Loch Ryan Double

At last we managed something amazing! I swam across Loch Ryan and back avoiding ferries in 3 hours and 6 minutes. We were very pleased with the time. We think we may be able to register this swim so I have filled in the BLDSA form and here's hoping we have at last gone into the record books. We believe Lord Stair swam across Loch Ryan in the 1950's but we're not sure if he swam back again. Not sure if anyone else has done it.

The crew were as follows. Kayak, Harry Waugh and Emily Lawson who I have known since she was a bump and at 25 made a stunning debut on a sea kayak. She is an accomplished rower and took to the kayak like a duck to water (sorry about that one!) Harry Drysdale on the sailing club rescue boat. Reassuring and professional. Shore support, David Lawson, brother to Emily, very patient and thorough. Also the coast guard were on hand, saw us off and met us on the other side. Then they greeted me with a space blanket and loads of encouragement. The sailing club let me use their hot showers and it was the best shower in the world.

When we left the Wig slip at 11.30am, the water was calm. By the time we returned 3 hrs later it was raging. The wind whipped up and the waves were crashing over my head.

As we approached the beach on the other side I had figured that we would not be going back. I thought it was too rough and that the ferry was due. After a quick consult we realised that we could do it and it was worth a shot. There is nothing more motivating than seeing a very big boat loom at you on the horizon!!!

Once we had crossed the shipping lane I felt better but I still didn't want it tickling my feet..................

Thanks also to Gill for cooking the best Nut roast and trimmings I have ever tasted!!!!

We are still hoping to attempt Ailsa Craig next weekend.

Please cross everything you have to sort the weather out

Thank you