Swimming the shires west of London

Philip Nice, author of the new book Wild Swimming Walks Thames and West, shares his five favourite walks with wild swims along the way

The shires to the west of London are comfortable lands: cosy and bucolic, with gentle hills and a patchwork of lush fields that, for many, represent the quintessence of the English landscape. Their villages and towns preserve historic buildings and traditions, while remaining close to the capital’s influence.