I’ve given up waiting for a hot summer that will never come to go wild swimming in the UK. It’s just not going to happen. I have bitten the bullet and decided to give it a go in the constant chilly climate and cloudy weather. I can’t afford to buy a wetsuit, no sir, and I’m aware that freshwater is cold and the sea’s temperature doesn’t get higher than 16 degrees, even in the South. And I convinced myself I can put up with all this because I love the water.
So I got myself Wild Swim, a great book by Kate Rew, founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society, and further investigated online the best wild swimming spots in the UK. I found some real gems out there, such as the Fairy Pools and the Blue Lagoon. I’m now committed – I’m going to go on as many wild swimming adventures as I can until the Autumn. I’ve got a woolly hat, a big fluffy towel, and a fleece. I’m ready to go.
My first unplanned and impulsive adventure took place in the stunning Cardigan Bay, off the coast of Wales. The sea was freezing cold, but the warm evening temperature and a hot day spent climbing sea cliffs and spotting dolphins and a killer whale encouraged me to test the water. I run into the sea just before dinner, around 7 pm on a Saturday evening, and went for a quick swim. It was a delight! The cold water invigorated me so much, I was buzzing. I felt ecstatic and very proud of myself. I knew then that my wild swimming adventures were just started…
If you’re thinking of trying it out, here are 4 reasons why you totally should:
1) It takes you to beautiful wild places
When you start investigating wild swimming spots, you discover new stunning wild places you’ve never heard of. You probably wouldn’t have come across them if you weren’t searching for a new exciting body of water suitable for your adventures. This means that you end up exploring a new forest or a great bit of coast.
2) It challenges your bravery
Whether you’re about to enter a muddy lake, some sea caves, or a gelid mountain stream, it takes some courage to get into the water. You’ll be challenged to trust that you’ll be ok in the water and you’ll have a good time, no matter how good a swimmer you are.
3) It’s a kick of adrenaline
Diving or running into the freezing cold water definitely serves you a good dose of adrenaline. That moment when you’re torn between jumping out and keeping on swimming is the most exciting. Once you decide to stay in the water, you feel ecstatic, happy, and full of life.
4) It’s invigorating
Once you’re swimming in the cold water, you start feeling strong, healthy, and full of energy. You think, for a moment, that you could do anything. When you get out, you can’t help but buzzing and feeling very proud of yourself.
If you fancy reading about my second wild swimming adventure, which took place in the magical Fairy Pools, have a look here.
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