Local guide swims across Loch Lomond
I’m a local boy, born and bred in the village of Tarbet, Scotland, and lucky now to work on Loch Lomond, showcasing the stunning landscape to visitors from all over the globe. It has been an ambition of mine for several years to swim the Loch.
It was my original goal to swim solo the length of Loch Lomond – from Ardlui at the northern end, to Balloch, 23 miles south. I started training ten months prior to the target date, with pool training during the winter months until the Loch became mild enough in April to get into open water. My training included a week’s swim camp in Mallorca with SwimTrek, primarily made up of swimmers training to swim the English Channel, similar distance to Loch Lomond.
Over the course of the summer months, between a combination of injuries and limited training, it became evident that a solo swim this year was not going to happen. However, along with two friends– Robin and James–we decided to swim a relay of Loch Lomond and leave the solo attempt for another year. The relay involved an hour in the water at a time.
On the 7th September, despite questionable weather conditions following days of heavy rain and lightning storms, we met at Ardlui in the early hours along with our support boat and crew. On the same day my very dear friend Susie was going ahead with a full solo swim. I swam the first leg, starting at Ardlui just after 0600hrs, with Susie swimming alongside. Thereafter, the boys and I took an hour in the water each, while Susie ploughed on alone in her challenge.
The most challenging stretch for me was over the deepest part of the Loch – at 200m (600ft) the Loch is at its coldest here and with previous days rain was particularly fresh. We were delighted and grateful for the support along the route from family and friends who were able to provide support and words of encouragement.
Passing Luss, our support vessel managed to take on board coffee and brownies, which went down a treat! With Balloch and the Maid of the Loch in sight, I completed the final leg of the swim, then all of us swam the last 100 meters. Finishing in under 14 hours, we were delighted to have completed the swim.
Our fellow swimmer Susie put in an amazing solo swim finishing in just under 15 hours.
Staurt Cordner, owner, Cruise Loch Lomond