Readers' Swims

Immerse yourself in fellow swimmers' personal narratives, sharing their swimming stories and memorable experiences.

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…
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…
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…
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…
From Olympic trials to the Thames: finding a new direction in swimming

After taking part in the Rio Olympic trials I retired from competitive swimming, but I wasn’t done with the sport.…
Gadding about in Gandia

John Weller and Lola Culsán join Spanish sea swimmers in an historic race from a golden beach to the sanctuary…
My Swim Story – Laura Hope Smith

Laura Hope Smith was inspired by the This Girl Can campaign to get into the water I’m currently sitting at…
They are all mad in Doncaster

Sarah Hicks underwent a swimming conversion in South Yorkshire On a warm Friday in July last year I travelled a…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – getting a confidence boost on my home beach

Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Nevis to St.Kitts Cross-Channel Swim

Turtles, rum punch and sunshine. Swim coach Stephen Baker enjoyed his first trip to the Caribbean The thought of visiting…
My Swim Story – Ellen Taylor

Ellen Taylor has set herself the challenge of swimming every day for a year My hands are numb by the…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – in the wake of an orca

Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – imported sand, piscinas naturales and a pool to myself

Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – Where the land is low and the water bulls are loud

Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – ‘Sunny Dunny’ home of the red cliffs and long lost lidos

Kate Gillwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Diary of a wandering swimmer: last swim with a friend

Kate Greenwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – Lakes, mountains, poets and a bit of running

Kate Greenwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Polar Bear Club

Sara Barnes is taking on a five-month cold water challenge The air temperature is 1°C this morning at the edge…
My Swim Story – Angela Jones

51-year-old Angela Jones spent five weeks exploring her favourite river, the Wye I have swum all over the world and…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – famous for oysters & surrounded by mountains

Kate Greenwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Sweeping views, menacing swans and a rich history

Image: © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Kate Greenwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three…
Club page – Carradale Wild Swimmers

Karen Murphy celebrates one year of the Carradale Wild Swimmers Some days when you swim with the Carradale Wild Swimmers…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – where the crabs are blue

Kate Greenwood was born in Galashiels, Scotland, raised from three years old in Yorkshire, found herself in London for 30…
Wild Swimming Spot – Waterfall Trail Brazil

Sylvia Knight explored the waterfall trail in the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu nature reserve in Brazil This year, we were…
An Estonian cold water swimming Odyssey

Outdoor Swimmer reader Rowan Clarke got talked into a crazy cold water swimming adventure. When I started winter swimming, competing…