Wild Swimming
Image by Pixabay
Sky above, a horizon of tree-lined banks around, the body immersed in natural water, without a whiff of chlorine, and preferably not another soul around – this for me is swimming!
Most of all I love swimming in the sea, and my favourite UK beach is West Bay, Dorset, where you’re spoilt for views – open sea ahead and spectacular Jurassic cliffs at your back. I love the buoyancy aid of the briny water that makes floating on your back almost effortless.
And in both of these scenarios, birds for company in the air above and bobbing on the water a respectful distance away. Gulls, of course, if you’re at the coast, or ducks, geese, coots, cormorants and grebes if swimming inland. Swimming in the River Wye last year, a kingfisher flashed past me only feet away. At this time of year dragon and damselflies are still darting around. The rare opportunity to share their environment gives me a hint of Eden, a paradise where man and beast live together without fear.
Of course, I’m painting an idyllic picture which rarely reflects reality. Safety is a priority; I’m naturally cautious and David even more so. There’s never any jumping in with wild abandon when we’re around! Rather, a careful assessment of conditions; at the coast, I’m not confident in the sea if it’s rough. If I swim in a river, I find a section where the current is weak and there’s an exit point further downstream if needed. Easy access is key because getting out can be harder than getting in! Over the Bank Holiday, David and I swam at a lake we’ve recently discovered, not too far from home (pictured above). It’s a large lake with beautiful views, if you’re facing away from a few industrial chimneys on one side. There’s a little background noise from local industry but it’s not invasive. There are multiple, discreet entry points for swimmers but they’re not all as benign as they look, as I discovered yesterday sinking up to my shins in mud. Next time we’ll head for somewhere stonier! As for stony, West Bay is a stony beach and for me, swim shoes are essential but the little extra weight at the end of your legs does make swimming slightly cumbersome.
Wherever you swim in the UK, the water is on a range from cold to freezing, which I find challenging, however much I tell myself it’ll be fine once I’m in, which it invariably is! But I’m not one of the hardy ice-breakers who swim all year round whatever the weather. For me, wild swimming is a summer/early autumn activity. I’m a reasonable swimmer though not especially strong, so I’m only ever in for 15 – 20 minutes max, but I feel such a benefit, an all-round lift to mind and body.
So far my favourite places to swim are: the sea (anywhere but especially West Bay), Lake Grasmere, the River Wye, Loch Langaig on the Isle of Skye and our newly discovered local lake. We’re keen to find new spots for wild swimming, so if you know one, please share.
