Outstandingly beautiful, remote and unspoilt, the Isles of Scilly are every open water swimmer's dream. Just off the coast of Cornwall, this special place boasts ice-white beaches, Caribbean-like blue waters and picture-perfect harbours and bays. Now in its 6th sell-out year, the Scilly Swim Challenge showcases some of the very best swimming the UK has to offer, offering participants the chance to swim and walk between the islands, safe in the knowledge they will be looked after by a team of open water experts. The combination of swimming in the cold sea with the backdrop of the beautiful islands & changing (often challenging) conditions is an incredible experience.
In 2021, we will be offering the chance to enter either the 1-day Scilly Swim Challenge, or the 2-day Scilly Swim Challenge.
The Scilly Swim Challenge event – one of its kind amongst the open water community - has now become part of the SwimQuest family of swimming holidays and inclusive events. After a 6th sell-out year, the Scilly Swim Challenge founders, Nick and Bryony Lishman and Dewi Winkle will be working alongside SwimQuest, to ensure these events continue to run with the same much-admired, friendly and inclusive ethos they have become so well-known for.
The main focus of the Challenge events is on the swim journey as a group, from one island to another, in varied open water conditions. Emphasis is placed on the challenge aspect (i.e. NOT a race), getting everyone around the course with expert safety cover in place.
An epic, staged 15km swimming journey. The 15km swim is split into 6 swims, with a short walk in between each:
Please note, registration for the 1-day challenge will take place on Monday 6th September, and the post-swim party will take place on Wednesday 8th September.
A slightly more leisurely version of the 1-day event, spread across (yes you’ve guessed it) two days!
Please note, registration for the 2-day challenge will take place on Friday 3rd September, and the post-challenge party will take place on Sunday 5th September.
NB. weather can be unpredictable and we run these events with your safety as the main priority. Although we have always managed to swim, it may be the case that swim itineraries have to be adapted to suit weather conditions. Exact timings and event details will be sent out closer to the event date.
The Scilly Swim Challenge started in 2014, and was set up by Dewi Winkle (a Yorkshireman), Nick and Bryony Lishman (Scilly natives /Scillonians). SwimQuest have known and worked with Nick and Dewi for many years - with John Coningham-Rolls, Nick and Dewi working together on some of the first swimming holidays in Scilly, back in 2007.
The Scilly Swim Challenge has now become part of SwimQuest’s family of swimming events and holidays. After a 6th sell-out year, both SwimQuest and the team on Scilly are incredibly excited to welcome swimmers in 2021.
Visit the SwimQuest website at www.swimquest.uk.com/ssc