After her life in London unravelled through drink and drugs, Amy Liptrot retreated to Orkney where wild swimming became part of her rehabilitation. Ella Foote meets the author of best selling memoir The Outrun

Ella Foote

SWIMTERVIEW

Many of you will be familiar with the saying, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Maybe it is just me, but I have always felt these words are never more true than when you are among swimmers. Often I have been surprised to learn that the strong swimmer beside me, confidently striding into the deep, is actually terrified of fish. Or how about the happy-go-lucky beauty that always brings cake and a smile but is actually full of hate for her figure. How often do you swim with folk who are carrying a weight on their shoulders?

I am standing on the shores of Waulkmill Bay on the Orkney Mainland watching author Amy Liptrot wade into the water. Ankle deep in sea kelp and swatting the famous Scottish midges Amy explains how this spot can get quite warm in the summer. The water is clear, with a turquoise hue and surprisingly for the wild archipelago it is really calm. Amy’s healthy body slips into the sea and we coo over the exciting news that she will soon become a mother. I admire her cool confidence, knowing of course, that each day for someone in recovery is a daily battle. “My story, the book, it is part of my recovery,” says Amy. “Writing a book about becoming sober also helps you to not drink again – it would be pretty hypocritical if I did.”