On the Day
On the day of the event, there are a few key things that you need to know.
What is the Swim Route?
The swim route starts at South Kessock pier. There are two turn points marked with giant orange swim buoys. You'll start by swimming out towards the North Kessock pier. Just before you reach the pier you'll make your first turn right towards the Kessock Bridge. You'll then swim a short distance to the second buoy before making another turn right to head for the finish back at the South Kessock pier. See the map pictured below.
We reserve the right to amend the swim route on the day. For example, high winds may make the crossing unsafe, but we may still be able to offer a safe alternative route which hugs the coast without going over to North Kessock. Please see Section 5 of the terms & conditions for full details.
What are the Timings on the Day?
Event Timetable
0800 Car park & bike park open
0830 Registration open
1030 Registration closes, all swimmers go to the pier
1100 Mandatory safety brief for all swimmers
1115 Estimated start (may vary slightly according to tidal conditions on the day)
1200 Light bite and drinks begin at the event centre...
1215 Outgoing tide running faster - last swimmers out of the water
1330 (Approx) Raffle & Presentations
Is it a Mass Start?
'Timed' swimmers will be directed to the end of the pier nearest the water and will start first. 'Non-Timed' swimmers will be held further up the pier, and will start shortly after the timed swimmers.
What Facilities are Available?
The event centre will have the following facilities:
- Secure patrolled cycle parking
- Toilet facilities
- Male & female changing villages (not individual cubicles)
- "Dip area": a nice little beach adjacent to the pier where you can acclimatise just before the swim start
- Event registration
- Catering - to pick up your hot drink & light meal after the swim
- Trade stands
- Community charity information stands
- Visit the Old Ferry Ticket Office
How do I Get to the Event?
You have four options for travel to the event centre. Event Location
- The best option for most swimmers and their supporters will be to walk or cycle. There will be a secure bike park by the event centre.
- Stagecoach buses 3 and 3A come to Kessock Road, adjacent to the Event Centre.
- If coming by car, the nearest parking is in the Telford & Glendoe Retail Park at Go Outdoor, The Job Centre, Stirling Furniture and Poundland. Postcode for your satnav is IV3 8DL. It is 2km from here to the event centre, around a 20-30 minute walk. Quite a long way, but it is a peaceful and scenic walk along the Caledonian Canal and through the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. Please note there is absolutely no parking in the residential areas closer to the event centre. Doing so will harm community relations and jeopardise the future of the event.
- The final option only applies if you have mobility problems (or another valid reason). You can be dropped off at the South Kessock turning circle. Please add a free 'Drop Off Permit' ticket to your basket when entering. Please note that this is not a shuttle bus service from the Carse Industrial Estate. The drop-off permit just allows a friend to drop you off.
Accessibility Information
Parking: if the 2km walk from car park to event centre presents a barrier to participation in the swim, you can add a free 'Drop Off Permit' to your basket when entering, or contact us directly to request this. This will allow you to park adjacent to the pier at South Kessock for the duration of the event.
Registration & changing: the registration & changing area at the Sea Cadets is on the ground floor with level access. Event volunteers will be on hand to assist if required. Drop Off Permit holders can park temporarily near the Sea Cadets for registration & changing en route to the turning circle if this is easier.
Road Closure: there will be a full road closure along Kessock Road during the event. Only event vehicles & resident access will be permitted. Buses are temporarily re-routed and will not be coming along Kessock Road.
Toilets: there will be a wheelchair accessible chemical toilet at the South Kessock pier, adjacent to the swim start.
We pride ourselves on being a small & friendly team in the office organising this event, so please do just contact us if you have any questions.