Books by Anna and Vicky

Swimming Wild Ireland!

Black & White, October 2024

The Menopausal Mermaids, Blueballs, Viking Dippers, Cold Water Tingz, the Ripple Effect . . . These are just some of the names of Ireland’s wild swimming groups and they all have a story to tell.

Wild swimming is a movement, a wave that has surged around the shorelines of the island of Ireland – and it’s not just about the activity, but about doing it together . . .

Swimming Wild Ireland dives into what makes these communities tick, on a journey that reveals why so many people say it’s not only about the water but also about the companionship of swim friends and the joy of finding your tribe.

‘A beautiful book that celebrates the magic of wild swimming and our wonderful communities around the country – be careful, it might inspire you to take the plunge!’ The Happy Pear

The Ripple Effect: A Celebration of Britain’s Brilliant Wild Swimming Communities

Black & White, 2023

Each of us is just a drop. But together we create ripples.

Wild swimming isn’t just an activity. It has been a movement, a wave that has surged in popularity across Britain, rippling out and spreading joy. And at the centre of it all are the groups and communities that gather at the water’s edge… to dip together, scream together, laugh together, and share stories and support.

From menopausal mermaids to student dippers, male mental health groups to Wim Hof enthusiasts, addiction recovery communities to skinny dippers, The Ripple Effect dives into what makes these groups tick and why so many people say it’s not just about the water but the marvellous pods of people they find themselves swimming with.

The Art of Wild Swimming: Scotland

Black & White, October 2021

What makes the perfect swim?

It’s all about the most magical locations (and how to protect them), finessing your kitbag, keeping yourself and others safe… and maybe discovering a nice place for a warm-up cuppa and cake.

Whether you’re a seasoned dipper or a fledgling, The Art of Wild Swimming is the ultimate guide to becoming an awesome, joyful and responsible swimmer.

From the dramatic turquoise bays of Orkney to the peaty lochs of the Cairngorms, the thundering waterfalls of Skye to the calm depths of a reservoir in the Pentlands. Locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular dookin’ spots across Scotland. Now they are yours to explore too.

The Art of Wild Swimming: England & Wales

Black & White, October 2021

This unique guide to the where, when, how and why of wild swimming in England and Wales draws upon the passion and knowledge of the wild swimming community. Here the authors share their hard-earned secrets, expertise and spirit of adventure to bring together over a hundred of the most invigorating and rewarding swimming spots around the country. All of which have been tried and tested by swimmers who can be found immersed there regularly, come rain or shine, ice or balmy waters.

Full of local knowledge, quirky tips and a spirit of adventure, The Art of Wild Swimming is a brilliant, practical guide to wild swimming in England & Wales which will help you make the most of your wild swims and the wild swimming community, as well as looking after the environment.

For The Love of Trees

Black & White, 2020

For the Love of Trees is a beautiful celebration of trees and our connection with them. Combining amazing photographic portraits of people and trees with powerful personal testimonies, it tells stories of unique relationships with favourite trees. There are stories of people who have fought for trees, put down roots by planting them; found solace among them during times of grief; fallen in love through them; felt uplifted or relieved from stress or anxiety in their presence; known the way a window out on a tree can help during times of illness; memorialised loved ones through them; protected them and sought to understand them. These are stories of why trees have mattered to individuals, and how they have impacted on the lives of people whose own span, particularly in the case of older trees, is just a fraction of rings in their existence. Above all, this is a book about relationships – between humans and these majestic, long-living plants – at this time of climate emergency. For the Love of Trees is both unique and timely, as we look to find a new balance between humanity and our planet.

Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming for Mind, Body and Soul

Black & White, 2019

This book will empower! Told through the incredible stories and breathtaking photos of those who wild swim, it shows how wild swimming can help you to physical and mental health. These are people who have brought their chronic pain, grief, loss, depression, stress and anxiety to the wild waters of seas, lakes and rivers. There they have found joy, confidence, fun, adventure and friendship. These experiences are backed up with the latest science and expert thought, and researched through interviews, on why coldwater swimming is both a mindful and physiologically healing practice. But, more importantly, Taking the Plunge tells how wild swimming works, through the compelling and moving personal stories of people from all walks of life. It features portraits of the swimmers in awe-inspiring scenery, in all weathers, including extremes of ice and snow. Through words and images, it highlights the wild swimming community s inclusivity, joie de vivre and camaraderie. For newcomers, this book serves as a guide to all things wild swimming: what to wear, how to take the first plunge, how to keep safe and warm, and where to go. Above all, these stories of taking the plunge will motivate, inspire and offer an exhilarating way to change your life forever.