Swimming
On a warm day, there is nothing better than jumping into a cool lake. Take that lake into a jungle, cave, or even a shipping canal and things get interesting!
There are countless reasons why people enjoy wild swimming, so whether you're an avid swimmer looking for your next dip, or a novice searching for that first pool to start a new passion, we have the answer.
Kate Rew, author of Wild Swim and director of the Outdoor Swimming Society has compiled a top list of incredible spots to swim. Grab your wetsuit…
The shipping channel, Turkey
Where: Bosphorus, Turkey
Wild factor: 8
Once a year this shipping channel closes so that about 1,000 swimmers can dive in to enjoy a swim from Asia to Europe as part of the Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim – but it can get pretty fast and furious. Rex's advice: "There's a major current – take all the advice you can get from other swimmers about avoiding eddies around the island, and when to start heading towards the finish line to avoid being swept right past it!"
Wild whirlpool, Scotland
Where: Corryvreckan, Scotland
Wild factor: 10
This is one of the biggest whirlpools in the world and a swim that's high on the list of many a wild swimmer. The dash across has to be timed perfectly to avoid the whirlpool when it is active, as it is extremely dangerous. The 1km swim should only be taken on under supervision.
Geothermal joy, Iceland
Where: Seljavallalaug, Iceland
Wild factor: 6
Seljavallalaug Pool is a hidden gem. Nestled in the Icelandic mountains, it's the oldest in the country that is still intact. You need to trek through the spectacular Icelandic mountains to get there – which is definitely a bonus. Rew says, "The water is warm and you are likely to be seduced enough by it to stay in until you're wrinkled."
Bringing in the New Year, Netherlands
Where: Scheveningen, Netherlands
Wild factor: 8
This is one of the coldest festival swims in the world, according to Rew, and the next one on her list to complete. The event sees participants don swimwear and rush into the chilly North Sea in Scheveningen. Around 10,000 people give their New Year an invigorating start this way!
Breathtaking cenotes, Mexico
Where: The cenotes, Mexico
Wild factor: 7
Swimmers can enjoy a secret underworld and take a dip in these ancient pools. It gives a feeling of being lost in time, as jungle tree branches and vines dangle overhead. The pools were created when porous limestone collapsed, opening entrances to the cave cenotes. The location played host to the 2014 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
The speedy swim, UK
Where: Devon, UK
Wild factor: 6
Swimming around 6km along a crystal clear Devon estuary is a great swim for those not keen on swimming a huge distance, suggests Rew. The flow of the water also allows swimmers to be somewhat carried, or 'swooshed' along by the current. The OSS organise The Bantham Swoosh every year. "You can do it yourself every spring tide of the year and experience yourself swimming four times your normal speed."
Australian lakes, Australia
Where: Gippsland Lakes, Australia
Wild factor: 7
This selection of lakes also makes the bucket list. Due to bushfires and flooding, bioluminescent dinoflagellates (plankton) exist here which gives swimmers the feeling they're swimming among twinkling lights.
The green plunge, Samoa
Where: Samoa, South Pacific
Wild factor: 8
The Tosua Ocean Trench is surrounded by lush green trees and allows swimmers to enjoy beautiful clear water. It's a 30m drop into the pool and it’s located near the sea on the tiny island of Upolu.
Hear the story of another wild swim – Diana Nyad completed the treacherous swim from Cuba to Florida: