Roger Deakin set out in 1996 to swim through the British Isles. The result a uniquely personal view of an island race and a people with a deep affinity for water. From the sea, from rock pools, from rivers and streams, tarns, lakes, lochs, ponds, lidos, swimming pools and spas, from fens, dykes, moats, aqueducts, waterfalls, flooded quarries, even canals, Deakin gains a fascinating perspective on modern Britain. Detained by water bailiffs in Winchester, intercepted in the Fowey estuary by coastguards, mistaken for a suicude on Camber sands, confronting the Corryvreckan whirlpool in the Hebrides, he discovers just how much of an outsider the native swimmer is to his landlocked, fully-dressed fellow citizens. Encompassing cultural history, autobiography, travel writing and natural history, Waterlog is a personal journey, a bold assertion of the native swimmer's right to roam, and an unforgettable celebration of the magic of water. (19991005)
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The British Isles are blessed with a whole variety of waterways often encompassed within beautiful valleys, rolling hills, green fields and rugged coast lines. The presence of a flowing stream, waterfall or an idyllic pond can enhance a picturesque landscape.
While swimming in the moat located in his own back garden, inspired by thoughts of his son's current quest travelling in Australia and John Cheever's classic short story, The Swimmer, Roger Deakin decided he would undertake his own adventure and swim across Britain.
The Rambling Association's Right to Roam campaign is well publicised in the UK, so should that not include our right to swim in our lakes, dykes, and tarns? Deakin was ready to prove it did and planned a trip around Britain which would take him to numerous wild swimming venues.
Waterlog, is Deakin's account of his journey. He seeks out tarns high in the hills of north Wales, swims with salmon in Somerset and eels in the Fens. He describes the nature he sees around him from his unusual perspective inches above water level. His love of swimming away from the confines of a swimming pool comes through strongly in his writing. Wild swimming is an unusual hobby in modern society as we are constantly told how our rivers and lakes have become polluted by large industries disposing of waste via waterways and chemical fertilisers washing off farmers fields into out rivers. During his visit to a weir on the River Avon in Worcestershire, Deakin's hosts and fellow swimmers show him a letter they have received from the local environment agency outlining the dangers of swimming in the river. The letter describes how sewage can constitute up to 80 percent of the river flow and increase the risk of catching Weil's disease. Deakin takes in the scientific argument, arguing that the figures show that very few people catch Weil's Disease in the UK and of those who do, they are invariably not river swimmers.
Deakin has produced a deeply personal account of his journey. He informs us of any cultural, historical or geographic points of interest in a highly descriptive writing style which does not, however, read as an adventure story. Unfortunately, this means there is no climax to the book as a whole, but it does mean each chapter stands alone as a description of each area. Together, they make an interesting read and leave the reader with a wealth of information from an unusual perspective. --Stephen Payne --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"A delicious, cleansing, funny, wise and joyful book, so wonderfully full of energy and life. I loved it" (Jane Gardam )
"Highly entertaining...Waterlog is a book about a cold, wet subject written with a warmth and passion it surely deserves, but has rarely had before" (Guardian )
"A wonderful and romantic tale told by a true English eccentric...think Ratty, think Mole, think three men falling out of a boat...enchanting" (Michele Roberts Financial Times )
"A travel book like no other, it is rich and deep with insights on modern Britain" (The Independent )
"Highly entertaining...Waterlog is a book about a cold, wet subject written with a warmth and passion it surely deserves, but has rarely had before" (Guardian )
"A wonderful and romantic tale told by a true English eccentric...think Ratty, think Mole, think three men falling out of a boat...enchanting" (Michele Roberts Financial Times )
"A travel book like no other, it is rich and deep with insights on modern Britain" (The Independent )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By A. S. Taylor
Format:Paperback
Not everyone gets this book. I have given it to several likely suspects who were only half convinced. But for me it goes into my all-time greats. And has, and will, see me plunging into water for the sheer hell of it whenever i can. A 'wild swim' immediately turns the day into a special day. Deakin reminds us that just because no one else is, doesnt mean we cant. What a literary braindump of natural science, social history, geology, modernity, the human condition. A true eccentric, who held dear and firm his beliefs in this ever-changing world. Roger, I salute you!
65 of 67 people found the following review helpful
By P. Dunn
Format:Paperback
A quote from the cover - 'A delicious, cleansing, funny, wise and joyful book, so wonderfully full of energy and life. I loved it'. Tis true. It's an ideal relaxation book. The author swims in rivers, lakes, lidos, the sea and other outdoor watery places around Britain and describes beautifully the experience of the inner man and the nature he feels so much a part of. He throws in interesting history and anecdote to enlighten us as to how many of the swimming holes came to be. You end up feeling like you're sharing the journey with someone who truely loves what he's doing.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Spartan
Format:Paperback
I'm only about a third of the way through this book but wanted to add to the reviews on the site. If, like me, you happen on this page by accident and think "why not?" please follow through with that first thought and buy this amazing book. It's so rare to find work that really cant be criticised and this, the eloquent reflections of what must have been a wonderful man, could well be one of those rare finds. It's exceptionally well written, filled with intimate details of what England must have been like in less commercial times and as fluid, rhythmic and enchanting as the rivers and streams the author so clearly loves. Did I mention you should buy it?
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
If you read this book try swimming wild. Once you get your head round swimming wild you will love it. Once you try it you will understand this review. Hope this helps
Published 15 days ago by alana kerr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful book
Really enjoyed this book, it's beautifully written, interesting and useful if you want to go wild swimming, would definitely recommend it!
Published 1 month ago by Kate
5.0 out of 5 stars
Swimming in the wilderness
Beautiful and poetic...If you love the water, the countryside and poetry - you will enjoy this! For those of you with the depth of a lake - not a puddle!
Published 1 month ago by Katherine
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is a rare delight
I have 'discovered' Roger Deakin relatively late in life, and have been kicking myself ever since. This book is the only one that he published during his lifetime. Read more
Published 2 months ago by K. Moss
3.0 out of 5 stars
Waiting to be read
Like Notes from Walnut tree farm this one is waiting to be read highly recommended by a friend who is usually right!
Published 3 months ago by Ancient gardener
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love it
Read it..........
If books can make you happy, this one can. Very calming and re-balancing, if a bit too focused on how things were better in the past?
If books can make you happy, this one can. Very calming and re-balancing, if a bit too focused on how things were better in the past?
Published 4 months ago by s
5.0 out of 5 stars
I want to get out there now!
I'm currently reading this book and really enjoying it. You can just imagine yourself swimming alongside the author, seeing and experiencing what he is experiencing and seeing. Read more
Published 4 months ago by S. Barker
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Delight if you Hanker to swim other than in chlorine pools
Bought this book on a whim for a friend who'd swum competitively when young. As I write, it is going down a storm. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Gee
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you are a swimmer you will love this book
I swim rather tamely in our local pool - but I just love swimming. What can I say about this book - it starts in the Scillies with the first swim and that captured me from the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by peewit
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Book!
Ever since watching Alice Roberts 'Wild Swimming', I decided to purchase a copy of this wonderful book. I'm glad i did. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Doyler
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