Daniel Start
by Leo Wallace
Daniel Start, the inspirational and award winning author of Wild Swimming, talks to us ahead of the forthcoming publication of his latest book, Wild Swimming: Coast
BCUK : Have you always been a wild swimmer? Or was there one spot in particular that converted you?
DS:I was brought up in Herefordshire and we used to build dams and swim in the lake at bottom of the field. Sometimes we went to the Brecon Beacons and played in the waterfalls there, when it was really hot. Later in life I moved to far west Cornwall and lived near Lands End for a year. I spent most of my time exploring secret coves and caves. That's when I got the bug for beach camping and thought I'd try and write a book about secret coves.
BCUK: Whenever we mention 'UK beaches' to most people, they cringe with thoughts of tacky seaside arcades and gloomy grey shores, which couldn't be further from the truth! If you were to recommend one UK beach to prove these doubters wrong, which one would it be?
DS: There are so many fantastic beaches in Britain - isloated, dramatic, pure white sands - but many of the best are in Devon, Cornwall, Wales, Northumberland and Scotland. For one close to London I would choose East Head, a sand bar extension of the West Witterings near Chichester with some of the best dunes in Britain and a deep section for swimming. There's also a good place for mud fights and a warm water lagoon.
BCUK: For the slightly braver amongst us, can you recommend any UK beaches secluded enough for a quick wild dip au naturelle?
DS: Anywhere remote is good. We also list a lot of the more 'offical' of the remote rural naturist beaches in the new secret coves book. But my favourite is Holkam (west end) or Brancaster beach (east end) in Norfolk.
BCUK: All the statistics seem to indicate that camping in the UK is experiencing a boom in popularity, but what would you say to those people needing one more little push before abandoning their foreign holiday plans in favour of a few nights under canvas in their own United Kingdom?
DS: Britain is one of the most spectacular countries in the world. So few people actually bother to go beyond the car park that much of it is untouched and unexplored. There's a great satisfaction in getting under the skin of your own natural heritage. It gives you a sense of place and belonging. Plus I just loathe airports!
BCUK: And finally, we think that beaches and camping go together like peas in a pod, do you have a favourite UK beach campsite?
DS:I'd probably go to Three Cliffs on the Gower Peninsula. Incredible veiws, incredible beach.
Wild Swimming is the original handbook to the freshwater swimming holes of Britain. Combining inspirational photography, engaging writing and practical information this authoritative and beautiful book will guide you to 230 magical river, lake and waterfall locations throughout Britain - perfect for a swim, paddle or waterside picnic.
Available to buy from Amazon, as well as all other major book shops. You can also Pre-order Daniel's latest book Wild Swimming Coast