Waterlog

The British Isles are blessed with a whole variety of waterways often encompassed within beautiful valleys, rolling hills, green fields and rugged coast lines. The presence of a flowing stream, waterfall or an idyllic pond can enhance a picturesque landscape.

While swimming in the moat located in his own back garden, inspired by thoughts of his son's current quest travelling in Australia and John Cheever's classic short story, The Swimmer, Roger Deakin decided he would undertake his own adventure and swim across Britain.

The Rambling Association's Right to Roam campaign is well publicised in the UK, so should that not include our right to swim in our lakes, dykes, and tarns? Deakin was ready to prove it did and planned a trip around Britain which would take him to numerous wild swimming venues.

Waterlog, is Deakin's account of his journey. He seeks out tarns high in the hills of north Wales, swims with salmon in Somerset and eels in the Fens. He describes the nature he sees around him from his unusual perspective inches above water level. His love of swimming away from the confines of a swimming pool comes through strongly in his writing. Wild swimming is an unusual hobby in modern society as we are constantly told how our rivers and lakes have become polluted by large industries disposing of waste via waterways and chemical fertilisers washing off farmers fields into out rivers. During his visit to a weir on the River Avon in Worcestershire, Deakin's hosts and fellow swimmers show him a letter they have received from the local environment agency outlining the dangers of swimming in the river. The letter describes how sewage can constitute up to 80 percent of the river flow and increase the risk of catching Weil's disease. Deakin takes in the scientific argument, arguing that the figures show that very few people catch Weil's Disease in the UK and of those who do, they are invariably not river swimmers.

Deakin has produced a deeply personal account of his journey. He informs us of any cultural, historical or geographic points of interest in a highly descriptive writing style which does not, however, read as an adventure story. Unfortunately, this means there is no climax to the book as a whole, but it does mean each chapter stands alone as a description of each area. Together, they make an interesting read and leave the reader with a wealth of information from an unusual perspective. --Stephen Payne

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Watery magic - Rated
Roger Deakin's book 'Waterlogged' is one of the most delightful books I have read in years, brought to life by a unique, easy and engaging narrative that brings the reader into the water of his stories. I have recommended this book (and also Wildwood) to dozens of people, and hope they had as much pleasure from reading it as I did.

Enjoyment was all the stronger - as an outdoor swimmer myself, it was a pleasure to dip into writing that so eloquently captures the culture, experience, mystery and magic of swimming in wild, cold, clear water.

Wet and Cold becomes attractive - Rated
I have read Roger Deakin's second book "Wildwood" first and knew already about his extraordinary writing skills. However, Waterlogged managed to be even better than Wildwood. His words are flowing through the mind like water down a waterfall. It feels almost refreshing to read this book.

He sets out on a task to swim in the wild rivers, lakes and ponds of the British Isles. The adventures that followed are very entertaining and quite interesting too, considering the political aspect with the Right to Roam Campaign, and also the environmental aspect of pollution.

You don't need to be a swimmer at all to enjoy this book, but you might become one afterwards. I do all of my swimming in the pool, but will certainly consider the Open Air alternative after reading this book.

Fabulous - well written account - Rated
A wonderful account from a brilliant writer and naturalist peppered with some wry observations on the subject of human nature and the futile struggles with burocracy. The accuracy of the comments on the natural world from a swimmers eye is a joy to read and gives an all too rare sense of the freedom of the individual to enjoy the natural world. A must for any book case - and could benefit from a hardback edition to match the other 2 texts.

Perfect - Rated

I'm only about a third of the way through this book but wanted to add to the reviews on the site. If, like me, you happen on this page by accident and think "why not?" please follow through with that first thought and buy this amazing book. It's so rare to find work that really cant be criticised and this, the eloquent reflections of what must have been a wonderful man, could well be one of those rare finds. It's exceptionally well written, filled with intimate details of what England must have been like in less commercial times and as fluid, rhythmic and enchanting as the rivers and streams the author so clearly loves. Did I mention you should buy it?

Wonderful book. - Rated
If you're the kind of person who sees water and immediately wants to go in, this is the book for you. It's practically a bible for the wild swimmer; full of marvellous places and written with such likable enthusiasm and fascinating detail that I really wished it were longer. Such a shame that he won't be writing any more.