This September sees the return of the Loch Ken Wild Swim, celebrating Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. Starting from the Galloway Activity Centre, the swim is a family friendly event bringing swimming enthusiasts from all over the country to enjoy the clear waters of Loch Ken. On Saturday 11th September, 120 wild swimmers will venture into the water 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. Swimming at night is an extra challenge for the adventurous swimmer and Loch Ken was one of the first venues to promote this exciting past time. 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. The sight of a wave of swimmers slipping out into the dark, gently illuminated by their tow floats is an incredible sight to behold.
The weekend will round off with Loch Ken’s first ever 10km end to end swim. 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 Loch Ken Wild Swim is supported by EventScotland through the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 and Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund.
Director of the Galloway Activity Centre and keen swimmer, Richard Hermon says, “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! Loch Ken is one of the cleanest Loch’s in Scotland and home to regular outdoor swimming groups where many found their love of this fast growing sport. 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 https://www.lochken.co.uk/events/wild-swim for more information.
