Winter Wild Swimming Guidance in Lochs and Rivers
For many of us, inland wild swimming doesn’t stop when the temperature drops—it simply changes. Winter swimming can be deeply
Ask any group of outdoor swimmers what they call their practice, and you’ll get a variety of answers. Some will call it wild swimming, others simply swimming. In my family, my granny learnt to swim outdoors, and that was exactly what it was, swimming. Whether it’s a bracing New Year’s Day dip or a peaceful summer float in a loch, the terminology varies by culture, region, tribal banter or personal preference. Let’s dive in and explore some of the most common terms used to describe swimming in nature.
In the eighteenth century cold water bathing, largely for medicinal purposes, became increasingly popular, and this trend was accelerated and transformed by the Romantic cult of wild nature. Swimming was deemed integral for a range of bodily, mental, and spiritual pleasures. the popularisation of swimming in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries featured heavily in the lives of some major Romantic writers including (Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, and Lord Byron), and explores the deepening range of its literary meanings. The neoromantic wild swimming movement has come around again and seen through the rapidly growing trend in the UK in recent years in response to the restrictions on access to public pools, together with the preference to be immersed in nature.
Wild Swimming
Wild swimming is perhaps the most commonly recognised term, particularly in the UK. It refers to swimming in natural bodies of water such as rivers, lochs, lakes, and the sea—anywhere outside of a controlled, chlorinated environment. This phrase has gained popularity in recent years as people seek out nature for health benefits and adventure.
Dooking
A distinctly Scottish term, dooking refers to dipping or plunging into cold water. It’s most famously associated with the Loony Dook, an annual New Year’s Day event where brave swimmers take a freezing dip in the Firth of Forth. Dooking is often quick—more of a dip than a swim—but it embodies the spirit of cold water exhilaration.
Open Water Swimming
This is the more formal term, often used in competitive settings. Open water swimming typically refers to longer swims in outdoor environments such as lakes, rivers, and seas. It’s the term most associated with endurance events like the English Channel swim or triathlons.
Forest Swims
A newer term gaining popularity, forest swims combine the immersion of swimming with the sensory experience of woodland surroundings. Similar to the Japanese concept of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), forest swims encourage a mindful connection with nature by swimming in tree-lined waters.
Hydromania
This is now my new favourite word. For those utterly obsessed with water, the term hydromania captures what has now become my favourite term. It refers to an excessive craving or love for water. It can also be described as an intense attraction to water. Hydromaniacs can be found swimming in all seasons, embracing both the joy and challenge of the elements.
Blue Mind
Blue Mind refers to the calming, meditative effect that being in or near water has on the brain. The term, popularised by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, describes how swimming in natural water can reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve overall well-being.
Just Swimming
And then, of course, there’s the simplest term of all—just swimming. My granny never saw the need for fancy names; to her, it was simply swimming. No matter what you call it, the experience remains the same: the cold shock, the freedom, the joy of being at one with nature.
To be honest, who cares and no matter what term you prefer, swimming in nature offers a unique thrill and connection to the wild. Whether you’re a dooker, a wild swimmer, or an open water enthusiast, the language we use is just as diverse as the waters we love to explore.
As part of the outdoor swimming tribe, what is your preference? How do you refer to your wacky recreational activity?
Now let’s head off to your favourite watery spot, embrace the environment and just enjoy the wonderful natural world around us.
For many of us, inland wild swimming doesn’t stop when the temperature drops—it simply changes. Winter swimming can be deeply
I reached out to the pals I swim with as the magic of water resonates with so many people and
I asked my swim buddy to share with me his experience of cold water dipping and what I received was