Waterlog

Available for over a year

It was during a torrential downpour in the summer of 1996 that Roger Deakin first struck on the idea of a swimming journey through Britain. It’s 20 years since Waterlog, an account of his journey via rivers, lakes, lochs, pools and the sea was first published . As wild swimming enthusiast Alice Roberts discovers, not only has the book inspired others to follow in Deakin’s breast strokes and take up wild swimming but it has highlighted the importance of connecting with the natural world. In this celebration of wild swimming, which includes archive recordings of Roger Deakin and extracts from Waterlog, we hear from friends, writers and wild swimming enthusiasts including Sue Clifford, Richard Mabey, Robert Macfarlane, Joe Minihane and Kate Rew. Produced by Sarah Blunt for BBC Audio in Bristol.