‘Brave, playful and full of heart, this book reminds us that in the cold, we find our true aliveness.’
Easkey Britton, big wave surfer and author of Saltwater in the Blood
Cold water swimming is one of nature’s most powerful resets – a plunge into the wild that clears the mind and awakens the body.
From reducing stress to improving sleep, the mental and physical health benefits of cold water swimming are well-known. But beyond the science, there’s something more profound: a chance to silence the noise of everyday life and rediscover ourselves through the healing power of cold and the calming embrace of blue spaces.
Cold water coach Gilly McArthur delves into this elemental practice. She shares her passion for icy water and wild places, guiding us through some of her most treasured experiences including daily cold-water dips in winter, swimming in caves and rescuing wildlife. Every encounter or ‘glimmer’ offers a chance for reflection and renewal.
Whether you’re seeking resilience, calm, community or simply the joy of being immersed in nature, The Beauty of Cold offers a life-affirming path back to yourself in simple, achievable and lasting steps.
Easkey Britton, big wave surfer and author of Saltwater in the Blood
Cold water swimming is one of nature’s most powerful resets – a plunge into the wild that clears the mind and awakens the body.
From reducing stress to improving sleep, the mental and physical health benefits of cold water swimming are well-known. But beyond the science, there’s something more profound: a chance to silence the noise of everyday life and rediscover ourselves through the healing power of cold and the calming embrace of blue spaces.
Cold water coach Gilly McArthur delves into this elemental practice. She shares her passion for icy water and wild places, guiding us through some of her most treasured experiences including daily cold-water dips in winter, swimming in caves and rescuing wildlife. Every encounter or ‘glimmer’ offers a chance for reflection and renewal.
Whether you’re seeking resilience, calm, community or simply the joy of being immersed in nature, The Beauty of Cold offers a life-affirming path back to yourself in simple, achievable and lasting steps.
Reviews
The Beauty of Cold is a love letter to wild water and the fierce tenderness it awakens in us. Gilly doesn't just write about swimming - she writes about belonging to the body, the elements and the present moment. Brave, playful and full of heart, this book reminds us that in the cold, we find our true aliveness.
This is a beautifully written companion for anyone wishing to become truly connected to the magic of cold-water immersion. But it is so much more than that. I know Gilly well and this book lets you into her world - and that too is so, so beautiful. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a real journey into nature as her vignettes will take you there.
Gilly's conversational tone and warmth shine through. I felt I had a trusted friend alongside to remind me why I love cold water and to coax me back in. And I realized I really had missed it! Thanks Gilly, this is the perfect companion - whether you end up taking the plunge or not. A beautiful ode to our connection with the natural world, each other and why this matters more than ever.