Wild Swimming in Autumn

Is this the best time for a wild dip?

The other day I went for a swim. At this time of year, even though it’s counter-intuitive, I start dreaming about wild water. Still, cool open water where I can completely disconnect and just drift (or paddle briskly) under an early Autumn sky.

It’s like I suddenly realise that Summer has gone and I didn’t swim nearly as much as I thought I would, and I need to grab this last chance to get a cold water fix before I can really embrace all things cosy and Autumnal.

Autumn is actually a really good time of year for wild swimming*. Open water has had all summer to warm up and shake off the spring chill that can catch you unawares earlier in the year. By early September open water is usually still holding onto some late summer warmth and, if you pick a good day with some Autumn sunshine, it can be the best experience.  

*if you’re new to wild swimming, please see my notes at the end for more info on swimming safely.

Photo by Tim Woolliscroft on Unsplash

But, back to my swim. This was not a totally wild swim, it was in a lido, but it was outdoors, the water was crisp and cool, there was fresh air all around and trees lining the edge of the pool. As I swam up and down, (very slowly and very out of breath), I looked up at the trees above and felt a complete sense of calm.

There's something about being low down in the water and looking up at tall branches stretching up above you that gives you perspective and makes you feel very small, in a good way.

Roger Deakin, the author of Waterlog, talked about the 'frog’s eye view' you get when swimming in a lake or pond. And in Autumn, obviously, you get to look at all the amazing changing colours of the leaves as you swim.

Swimming under trees is always a shortcut to happiness for me. One of the most magical places - and I use that word carefully - I've ever swum is Hampstead Ladies Pond. The first time I went there, I turned up expecting an outdoor version of a swimming pool, with lanes, changing rooms, people walking past and the sound of cars on the road behind. But I found something totally different.

The pool itself was almost entirely circled by a thick ring of tall trees that leant out over the surface, shaking leaves down into the water. At the base of the trees tall grass and tangled hedgerow rose up to create a dense, dark screen that entirely blocked the outside world.

If you've ever visited you'll know what I mean when I say that it felt like stepping into one of those in-between places that carry an echo of something much older and wilder.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

As I slid down into the dark green water it was like stepping back in time. A few ducks bobbed about the edges of the pond and there was a sense of the quieting and stilling of the end of the day. The sun sprinkled small diamonds of late summer sun across the surface of the water and as I swam I feel a sense of complete and utter peace.

I only swam there a handful of times, but the good thing about open water swimming is that a little can go a long way. Although I'd like to swim every day; even going once or twice a year can top up my sense of wellbeing and peace.

I often think abut the feeling of being in still, cool water and looking up at trees when I need to take my mind somewhere calm.

So, on this Equinox weekend, with darker nights and mornings starting to pull in, I’m contemplating taking one last Autumn swim before I sink into cosy season.

Who’s with me?

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The important bit:

If you fancy a wild Autumn dip, please do take safety precautions.

There are a few golden rules to remember:

1. Don’t swim alone

2. Be aware of tides / water conditions

3. Be aware of cold water safety and acclimatise properly

4. Ensure you have the right kit (a hat and a swim float)

5. Know how to warm up quickly and properly after your swim.

If you haven’t tried cold water swimming before then it before then it might be better to acclimatise yourself with a few summer swims first before continuing into Autumn, or make sure you choose a stretch of water that’s supervised by lifeguards.

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Here are some key resources to take a look at before you go:

• Open Water Swimming Advice from the RNLI

• Cold water: A Temperature Guide by the Outdoor Swimming Society

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Finally…

For more literary Autumn swimming inspiration (or a bit of armchair swimming) I’ll leave you with:

• This wonderful article about the joys of Autumn Swimming by the Outdoor Swimming Society

• The best wild swimming book there is; Waterlog by Roger Deakin

Have a lovely week,

Vicky xx

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