Loch Ken Wild Night Swim
| 500m | £45.00 | |
| 1km | £45.00 |
To enter you must first Log In or Register your Details with SiEntries.
Wild Night Swim
Are you ready for something a little different? Now in its 6th year, the Loch Ken Night Swim is an exciting opportunity to try the unique experience of night swimming. The 2024 swim will be under a nearly new moon and you will get to slip into the loch in near total darkness. We sit within the boundaries of the Galloway Dark Sky Park and enjoy incredibly low levels of light pollution.
The event is run with one kayaker to each swimmer. We aim to keep things as dark as possible, always on hand if you need anything but allowing you to experience a truly unforgettable and tranquil moment.
Times and Distances
There are two distance swims, 500m and 1km setting off at 2045 and 2115 respectively. We recommend aiming to arrive a minimum of 45 minutes prior to your start time and please be aware there is a compulsory safety briefing 15 minutes before getting into the water.
Each swimmer is issued with an illuminated tow float and has a personal kayaker assigned to them. Most of the kayakers have provided safety cover for us for many years. Their kayaks are marked with glow sticks, they will be within earshot and can assist with direction or if you need anything but will otherwise let you enjoy the experience without interruption. All on water staff have lighting available if needed but otherwise the only lights will be the illuminated tow floats, glow sticks on the kayaks and lighting on the marker buoys.
This swim is a small event with only around 10 swimmers per distance.
Entry fees include a hot drink, snack and finishers medal.
Safety Cover
We have always had a wonderful chilled out evening on previous night swims, however the full safety team is there in the background should they be needed. The Galloway Activity Centre is an AALA licenced and registered RYA training centre and in addition to kayak support, there will be a minimum of two RIB’s on the water and the Mountain Rescue Team’s Water Rescue Team on the shore. First Aid is provided by Event First Aid & Rescue (EFAR).
The clean, clear waters of Loch Ken are ideal for wild swimming. The water is SEPA tested and as part of the hydro electric scheme is regularly filled with fresh water from the Rhinns of Kells. The temperature is usually between 14-15 degrees Celsius and wetsuits are compulsory (£2.50 to hire a from GAC). Shorties or sleeveless one-piece suits are allowed.
Charity Sponsorship
The centre works in partnership with the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team and swimmers can make an optional donation to this essential service. We're also encouraging anyone taking part to try and raise extra money by asking for sponsorship. If this is of interest to you then please get in touch and we can send you sponsorship form.
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
This event offers the option to purchase XCover, so that participants may be able to get a refund if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
Other events this weekend
| Sat 31 Aug 24 | Loch Ken Wild Swim |
| Sun 1 Sep 24 | Loch Ken Wild 10km Swim |
Save the date and share
