River deep, mountain high
For those who enjoy both walking and taking a dip, merging the two with some cross-country swimming can be an invigorating way to explore the outdoors
Many scenic walks follow the routes of waterways, from coastal rambles and riverside strolls to mountain hikes around clear freshwater lakes. Perhaps you’ve seen wild swimmers bobbing in the ocean while on a beach walk or watched hikers navigating the hills as you took a dip in a loch. The concept of cross-country swimming combines the two, with enthusiasts deliberately plotting routes through the countryside that involve both walking and water. This could be swimming parallel to a beach, then rejoining a coastal path, crossing a lake on a mountain hike or traversing a river to reach a secluded island.
Bringing people together