Waterlog

Waterlog chronicles Roger Deakin's swimming journey across Britain, from Cornwall to the Scottish archipelagos. Over the course of one year, he swims through rivers, lakes, lochs, seas, and outdoor pools. Deakin's narrative combines personal experience with observations about Britain's waterways and the people who inhabit their shores. He documents the history, ecology, and cultural significance of each swimming location while capturing encounters with locals and fellow swimmers. The book follows a geographic progression but maintains thematic threads about access to wild swimming spots and the relationship between humans and water. Deakin records changes in water conditions, seasonal variations, and the distinct characteristics of each swimming environment. This memoir stands as both a record of Britain's water spaces and an exploration of swimming as a primal human connection to nature. The text examines how industrialization and private ownership have altered the public's relationship with natural waters.

Readers celebrate Deakin's intimate observations of Britain's waterways and his lyrical descriptions of wild swimming experiences. Many note how the book changed their perspective on outdoor swimming and inspired them to explore local waters. Readers liked: - Detailed natural history and wildlife observations - Personal stories woven with environmental themes - Vivid sensory descriptions of swimming spots - Mix of adventure, memoir, and nature writing Common criticisms: - Pacing can feel slow in sections - Some passages are overly detailed about geology/geography - Writing style occasionally meanders Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (500+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Like swimming through Britain's forgotten waterways with a knowledgeable friend" - Goodreads "Too much geological detail slows the narrative" - Amazon reviewer "Made me see my local river in a completely new way" - Goodreads

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🌊 Roger Deakin conceived the idea for Waterlog after being inspired by John Cheever's short story "The Swimmer," about a man who swims home through his neighbors' pools. 🏊‍♂️ The book pioneered a new genre of nature writing called "wild swimming," which has since spawned numerous books, websites, and outdoor swimming communities across the UK. 🌿 Deakin lived in a 16th-century Suffolk farmhouse called Walnut Tree Farm, where he restored the moat and would regularly swim in it - this became the starting point for his aquatic journey across Britain. 🗺️ Throughout the book, Deakin swam nearly 400 miles in Britain's rivers, lakes, lidos, and seas, documenting both the natural history and the human stories connected to each location. 🎭 The book's publication in 1999 helped spark a revival of outdoor swimming in Britain, challenging the trend of closing public lidos and helping to restore many historic swimming spots to public use.