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A Highland fling at SwimWild’s WinterFest
Author and wild swimmer Emma Simpson persuaded her husband to join her for a long weekend in the Scottish Highlands…
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The Green Hill: Letters to a Son
In 2017, Sophie Pierce’s life changed forever when her 20-year-old son Felix died suddenly and unexpectedly. Thrown into a new…
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Spring forward, fall back, swim all year
Ella Foote chats to Welsh swimmer Tom Boswell about his ambition to swim 365 days consecutively to raise money for…
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Books, films and podcasts for swimmers
A forage's calendar, tree spotting guide and lyrical insight into ancestral landscapes: what to read, watch and listen to this…
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The National Park Print Shop
Jonathan Cowie takes a dip with artist Ian Battersby of the National Park Print Shop.
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H2O to Hollywood: swimmers turned movie stars
Swimmers have lit up the silver screen right from the early days of Hollywood. Michael Renouf shines the spotlight on…
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Paradise in Penzance
Cool harbour dips and geothermal waters: Ella Foote explores this arty Cornish town.
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Swimming spot: Stickle Tarn
This out-and-back walk follows Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn, where you will be rewarded not only with stunning views of…
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Body positivity and swimsuit making workshop
What is it about swimwear that often sends us spiralling? And why is body positivity such an important topic for…
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How hard is it to make your own swimsuit?
Editor Ella Foote embarks on a two-day course with The Swimming Seamstress, Amanda Bowden, to learn how to make your…
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How to host a swimmers’ swish
Exchange your barely worn booties and ill-fitting goggles for a kit bag or second hand changing robe – all without spending…
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Water wildlife: thick-lipped grey mullet
What’s that flash of silver-grey in the water? Susanne Masters has your guide to the thick-lipped grey mullet (chelon labrosus),…
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River swimming guide
Rivers can be wonderful places to swim but can be hazardous. Our guide shows you how to stay safe to…
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Swimming to sanctuary: the story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini
Elaine K Howley tells the extraordinary story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, who escaped war-torn Syria to compete at…
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Forest bathing: immerse yourself in nature
Rowan Clarke investigates the physiological and psychological benefits of forest bathing.
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Caro Giles on her love of the moon and the sea
Author Caro Giles' new book tells her tale of life in wild Northumberland with her four daughters. Ella Foote finds…
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Swimming spot: O’Sullivan’s Cascade, Kerry, Ireland
The Salty Sisters share one their favourite places for a waterfall walk and dip, backdropped by lush forest in the…
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Swim from Sealand
Embark on a unique swim from Sealand, the world’s smallest nation some seven miles off the coast of Suffolk, back…
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Open water skill: Night swimming
Exploring the world by night is a sensory overload. Robbed of sight, our other senses come to the fore: the…
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Ice Mile Extreme
After a three-year delay Becca Harvey conquered an ice mile swim in Loch Insh, Scotland. A film has documented her…
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The story behind our ‘rest & reflection’ cover by Beth Squire
Woodland bathing, feeling immersed in nature and embracing the simple joy of swimming outdoors: Beth Squire shares the story behind…
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Book review: The Crossing
In the run up to his first Channel crossing, veteran charity athlete Gyn Marston reviews The Crossing: the curious story…
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Ice swimmer beaten by a flight of stairs
In the morning, adaptive athlete Sophie Etheridge took her first ever ice swim, posing with the obligatory ‘holding a piece…
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The texture of water: an essay by Anna Koska
Illustrator Anna Koska reflects on how the "cool embrace" of the sea helped her feel cocooned and safe in her…
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Reflections and intentions for 2023
We asked the Outdoor Swimmer team, contributors and our community to share reflections on 2022 and their open water intentions…