
The narratives explore various themes, including mental health, community, and environmental awareness. Contributors share personal accounts of how wild swimming has become a vital part of their lives, offering solace, adventure, and a sense of belonging.
Beyond personal stories, the collection addresses pressing environmental issues, such as harmful algae blooms and plastic pollution in waterways. The book emphasises the urgent need to protect natural swimming spots and encourages readers to become advocates for cleaner, safer waters.
Best of all, all royalties from Toes in the Water are donated to the Canal and River Trust, supporting their environmental work and campaigns to preserve and improve the UK’s waterways.
