About me

I am Les and I have lived in the Yorkshire Dales National Park for 14 years and in Yorkshire for 21 years. I am a roaming soul, a nomad, and am located and swim mainly in the Yorkshire Dales. I also have a real love for the Lake District & The Highlands of Scotland. I moved to the Yorkshire Dales before I had discovered the joy of wild swimming. I originally hail from Cheltenham, south west UK.

Most years, I work as a decorator during the winter months and as a swim guide between April & September.

I began wild swimming approximately 7 years ago after a decorating job took me, daily, past a beautiful stretch of water, and each day it caught my eye, twinkling in the sunshine. On the final day of that job, I decided I would bring my shorts and go for a swim after my work. Little did I realise how much that swim would positively impact me and change the direction of my life. It was awesome and that day, my mojo & fervour for life returned! Despite the cold, I was ecstatic for hours afterwards. The following day, I returned and spent the day picnicking and swimming. Since then I have swum regularly, often joined by friends, swimming through all seasons and during most weathers.

Fast forward several years and I personally have completed thousands of swims & dips in various locations with the majority being in the Dales, Lakes and Scotland. There is rarely a day I don’t swim.

The obvious progression for me was to turn this watery passion into facilitating swimming days and events, such is my delight in this wonderful, healthy & happy hobby. I love to share this life affirming hobby and these beautiful parts of the UK with others. I hold emergency outdoors first aid qualification, which is updated as required.

I’ve been very lucky to welcome groups and individuals from all over the UK to swim with me in stunning places with many returning again and again.

I founded the FB group ‘The Dales Dippers - Wild Swimming’ and I also have a presence on Instagram @thedalesdipper and Facebook.

I also support individuals in crisis, conflict or dilemma via my Swim and Soul swims, an opportunity to walk and talk and be genuinely met and heard in difficult times.

All of my work is done on a donation only basis. The suggested amount (payable after the day) for a full day of swimming is £70pp. Your place on the minibus is £19pp. Swim & Soul experience suggested donation, for half a day, is £99 (1-1), again payable after the day. No travel is offered for swim & soul sessions. I don't exclude anyone based on affordability, so please be in touch should require support.