Readers' Swims
Immerse yourself in fellow swimmers' personal narratives, sharing their swimming stories and memorable experiences.
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Phil Warren first to cross the Bristol Channel swimming breaststroke
Earlier this year, Phil Warren set himself the challenge of swimming all four crossings of the Bristol Channel in one…
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Seasons of change: from sea swims to cold water dips
Nora Clarke heralds the start of the ‘dipping season’ in Norway with this moving tribute to cold water swimming, and…
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The Cross Bay Swim: What Price Glory?
Edward Chessman may be the last person to have crossed the finish line at the Cross Bay Swim, but he…
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Will you join Eleanor in her swimming challenge?
Eleanor is looking for people to join her in her swimming challenge – to swim 70 miles before her 70th…
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Lake Geneva calls the Crawlers
The Kingsdown Crawlers take on a five-person relay swim in Lake Geneva, completing the 78km length in 26 hours and…
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Around the Isle of Wight on the Blindside
Mark Critchlow was registered Severely Visually Impaired in December 2011. Since then he has taken up outdoor swimming and completed…
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Swimming and grief
Rachel Hall never considered swimming as a therapy, until a sudden loss four years ago.
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From lengths to loughs: a leap from the pool to the open water
When her local swimming pool closed during the lockdowns in 2020, 16-year-old Jessika Robson didn't despair – she turned to…
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Setting the Thames alight
A beautiful adventure at the annual 13-kilometre Thames Marathon Swim
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Diary of A Wandering Swimmer – a crawl from a llyn
Kate Gillwood takes part in an event and makes an ungainly exit By Kate Gillwood Kate Gillwood was born in…
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Diary of a Wandering Swimmer – Yorkshire Lily Pads
Our Wandering Swimmer finds a delightful dipping pond in Yorkshire
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Swimming Just like Johnny (Weissmuller)
By Glyn Marston It’s funny how easily it is to be taken back to your childhood, a scenario that feels…
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Diary of a wandering swimmer – a clear sweetie
I can see my feet so clearly it almost looks like they aren’t even in water at all.
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Diary of a Wandering Swimmer – An Unusual Tide
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
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Diary of a Wandering swimmer – yellow tangs from a lava field
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
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“I may have had cancer, but it isn’t going to rule my life”
Audrey Hellen shares her swimming story I was always a pool swimmer as a child, representing my school and the…
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Diary of a Wandering Swimmer – a swing rope to the past
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
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Diary of a wandering swimmer – jumping trout in the wind
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
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Diary of a wandering swimmer – Highland Adventure Part 1
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
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Diary of a wandering swimmer – Highland Adventure Part 2
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
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Swimming micro-adventure in the Lake District
Paul Mackenzie heads off to the Lakes for a nocturnal swimming adventure I have always loved adventure – especially in…
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Diary of a wandering swimmer – waterfalls of tea
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
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Stand-up Paddle Boarding with Swimmers
Lucy Young discovers that Stand up Paddle Boarding is a great way to join the river fun with her swimmer…
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Swimming from Old Harry Rocks to The Needles
Swimming from Old Harry Rocks to The Needles: A grand day out by Ali Budynkiewicz I have a beach hut…
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Diary of a wandering swimmer – storms, floods and a shallow lagoon
Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…