Fancy a refreshing way to improve your mental and physical health? We’ve been exploring “Taking the Plunge,” a captivating book about the wild swimming movement that’s making waves across the UK and beyond.
This beautifully crafted guide delves into the transformative power of outdoor swimming for your wellbeing. With stunning photography by Anna Deacon and thoughtful text by Vicky Allan, it showcases real stories from people who’ve found healing through cold-water immersion.
The book balances practical advice with emotional narratives. Readers praise its honest approach and inspirational quality. Whether you’re already a wild swimmer or simply curious about this growing trend, the personal accounts provide genuine insight into why people brave freezing temperatures for a natural high.
We appreciate how the authors include essential safety information alongside the personal stories. The photography alone makes this worth having on your bookshelf – capturing both the serene beauty and exhilarating challenge of outdoor swimming.
Bottom Line
If you’re intrigued by wild swimming or looking for a new wellness practice, Taking the Plunge offers both inspiration and practical guidance.
With its gorgeous visuals and authentic stories, this book might just convince you to don your swimming costume and head for the nearest loch, lake or sea.
Ready to discover the healing benefits of cold-water swimming? Click here to purchase Taking the Plunge and begin your wild swimming journey today!
Overview of Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming
This well-researched book explores the transformative effects of wild swimming on mental and physical wellbeing. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 300 readers, “Taking the Plunge” clearly resonates with its audience.
We found the content strikes an excellent balance between practical advice and inspirational storytelling. The author guides readers through the health benefits of cold water immersion while addressing safety concerns for beginners.
The text is accessible to newcomers yet offers enough depth for experienced wild swimmers. It covers various swimming locations throughout the UK, seasonal considerations, and the growing community around this activity.
What makes this book stand out is its holistic approach, connecting the physical challenge of wild swimming with its psychological rewards. It’s a comprehensive resource for anyone curious about this increasingly popular practice.
Key Features
The beauty of this outdoor swimming guide lies in its extraordinary ability to combine practical advice with deeply moving personal experiences. We found that the book balances aesthetic appeal with substantive content, making it both a coffee table showpiece and a valuable resource. The pages are filled with wisdom for both newcomers curious about wild swimming and experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to deepen their practice.
Inspiring Real-Life Stories
The heart of this book is its collection of honest, powerful accounts from real swimmers who have discovered the transformative effects of cold-water immersion. These narratives range from emotional to uplifting, showing how wild swimming has helped people overcome personal challenges, find community, or simply reconnect with nature. We appreciate how these stories avoid sensationalism, instead offering authentic glimpses into the lives of ordinary people who have found extraordinary benefits in outdoor swimming.
Stunning Professional Photography
Anna’s photography in this book is absolutely breathtaking. The images capture not just the beauty of natural swimming locations across the UK, but also the raw emotions on swimmers’ faces as they immerse themselves in cold water. From misty dawn swims to icy winter dips, the visual journey throughout these pages is captivating. The photography alone makes this book worth having on your shelf, serving as constant inspiration for your own outdoor adventures.
Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Swimming
Beyond the stories and images, this book functions as a practical handbook for wild swimming enthusiasts. We found valuable information on:
- How to start your wild swimming journey safely
- Seasonal considerations for year-round swimming
- Equipment recommendations for different conditions
- Finding suitable swimming locations
The advice is presented in an accessible format that never overwhelms the reader with technical jargon or unnecessary details.
Expert Advice on Safety and Wellbeing
Safety information is presented thoroughly without being intimidating. The authors strike an excellent balance, emphasising necessary precautions without scarring newcomers away from the activity. We particularly value the practical guidance on:
- Acclimatisation techniques for cold water
- Understanding your body’s responses to temperature changes
- Risk assessment of natural swimming environments
- Mental wellbeing benefits and how to maximise them
This section proves particularly useful for beginners who might feel anxious about taking their first plunge into wild swimming.
Pros and Cons
When evaluating a book about wild swimming, it’s important to consider how well it captures the essence of this increasingly popular outdoor activity. “Taking the Plunge” offers readers a deep dive into the world of outdoor swimming, with both strengths and limitations worth noting.
Pros
- Stunning photography that beautifully captures the wild swimming experience
- Authentic personal stories from real swimmers that provide emotional depth and connection
- Well-balanced information on both the mental and physical benefits of wild swimming
- Practical safety guidance for those new to outdoor swimming
- Inspiring content that motivates readers to consider trying wild swimming themselves
- Beautifully written text that complements the visual elements
- Accessible to beginners whilst still appealing to experienced outdoor swimmers
Cons
- Limited technical information about swimming techniques specific to wild environments
- Seasonal focus may lean heavily toward cold water swimming experiences
- Regional specificity might not represent all wild swimming locations and conditions
- Could include more detailed information about equipment recommendations
- Some practical aspects of wild swimming logistics might be overshadowed by the inspirational content
We found this book serves as more of an inspirational guide rather than a comprehensive how-to manual. While the personal accounts and beautiful imagery will certainly motivate many to take up wild swimming, those seeking detailed technical advice might need to supplement with additional resources.
Customer Reviews
We’ve looked at what swimmers think about “Taking the Plunge,” and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. This wild swimming guide has earned an impressive 4.8-star rating from 284 reviewers.
Readers consistently praise the beautiful photography throughout the book. Many mention how Anna’s emotional and honest photos complement the powerful stories shared by swimmers. The personal accounts are described as inspiring and authentic, giving readers insight into why people are drawn to cold-water swimming.
Several reviewers note that the book serves both newcomers and experienced wild swimmers well. It provides practical safety information alongside the inspiring narratives. The combination of instructive content and stunning visuals makes it appealing even to those who might just enjoy looking at the pictures.
Many customers mention buying the book as a gift for friends interested in outdoor swimming. The general consensus is that this is a joyful, informative read that captures the essence of why people are drawn to this increasingly popular activity.
Who Should Read This Book?
This captivating book appeals to several types of readers. We believe it’s perfect for those curious about wild swimming but haven’t yet taken the plunge. The inspiring stories and beautiful photographs provide a gentle introduction to the practice. Experienced outdoor swimmers will also find value in the shared experiences that remind them why they love this activity.
People seeking mental health benefits from nature immersion will appreciate the honest accounts of how cold-water swimming has helped others. It’s also suitable for photography enthusiasts, as the stunning imagery stands on its own artistic merit.
The book offers practical safety information, making it valuable for beginners who want to start safely. We’d recommend “Taking the Plunge” to anyone interested in outdoor activities, personal wellbeing journeys, or simply those who enjoy reading about unique human experiences in nature.
Conclusion
After diving into this beautiful book, we believe “Taking the Plunge” truly captures the essence of wild swimming’s growing appeal. The stunning photography alone makes this a worthwhile purchase, but it’s the heartfelt personal stories that really make this book special.
We appreciate how the book balances inspirational content with practical safety information. For those curious about cold water swimming but hesitant to start, the diverse accounts from real swimmers provide both motivation and realistic expectations.
Whether you’re already part of the wild swimming community or simply intrigued by those brave souls you’ve spotted diving into freezing waters in winter, this book offers valuable insights. It’s not just a guide but a celebration of the mental and physical benefits that come from this increasingly popular activity.
Overall, with its beautiful presentation and 4.8-star rating from nearly 300 readers, this book stands as an excellent resource for anyone interested in outdoor swimming.
The Outdoor Swimming Guide: Is It the Ultimate UK Swimming Spot Resource?
Looking for a comprehensive guide to outdoor swimming spots across Britain? We’ve been exploring “The Outdoor Swimming Guide” and it’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in taking a dip in the great outdoors.
This beautifully presented book covers over 400 swimming locations throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Whether you’re interested in historic lidos, secluded wild swimming spots, or popular open-air swimming destinations, this guide has you covered with detailed information about each location.
The guide is thoughtfully organised by region, with helpful maps showing the listed spots in each area. We appreciate how each listing includes practical details about amenities and access, making it easy to plan your swimming adventures. Published in August 2021, the information is relatively current for most locations.
Readers seem to love this guide, with many commenting on how it’s inspired them to try outdoor swimming. It’s particularly useful for newcomers who might be nervous about where to go and what’s legal and safe.
Bottom Line
If you’re keen to explore Britain’s wonderful outdoor swimming spots, this guide is an essential purchase.
With its comprehensive coverage and practical information, it takes the guesswork out of finding your perfect swimming location.
Ready to dive in? Click here to purchase The Outdoor Swimming Guide and start planning your aquatic adventures today!
Overview of The Outdoor Swimming Guide
This comprehensive guide offers an impressive collection of swimming locations throughout Britain. With details on over 400 spots across England, Wales, and Scotland, the Swimming Guide provides everything needed for outdoor water enthusiasts.
We found the organisation particularly useful, as it breaks down locations by region, making it easy to find swimming spots near you or in areas you plan to visit. Each entry contains practical information such as facilities available, water quality, and accessibility.
The book balances popular lidos with hidden wild swimming gems. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outdoor pool or a secluded natural swimming hole, this guide covers it all.
At 4.7 stars from 115 ratings, it’s clearly well-received by other outdoor swimmers. The guide serves as both a practical reference and a source of inspiration for new aquatic adventures throughout Britain’s diverse landscapes.
Key Features
This comprehensive guide to outdoor swimming spots in the UK offers a wealth of information for anyone looking to take a dip in Britain’s natural waters. From secluded wild swimming locations to historic lidos, the book covers everything you need to know before setting off on your aquatic adventure.
Extensive Collection of Over 400 Locations
The Swimming Guide lives up to its name with an impressive catalogue of more than 400 swimming spots spread across England, Wales and Scotland. We found this collection covers a diverse range of environments, including coastal swimming holes, mountain lakes, river pools and restored historic lidos. Each location has been carefully selected to provide swimmers of all abilities with suitable options, whether you’re looking for a gentle paddle or a more challenging swim.
Detailed Regional Breakdowns
The guide organises swimming locations by region, making it easy to find spots near you or plan a swimming-focused holiday. Each regional section provides context about the area’s swimming culture and natural features. We appreciate how the book highlights the unique characteristics of different regions – from the bracing waters of Scotland’s lochs to the gentler currents of southern England’s chalk streams. This thoughtful organisation helps readers understand the distinctive swimming experiences available throughout Britain.
Practical Access and Amenity Information
One of the most useful aspects of this guide is its practical information about each swimming location. The book doesn’t just tell you where to swim but also covers:
- Accessibility details: Parking options, walking distances and public transport links
- Facilities available: Toilets, changing rooms and refreshment options
- Safety considerations: Water depth, currents and potential hazards
- Best times to visit: Seasonal variations and optimal swimming conditions
This practical approach ensures swimmers can plan their visits with confidence, knowing what to expect when they arrive.
Maps for Each Region
The guide includes helpful maps for each region, making navigation straightforward. We found these maps clearly mark swimming locations and provide useful reference points for planning routes. The maps include:
| Map Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Swimming spot markers | Easy identification of exact locations |
| Key landmarks | Helpful for navigation and orientation |
| Access points | Clear indication of how to reach each spot |
| Scale indicators | Accurate distance measurements for planning |
These well-designed maps complement the written information and help swimmers visualise the geography of each area before setting out. The combination of detailed text descriptions and visual guides makes this book particularly user-friendly for planning swimming expeditions across the UK.
Pros and Cons
When looking for places to swim outdoors in the UK, having a comprehensive guide can make all the difference. This guide offers swimmers a wealth of information about hundreds of swimming spots across England, Wales and Scotland. Let’s examine what works well and what could be improved.
Pros
- Extensive coverage with over 400 swimming locations throughout Britain
- Well-organised regional structure with maps showing the listed spots in each area
- Detailed amenity information for each location, helping you plan your visit properly
- Includes both wild swimming spots and lidos, catering to different comfort levels
- Visually appealing presentation that makes browsing enjoyable
- Practical access details to help you find each swimming location
- Suitable for beginners who may be nervous about outdoor swimming safety and legality
Cons
- Limited to Great Britain only – doesn’t cover Northern Ireland or international spots
- Some regions may have fewer listings than others, depending on where you live
- No waterproof pages – not practical to bring directly to the water’s edge
- Print size may be small for some readers given the amount of information
- Seasonal variations in swimming conditions might not be fully addressed
We found this guide strikes a good balance between being comprehensive and accessible. It’s particularly valuable for those planning a tour of outdoor swimming locations or looking to explore new spots beyond their local area. The regional organisation makes it easy to find swimming spots wherever you’re travelling in Britain.
Customer Reviews
The feedback from outdoor swimming enthusiasts speaks volumes about this guide. With an impressive 4.7-star rating, readers are clearly pleased with what they’ve found inside.
We’ve noticed several themes emerging in the reviews. Many readers appreciate the book’s beautiful presentation and organisation, with spots conveniently arranged by region and accompanied by maps. The comprehensive details about facilities and access points for each location are particularly praised.
Beginners find this guide especially valuable as it addresses common concerns about safety and legality of swimming spots. More experienced swimmers appreciate the extensive coverage of both wild swimming locations and maintained lidos.
The book seems to make an excellent gift as well, with recipients expressing delight at the wealth of information provided. Several reviewers mentioned using it to plan swimming tours or adventures across the country.
Overall, swimmers at all experience levels appear to find this guide both practical and inspiring for their outdoor aquatic explorations.
Ideal For Adventurous Swimmers
Water enthusiasts looking to explore new swimming spots will find this guide incredibly valuable. The book details over 400 swimming locations across England, Wales and Scotland, making it perfect for those who love to venture beyond traditional pools.
We found the Swimming Guide particularly useful for planning weekend trips to unfamiliar areas. It covers a diverse range of swimming environments from peaceful lidos to hidden wild swimming spots.
The comprehensive coverage of locations means you’ll always have new places to discover, whether you’re holidaying in Scotland or exploring the Welsh countryside. It’s especially handy for swimmers who enjoy mixing their regular swimming routine with occasional adventures in natural settings.
Bold explorers will appreciate the breadth of options, from family-friendly locations to more challenging spots for experienced swimmers. The guide serves as a trustworthy companion for those willing to take the plunge into outdoor swimming.
Conclusion
This guide to outdoor swimming spots in England, Wales and Scotland delivers exactly what it promises. We’re impressed by the thoughtful organisation of swimming locations by region, complete with maps that make planning your next adventure straightforward. The inclusion of both wild swimming spots and maintained lidos provides options for swimmers of all comfort levels.
What stands out most is the practical information included for each location – from amenities to access details – which takes the guesswork out of visiting new swimming spots. The book’s beautiful presentation makes it not just useful but also inspiring.
While dedicated outdoor swimmers will appreciate this resource, it’s particularly valuable for newcomers who might feel unsure about where to safely enjoy outdoor swimming. Based on our assessment, this guide offers excellent value for anyone looking to explore the UK’s diverse outdoor swimming locations, whether you’re planning a dedicated swimming tour or simply want to discover new spots close to home.
Lonely Planet Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches Review: Worth Your Summer?
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches this summer? We’ve been exploring the second edition of Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches, and it’s a brilliant guide for anyone keen to discover the untouched coastlines of Britain.
This beautifully illustrated book takes you on a journey to over 300 remote and secret beaches around our shores. We found the detailed directions, GPS coordinates, and local knowledge incredibly helpful during our recent coastal adventures, making it easy to find these hidden gems.
The revised and expanded second edition includes plenty of new locations we hadn’t seen in the original book. The photographs are stunning and truly capture the magic of these secluded spots. At 288 pages, it’s comprehensive without being overwhelming.
While the book is a bit hefty to carry around at just over a kilogram, we think it’s worth the extra weight in your rucksack. We particularly appreciated the practical advice about tides, access points, and local facilities (or lack thereof).
Bottom Line
If you’re tired of fighting for space on popular beaches, this guide is an essential purchase.
We’ve discovered dozens of magical spots thanks to this book that we would never have found otherwise.
Why not pick up your copy today and start planning your own secret coastal adventures this summer?
Overview of Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches: Explore the Secret Coast of Britain: 2
For beach lovers seeking hidden coastal gems, this guide is absolutely essential. We’ve spent countless hours exploring the secret shorelines detailed in this book, and it’s transformed our seaside adventures.
The book features beautiful photography that instantly transports you to these secluded spots. Each beach comes with precise directions including GPS coordinates, parking information, and walking distances from car parks.
What impressed us most was the attention to practical details. The guide is thoughtfully organised by geographic region, making trip planning straightforward. At 288 pages, it’s comprehensive without being overwhelming.
A few beaches are perhaps no longer as “hidden” as they once were, but most locations remain wonderfully quiet compared to mainstream coastal hotspots.
The book is quite hefty at 1.05 kg, so we typically photograph relevant pages before heading out rather than carrying the entire guide. Overall, it’s a brilliant resource for anyone wanting to escape the crowded beaches of Britain.
Stunning Photography and Visual Appeal
The visual aspects of this beach guide truly stand out. Flipping through the pages, we were immediately drawn to the stunning photography that captures Britain’s secret coastline in all its glory. The images showcase crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and dramatic landscapes that make us want to pack our swimming gear straight away.
Each beach is presented with high-quality photographs that accurately represent what visitors can expect. The colours are vibrant yet natural, giving a realistic portrayal rather than over-edited images that often disappoint in real life.
The layout balances text and visuals perfectly, making it easy to appreciate the beauty of each location while gathering essential information. We particularly appreciated how the photos highlight unique features of each beach, from distinctive rock formations to the quality of sand and water.
For anyone who appreciates coastal beauty, the photography alone makes this guide worth having on your bookshelf.
Comprehensive Guides to Secret Beaches
We recently took this guide along on our coastal explorations and were genuinely impressed by its thoroughness. The “Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches” book offers detailed information about secluded swimming spots around Britain that most tourists never discover.
The layout is practical, with clear directions including GPS coordinates and ordnance survey references. We found the parking information particularly helpful when visiting some of the more remote locations. The photographs are stunning and genuinely represent what you’ll find when you arrive.
While some beaches in Cornwall aren’t quite as “hidden” as suggested (few truly undiscovered places remain), most recommendations offer a peaceful alternative to crowded seaside towns.
The walking directions are excellent – clear enough for anyone to follow without confusion. We’ve already visited several spots and had brilliant experiences at each one.
This guide works best in physical form rather than digital, as we discovered it’s easier to reference while out exploring.
Detailed Practical Information
This guide makes coastal exploration straightforward with its thoughtful organisation. The book weighs just over 1 kg, making it substantial but still portable enough for a day trip. We found the 288 pages contain comprehensive details about hidden swimming spots, including practical information like parking options and walking directions.
Each beach entry includes GPS coordinates and Ordnance Survey references, which we relied on to find several secluded spots. What’s particularly useful is the clear guidance on access points – something we struggled with when visiting remote beaches previously.
The 17.78 x 20.32 cm format works well, with clear photographs that actually match what you’ll find when you arrive. Unlike other guides, this one doesn’t gloss over potential challenges. We appreciated the honest assessments of tide conditions and swimming safety.
For planning purposes, we recommend using the geographical organisation to plot trips efficiently. The revised and expanded second edition includes several new locations that weren’t in the original book.
Accessible Walks and Day Trips
Finding beaches with easy access is crucial for families, older visitors and those with mobility challenges. We discovered that the Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches guide thoughtfully includes information about accessibility for many locations. The book clearly marks which beaches have car parks nearby and reasonable walking distances, making day trip planning much more straightforward.
During our explorations, we appreciated the detailed directions that indicated path conditions and approximate walking times. Some beaches require just a five-minute stroll from parking areas, while others might need a 20-minute walk along clear paths. The guide also helpfully notes which locations have facilities nearby, such as toilets and cafés.
We found the seasonal timing suggestions particularly useful, as some paths become muddy or overgrown during certain months. The book doesn’t promise accessibility where it doesn’t exist, giving honest assessments of which hidden gems might be challenging to reach.
User-Friendly Structure
Finding hidden beaches shouldn’t be a hassle. The book’s structure makes exploration simple and intuitive. We appreciate how the Hidden Beaches guide organises beaches by region, making it easy to plan trips to specific areas of Britain’s coastline.
Each beach entry includes clear directions and practical information. The layout uses bold headings for key details like access points and safety considerations. Maps throughout the book help with navigation, and the colour-coded sections allow for quick reference when you’re on the move.
At 288 pages, it’s comprehensive without being overwhelming. The 17.78 x 20.32 cm format strikes a good balance – large enough for detailed maps but small enough to toss in a rucksack. Though weighing just over a kilogram, we found it’s worth carrying for the valuable information it provides.
Inspirational Stories and Local Insights
Our exploration of Britain’s hidden coastlines with this guide has led to some truly memorable experiences. We’ve discovered secluded coves that we’d never have found without the detailed directions provided. One weekend, we followed the book’s advice to a remote Cornish beach at low tide, finding ourselves completely alone with crystal clear waters and dramatic cliff formations.
The local insights throughout the guide are particularly valuable. When we visited some of the Scottish beaches, the tips about local traditions and history enhanced our experience significantly. The book mentions ideal swimming times based on tides and seasons, which proved spot-on during our summer adventures.
Fellow swimmers we met along the way shared their own stories inspired by the guide, including one family who had spent an entire summer visiting a different hidden beach each weekend. The GPS coordinates and detailed walking instructions never led us astray, even in the most remote locations.
Pros and Cons
After spending several weekends exploring the coastline with this guide in hand, we’ve formed a clear picture of what makes this book shine and where it falls short. Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches offers a refreshing alternative to the typical tourist spots, but like any travel guide, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Detailed directions – Each beach listing includes precise information about parking, walking routes and GPS coordinates, making even the most secluded spots accessible
- Beautiful photography – The stunning images truly capture the appeal of these hidden gems and inspire you to visit
- Well-organised format – The geographic organisation makes planning trips to specific regions straightforward
- Practical swimming advice – Contains useful information specifically for swimmers, not just general beach visitors
- Off-the-beaten-path locations – Focuses on quieter, less-known beaches away from the crowds
- Comprehensive coverage – Spans the entire British coastline, offering options regardless of where you’re based
Cons
- Some beaches no longer ‘hidden’ – A few locations, particularly in Cornwall, have become more popular since publication
- Weather dependent – Many beaches are best enjoyed during specific weather conditions, limiting year-round use
- Kindle version limitations – The digital format doesn’t showcase the photographs and maps as effectively as the print version
- Limited urban options – Focuses primarily on remote locations, which may require significant travel time
- Some access challenges – A few beaches require challenging approaches or have limited parking facilities
We found this guide to be a valuable companion for our coastal adventures, though it’s worth noting that its greatest strength – revealing secret spots – may eventually lead to those places becoming less secret.
Reader Testimonials and Reviews
Many folks who’ve used this guide share glowing reviews. We’ve seen countless positive comments about the “Hidden Beaches” book, with readers praising its detailed information about outdoor swimming spots. The overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 437 reviewers speaks volumes.
Readers love the practical details included, such as parking information and clear walking directions. Many mentioned visiting the featured locations and having brilliant experiences. The book’s layout receives high marks, with its combination of beautiful photographs and practical advice making it easy to plan adventures.
Some readers noted they purchased it during lockdown periods, eagerly awaiting the chance to explore. A few mentioned preferring the physical book over the Kindle version for this type of guide. While one reader noted that truly “undiscovered” places in Cornwall might be rare, most found the book offered wonderful alternatives to overcrowded beaches.
Conclusion
After exploring Britain’s hidden beaches with this guide, we found it to be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking off-the-beaten-path swimming spots. The detailed information about parking, access routes and precise locations (including GPS coordinates) makes planning adventures straightforward and hassle-free.
We particularly appreciated the geographic organisation of the beaches, making it easy to find swimming spots in specific regions. The beautiful photographs throughout the book are inspiring and give a good sense of what to expect before visiting.
While some readers noted that truly “undiscovered” beaches are becoming rare, especially in popular areas like Cornwall, the guide still offers many quieter alternatives to crowded tourist beaches.
Overall, this Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches book earns our recommendation. It’s well-structured, thorough and practical for both swimmers and walkers alike. We’ve already used it to discover several wonderful swimming spots and look forward to exploring more.
