By: Blonde Two
It is well known that Blondes enjoy walking. It is probably not so well known that at least one Blonde also enjoys swimming. Which is why we were very excited to be asked to review a new book that is all about … wait for it … walking … be patient … swimming … and cue even more excitement … Dartmoor and South Devon.
‘Wild Swimming Walks: Dartmoor and South Devon’ is a fascinating glimpse into the world of that brave but shy creature, the wild swimmer. It offers 28 (which is a lot) of walks, all of which include at least one wild swimming possibility. We Blondes have decided that wild swimmers are definitely a little bit on the eccentric side; we do however think that this is a most excellent state in which to be, and I have a feeling that most of the swimmers themselves would agree with my suggestion.
Let me describe what sort of summer you would have if you bought this book and set out to do as many of the walks as possible (this could be a busy August!) You would wallow under wanton waterfalls, shiver in serendipitous springs, be resupine in reflective rivers and paddle in piscatorial pools. Your days would be filled with a soothing mixture of adventure and relaxation, your evenings with smiles and sleepiness. You would, in short, probably be as healthy as as person could ever manage to be.
Sophie and Matt have woven some clever magic with ‘Wild Swimming Walks: Dartmoor and South Devon’. It offers, in an easy format, the necessary information: routes, tides, safety etc; but all of this is expertly woven through a weft of watery magic. Just as the sunlight glances across a deep pool, their book flashes glimpses of a lifestyle that even the most couch-bound of us must surely want to mimic.
I know that I will be doing some of their walks this summer!
Wild Swimming Walks: Dartmoor and South Devon by Sophie Pierce and Matt Newbury (£14.99, Wild Things Publishing) is available from all good bookshops.
As Two Blondes readers, you can get 30% off and free P+P. All you need to do is visit www.wildthingspublising.com and enter ‘Walking’ as your coupon code.
I think technically you’re not supposed to wear a cozzie for “wild” swimming. Well, that’s what I was told.
I think that is probably ‘wilder’ swimming, but am not sure!
“Wild”, “Wilder” but what would “Wildest” involve? I was told by long-experienced exponents in the field of “wild” swimming that even a shallow puddle counts to qualify you as a “wild” swimmer and entitles you to a certificate. I think it’s more to do with the dress (or lack of) code than the actual distance swam.
Not clear on this – are you planning walking AND wild swimming? Or only the walking? Ought to be remarkably good for the circulation – if you aren’t frozen solid!
Resupine I’ve never seen before, while supine has I think – I will not Google on this, I’ll depend entirely on what’s in my noggin – switched its primary meaning. I imagine it started as a synonym for prone, these days it tends to describe a state of mind: cowardly, tending to give in.
I read your stuff and marvel; but then you are both young (no age at all, then) and fit; it is meet (another funny one) that you should wish to test yourself in circumstances many would regard as uncongenial. Age and infirmity keep me out of your loop but in my time I’ve laboured up the steepnesses, then deliberately bent at the knees and joyously submitted myself to gravity down quarter of a mile of scree. But always – even while ensuring I do not twist an ankle – there’s the parallel existence of thought. Even in the most sublime locations there is a limit as to how much the mind may engage with contours, rivulets and cloud formations; the mind wanders (much greater distances than the feet) taking in the mundane as well as the impressive. To find oneself walking along a narrow arete while simultaneously considering a new way of cleaning the oven could form a reminiscence that might enhance the experience of the arete, not – as some might think – betray it. The fascination of a thinking being on the move in gorgeous nature; the body restrained by sugar levels and an incipient blister, the mind acting as its own personal drone, bisecting the Gulf of Carpenteria while laughing at a remembrance of the late and much lamented Victoria Wood.
I suppose this sounds as if I’m whingeing. I hope not. Just another way of saying that ten seconds reflection are all it takes to recognise one need never run out of subjects.
‘Resupine’ is a lovely one isn’t it (unanswered question alert, but if I leave out the question mark, you might not notice!)
I haven’t really done much arete walking but then I haven’t done much oven cleaning either! A balanced life one might suggest. (Not a question!)
Hmm I think you walk to a wet place, take a number clothes off and swim and then continue your lovely walk to warm you back up. B1 and I have done this once, it was … interesting!
Simply stunned by the mixture of icy water on hot bodies, balancing along an arete and cleaning the oven – all at once!