Water-lovers tackle Loch Ken Wild Swim at Galloway Activity Centre

Water-lovers tackled the Loch Ken Wild Swim on Saturday.

The event, run by Galloway Activity Centre, was one of the warmest on records, with around 80 swimmers enjoying the conditions over the weekend.

Friday’s moonlit swim proved popular attracting 25 swimmers. Lynn Wilson from Montrose Polar Bears won the 500m with Paul Snaith from HJ2O Trail winning the 1km in an impressive time of 17 minutes and 32 seconds.

On Saturday, swimmers took part in 500m, 1km, 2km and 4km distances. The 500m was a new introduction for less experienced and younger open water swimmers.

The waters were flat calm for the first three distances, but stronger winds made the 4km a challenging race with some swimmers battling in the water for nearly three hours.

Tegan Bishop of Gateshead and Whickham Swimming Club won the 500m with Teya Laidlaw of Dumfries Amateur Swimming Club the 1km. Tony Boyle from Balfron Swimming Club won the 2km and Anthony Teasdale the 4km.

On Sunday, a smaller group of experienced swimmers took on the Loch Ken 10km Challenge, swimming from the Galloway Activity Centre to Crossmichael Marina. Each swimmer was supported by an experienced kayaker with rescue boats on standby, although none were needed.

High winds made for a nerve wracking start to the event but all the swimmers successfully completed the distance in under 4.5 hours, with the winner, Paul Snaith finishing in an impressive 3 hours and 37 minutes.

The Loch Ken Wild Swim is in its 10th year, with more than £100 raised for Galloway Mountain Rescue Team.

The event began in 2013 and was largely attended by a small number of competitive outdoor swimmers. Over the years it has grown into a family friendly wellness event, welcoming people from all