GULF OF CORRYVRECKAN - SCOTLAND

The meeting times are dictated by local tides in order to ensure that your swim takes place under suitable conditions. A decision on whether an attempt is made depends entirely on the conditions on the day and will be communicated to you by your guides and boat pilot as soon as this decision has been made. If conditions aren't suitable, it may be possible to make a second attempt later in the day, however this cannot be guaranteed and SwimTrek will not be liable for any accommodation or extra expenses that may be incurred as a result of taking part in this alternative swim. Please note that the approximate total time of the trip (including boat travel and swimming) is 1 hour 35 minutes, with the actual swim taking approximately 30 minutes, depending on your swimming speed.

Below are the latest estimated meeting and swim times, subject to confirmation and change closer to the date of the swim:

Equipment List

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of eight guests. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.  Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and one support boat to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Swimming Distances

The point to point distance across the Gulf of Corryvreckan is approximately 1½km.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperature are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swim. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible. We will always try and carry out the crossing on the first opportunity, however, an alternative swim time (later in the day) may be required, depending on conditions on the day.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

The easiest way to get to Craobh Haven is by car, although there is the option to fly into Glasgow International Airport and rent a car too. The postcode needed to get to the meeting point at the start of your trip is PA31 8UA.

Travel to Craobh Haven

From Glasgow, Craobh Haven will take approximately 2½ hours to reach by car. It is also 20 miles south of Oban, which has National Rail and bus links available too. For further details on prices and timetables please see the below information:

Information tickets and timetables for trains to Oban can be found at National Rail.

Information tickets and timetables for buses Scotland or the rest of the UK to Oban can be found at City Link.

Information on local buses from Oban to Craobh Haven can be found at West Coast Motors. Please note that the 23/423 bus route from Oban to Craobh Haven does not operate on weekends.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Should you wish to stop overnight in this beautiful area, we suggest staying at the following B&Bs:

*The owner of the Dancing Fox is an open water swimmer with a good understanding of swimmers’ needs, so this is a perfect place to stay after the swim should you need accommodation in the area.

Extra Activities

Croabh Haven Watersports have a fantastic cafe on site, plus a picnic area by the water’s edge which is ideal for any spectators or family. They even run fishing trips in the evenings during the summer as well as kayaks and paddleboards to hire (www.watersportscotland.co.uk).

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring money with you to cover items such as snacks, lunch, drinks, souvenirs, etc. Please note, showers and a changing room are available at Croabh Haven Watersports, however, they do charge £2 per person to use.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

Passports and Visas

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and European Union. Non-residents of the United Kingdom require a full passport (or valid ID card for citizens of other E.U. countries) to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all E.U. member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information about travel insurance, please visit www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the United Kingdom, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.