Swiming around the Greek islands - in pictures

'A week of my favourite activity, with danger thrown in, appealed hugely. And in my experience, outdoor swimmers are an adventurous lot – right up my street.' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian 'Our group had exchanged emails before we set off, so I knew some of them would be on the same ferry from Athens. I found two, a young married couple from Atlanta, and we chatted excitedly.' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian Hannah is on the right: 'There was time for only brief hellos with the other swimmers at the harbour, but later, over a beer, I noted that everyone seemed not only normal but really rather nice.' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian 'Swimming is a peculiarly bonding activity, more so in a hostile environment where you have to look out for each other.' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian Hannah is on the far right: 'My fellow swimmers, ranging in age from 28 to 53, included a quick-witted West Country lawyer; a pair of lively sisters who worked in the family undertaking business; two adorable couples; a fellow London girl; a pair of fast-living international yarn salesmen; and our guides, Andrew and Mia, bronzed and gorgeous.' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian 'I started to enjoy the routine of the swims: the first, thrilling plunge; finding a rhythm to my stroke; stopping to admire the scenery or point out interesting fish.' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian 'Clambering on to the boat after our longest swim (5km) , I felt elated ...' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian ' ... It gave me time to appreciate what we’d done: we’d seen parts of these ancient islands hidden from most tourists.' Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian 'I promised myself, there on Naxos, that whatever my life circumstances, I would make sure to escape with like-minded strangers again.' Photograph: Hannah Booth A one-week Greek SwimTrek holiday costs from £680, including hotel accommodation but excluding flights. Flights with Aegean Air start from £73.50 including tax. Photograph: Hannah Booth/Guardian