Open water swimming is fast growing in Scotland and an expanding number of events are popping up to meet demand. Many open water swimmers enjoy swimming in new places and in a more competitive, but friendly, environment. Here is my article published in the Sunday Mail. Read the pdf or see the full story below.
10 of the best… open water swim events
It’s easy to understand why so many people enjoy open water swimming in Scotland. The many open water locations, including lochs, rivers and the sea, offer an amazing sense of freedom and a chance swim amid a beautiful environment.
In addition, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives people the freedom to swim surrounded by nature and without payment.
Now a host of open water swimming events are encouraging even greater participation, whether for competition or to visit new places.
Here are 10 of the best open water swimming events in Scotland for 2017.
1 Corran Narrows Swim
When: March 19
Where: Corran, Highlands.
Distance: 440m
Cost: Free, although charity donations are welcomed.
You’ll swim across the tidal Corran narrows on Loch Linnhe, from Corran to Ardgour. It’s a short, sharp swim that could be very chilly at this time of year.
Slower swimmers may have to cover a greater distance if they’re caught by the tide but there’s a large beach to clamber on to at the finish, as well as safety boats and kayaks.
Contact: highlandopenwaterswim.wordpress.com
2 Loch Sunart Swim
When: April 22
Where: Ardnamurchan, Highlands
Distance: 1.4km
Cost: Free, although charity donations are welcomed.
Swimmers are ferried across the loch before they swim back to Resipole campsite. The aim is to relax into the rhythm of the stroke and let it become meditative, while sighting on Ben Resipole to stay on course.
Contact: highlandopenwaterswim.wordpress.com
3 Sound of Mull Swim
When: May 6
Where: Isle of Mull to Lochaline, Highlands.
Distance: 2.4km
Cost: Free, although charity donations are welcomed.
This is a challenging swim from Fishnish on the east side of the Isle of Mull to Lochaline on the mainland.
First, swimmers catch the CalMac ferry to Fishnish before swimming back to the Lochaline shore from where a boat will ferry them back to the start.
Contact: highlandopenwaterswim.wordpress.com
4 Island 2 Island Swim
When: June 3.
Where: Isle of Arran.
Distance: 3.8km
Cost: £45.
Swimmers start at Lamlash on Arran and swim to Holy Isle and then back again.
Vigour Events are co-hosting the event with Arran Triathlon Club as part of a festival of events, including triathlon races.
5 Bardowie Night Swim
When: June 10
Where: Bardowie Loch, Baldernock, East Dunbartonshire
Distance: 500m, 750m and 1km
Cost: £22.25 to £37
Swim in the open water beneath the night sky at this summer event. For
Visibility, you will be required to use either a See Swim or Vigour Visibility Bag with a light inside.
You can choose the swim distance and whether to swim in a wetsuit or without.
Contact: www.vigourevents.com
6 Glencoe Open Water Swim
When: August 19
Where: Loch Leven, Glencoe, Highlands.
Distance: 500m, 1.5km, 3km and 5km
Cost: £20 to £35
The swimming route heads from the shore, close to the Isle of Glencoe Hotel, and around the loch’s islands.
You will swim amid a fantastic landscape and might be lucky enough to spot a seal or two as you swim towards the islands.
Contact: www.glencoeopenwaterswim.com
7 Great Scottish Swim
When: August 26
Where: Balloch, Loch Lomond
Distance: ½ mile, 1 mile, 2 miles, 5K and 10K
Cost: From £24 to £58
Choose from five distances in this hugely popular event that takes place in the UK’s largest freshwater lake or loch.
You’ll swim with a superb backdrop of hills and mountains and as part of a slickly organised event.
Contact: www.greatrun.org
8 Firth of Forth Swim
When: September 3
Where: South Queensferry, near Edinburgh.
Distance: 1.4 miles
Cost: £83 to £88
Swim beneath the view of the Firth of Forth’s famous bridges from Hawes Pier at South Queensferry to the old pier at North Queensferry.
Contact: www.vigourevents.com
9 Loch Ken Wild Swim
When: September 9
Where: Loch Ken, near castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway.
Distance: 1lkm, 2km and 4km.
Cost: £22
Swim I the fresh, clean waters that come straight off the Rhinns of Kells in the Loch Ken Wild Swim.
The swim is in aid of Barnardo’s Scotland and swimmers can make an optional donation to the charity. W
There is also a fun kids splash session on the day at a cost of £10.
Contact: www.lochken.co.uk
10 Two Way Loch Lomond Crossing
When: September 23
Where: Luss, Loch Lomond.
Distance: 6.2 km
Cost: £62 to £67
New for 2017, the swim is a two-way crossing of Loch Lomond, from Luss to Sallochy Bay, and back. Each crossing is 3.1.k
Contact: www.vigourevents.com