Beauty of Cold

'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

'The Beauty of Cold is a stunning invitation to return to ourselves through the elemental power of cold. Gilly McArthur's personal stories and hard-won wisdom shine throughout, reminding us that there is quiet joy and deep strength in facing who we truly are. This is more than a book - it's a ritual, a reconnection and a beautifully told plunge into presence."
Ella Foote, editor of Outdoor Swimmer magazine

'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.'
Mike Geldard OBE, retired Royal Marines officer and former head of Commando Training in the UK

'The interesting thing about Gilly, she is all warmth yet her superhuman power is cold. I followed her into the water and what I learned has stayed with me year after year. I know it will for you as well."
Rachel Roy, fashion designer, humanitarian and entrepreneur

'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.'
Nemone Metaxas, psychotherapist, broadcaster and DJ

'Whether she's armed with an axe from Aldi's mystery aisle, volunteering her curls as a taxi for a soggy bumblebee, listening to a lone robin's song or observing gentle cracks in winter ice, Gilly's deep connection to nature and warm self-deprecating humour are perfect for a journey of self-discovery and growth. Gilly's wise take on life and gratitude for the simple pleasures have motivated me to spend more time outside, leaving tech behind, and finding an inner peace and happiness in the wild.
I will never forget the overwhelming sense of stillness and deep connection to nature that came over me as Gilly gently encouraged me into the chilly waters of Windemere on a crisp sunny autumn morning. My mind was totally lost in the beauty and power of that special moment.'
Helen Fospero, broadcaster

'McArthur delivers a gorgeous journey through the experience of cold-water swimming that lifts the reader's spirits and energizes the imagination. The Beauty of the Cold is an illustrated poem that reminds us of the times when we have felt most alive. Part of McArthur's genius lies in the way she awakens in us the urge to play together outdoors. Each turn of the page returns us to a childlike curiosity - before we became too comfortable, too certain, too cautious and too disconnected. Hers is the kind of memoir we wish we could make for ourselves. She offers an antidote to the ills of our modern, industrialized world, showing us that our bodies are meant to be challenged and our brains are built to find harmony in small hardships.'
Thomas P. Seager, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering, Arizona State University; CEO, Morozko Forge

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.