The Loch Ken Wild Swim will return later this month.
Celebrating VisitScotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, the swim is a family friendly event bringing enthusiasts from all over the country to enjoy the clear waters of the loch.
On Saturday, September 11, 120 wild swimmers will venture into the water at Galloway Activity Centre to take part in a 1km, 2km and 4km wild swim. There’s something for the youngsters too, with a timed kids splash session, including parts of the activity centre’s famous wobbly waterpark.
As part of the weekend’s festivities, a group of swimmers will brave the waters after dark on Friday night for the infamous Loch Ken Night Swim.
The loch sits within the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, an area of exceptionally dark skies which people travel from all around to experience the phenomenal astral displays. A wave of swimmers slipping out into the dark, gently illuminated by their tow floats is an incredible sight to behold.
The weekend will be rounded off with Loch Ken’s first ever 10km end-to-end swim, which promises to be a real endurance challenge for the experienced swimmer taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Scotland.
Participants can push themselves within the safety of an organised event, with safety cover provided on the water by the activity centre’s experienced team.
The centre’s director, Richard Hermon, said: “Cancelling last year’s event was a huge blow to us and we’re so pleased to be back doing what we love.
“We will be taking extra precautions this year but in terms of the virus, swimming outdoors is very safe and we’re looking forward to welcoming both old and new faces to the loch.”
With the risks of swimming indoors during the pandemic, many have taken up wild swimming and discovered the invigorating pleasure of splashing into the cold.
As with all outdoor activities, wild swimming carries risks and an organised event is a great way to get started. For more information on this annual event, contact Galloway Activity Centre on 01556 502011 or head to www.lochken.co.uk/wildswim for more information.
