This challenge was put together as a training swim for Team Loch Lovers who are taking on the Uswim Monster Loch Challenge in August this year. This team consists of myself, Dave Quartermain, Gareth Rees, Daniel Ralph and Neil Stewart. Not to mention our vital land support Debbie Ralph. The Monster Challenge is Loch Ness, Loch Awe and Loch Morar all deep dark chilly lochs with monster mysteries lying beneath.

The purpose of this training swim was to do half the swim distance on half the rest we would be getting on the Monster Challenge. With Dave coming towards the end of his Channel training it was a perfect opportunity to leave him in the water for a 1 way, whilst the rest of the team relayed putting in 30 minute sprints. The water temperature was lush at 16-17 degrees for the whole 14.4 miles. The team took turns driving the boat and the usual 1 box per swimmer had been allocated. If we could survive this training swim together we knew we would be fine.

The team order was Dave , Neil, Danny, Gareth then me. Neil was excited for his first experience in Ullswater having never been there before. He couldn't wait to get in and swam strong for his stint.

Not one to shy away from the camera, it was Danny in next . Swimming smooth and strong he was reminiscing about his 2 Way Ullswater last year where one of the best photographs ever was taken.

Channel Solo Swimmer Gareth was next in and stroke for stroke swam by DQ's side bringing back memories of last year when Gareth knocked out a 2 Way Ullswater whilst DQ did a solo. All happy memories, but this time DQ has his Channel swim looming.

Me in next joining DQ for a stint , a rare moment on a swim where we are in the water together, albeit Dave needed to loop around due to being so much faster than myself, but it was nice to see the lads navigate whilst we enjoyed our swim.

After approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes Dave's 1 Way Ullswater was finished and Neil turned the team around to continue into the 2nd leg. Debbie was on the Pier to meet us and top up supplies. The Lake was quiet with only a little traffic by the sailing club. Each swimmer continued to relay down the Lake with the wind picking up somewhat.

The return leg was a challenge with the wind against us now, but the team continued to put in strong performances and after 8 hours and 1 minute the 2 Way Ullswater was complete. There was no time to rest, it was in the cars and off to Windermere to start the 21 mile swim into the night.

Boarding 'Gemini Warrior' felt like a step up following the little boat on Ullswater and instant comfort was felt. As this was a training swim we chose not to waste valuable time travelling to a starting point but to relay from the midpoint to fell foot, down to Ambleside and back to where we started. Still a 21 mile swim. The team order continued and everyone was excited about getting in Windermere especially in the dark.

Before we knew it the lights had gone out and we were aiming for The Lakeside Hotel. Night swimming is so magical and approaching this was simply stunning. The water had cooled since the start and you could feel the difference in temperature as as we approached Fell Foot . However the air temperature was kind and the rain was staying away. Each swimmer did 45 minute legs and team work really did come to play. Navigating the shallows and pots and pans in the pitch black required all eyes on deck. Great practice for the team work required for the Lochs.

Towards the last few hours of this swim the team were beginning to tire getting quieter and quieter on the boat. Not surprising really as most of us had been up for over 24 hours . This swim completed at the starting point with the rain stopping and a rainbow making a lovely arch over Dave as we finished. Time of 11 hours and 30 minutes.
Total distance 35 miles and 19 hours 31 swimming. Roll on the next challenge.