BLDSA Loch Lomond

The 35km transit across Loch Lomond is a point-to-point endurance challenge requiring a 14-hour completion time. Swimmers start at Balloch and proceed north to Ardlui, navigating a basin that shifts dramatically from shallow southern waters to depths of 190 metres as the loch narrows. The route permits both wetsuit and 'skins' categories, though the latter requires prior verification of experience with the organizers due to the open-water conditions. For those exploring regional endurance options, Go Swim Loch Lomond takes place in late August, offering a different pacing for the season.

The landscape and history

As you navigate the northern reach, the landscape is dominated by the Arrochar Alps. The ridge of A' Chrois stands as a constant marker on the eastern horizon, while the peak historically known as 'The Cobbler and his Wife' looms near the head of Loch Long. These slopes were once central to local economy; during the reign of William the Lyon, the lord of Tarbet granted the monks of Paisley Priory exclusive rights to harvest timber here, a history etched into the rugged skyline you traverse. The water itself remains dynamic, undergoing biannual dimictic mixing in spring and autumn, which maintains the thermal profile of this vast freshwater body.

A legacy of endurance

This specific route carries the weight of personal achievement, most notably associated with the relay efforts of athlete Mike Taylor. By completing a relay here to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society and his foundation, Turning the Tides, he demonstrated the viability of these waters for long-distance charity swimming. The logistical structure of the 2026 event, which includes support for soloists and teams, follows this tradition of testing one's limits against the scale of the loch.