Been chatting with swimming pals about the rise of slating anyone who talks/writes about wild swimming. We’ve had to listen to people rave about football etc our whole lives. Some women get excited about swimming in wild places and want to share their joy & people get annoyed...

To me it doesn’t really matter whether you call it outdoor/wild or just swimming (although for me swimming in a cold mountain lake IS different to pool swimming). But it’s something that brings a lot of people huge joy, mental health benefits and community.

So yes, I’m one of ‘those’ wild swimmers and I really don’t care if you find my passion annoying. I tuned out of football chat years ago but don’t feel the need to slate football fans. Here are some pics of me in my happy place:

To anyone who shares my love of the water, here are some books I've enjoyed on the subject. I won't get tired of reading them in the same way that I imagine wild-swimming bashers don't get tired of hearing about their own specific hobby or interest. Enjoy! https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/swimming-books