We meet at the Loch Melfort Hotel in Arduaine on Scotland’s west coast. This is an ideal base from which to explore this unique part of the Scottish Inner Hebrides. We hold a full trip briefing overlooking the Slate Isles, located within Asknish Bay, and discuss the plan for the trip in more detail. After this we head down to the local beach for a short acclimatisation swim, which allows you to get used to the conditions before the trip starts properly tomorrow.

After breakfast we walk down to the hotel’s local beach where we meet up with our support vessel and begin our island-hopping adventure with a swim to the island of Shuna - named from the Norse word for ‘sea-island’. Keep an eye out for seals as you approach, as well as red deer and eagles. This is an ideal first swim as the stretch of water is non-tidal which makes it easier to get your bearings and get used to swimming with your fellow SwimTrekkers.

After lunch and a little time to relax, we carry on with our island hopping as we cross Shuna Sound and swim to the inhabited island of Luing. The first part of the swim is along the Shuna coastline as we swim above kelp forests, which hug the shoreline. We then cross over the Sound before arriving at the main jetty at Toberonochy. It is a stunning swim and a great place to arrive. On arrival we have a chance to explore some of the island on foot. If you could make it over to the west coast, and to Black Mill Bay, you will be able to see tomorrow’s first swim across to Lunga. Once everyone is back onboard our boat, we return to the mainland base and our accommodation. There are stunning sunsets from the hotel over the island of Luing.

A busy day as we meet with our support boat and head out to the island of Luing’s west coast and the wonderfully named headland of “Cobblers of Lorne” - our starting off point for the swim to Lunga. This is the first crossing of the trip which is tidal. We aim to finish at the inlet of Fiola an Droma which is a wonderful place to explore for sea otters.

We then take our boat support and travel to Jura and Bàgh Gleann Nam Muc Bay which lies just off the Corryvreckan. It’s a good spot to wait for the slack tide, which is when we will undertake this iconic crossing of this unique phenomenon. The sheer cliffs of Scarba are a dramatic site with wild deer often being spotted. Dolphins and minke whales have been seen by swimmers in the past on this crossing, so keep your eyes peeled. Once we have completed the swim, it’s back on our support boat to our accommodation where we take a well-deserved rest and have a chance to relax before we head out for an evening meal where we can look back on the day’s adventures.

After breakfast today there is a chance for one last swim. This time we head north on foot from our hotel to the shores of Loch Melfort. Unlike our other swims of the trip, this one is coastal along the Loch’s southern shore. Various wildlife has been spotted here previously. It is a relaxing last swim and a great way to be able to stretch out if you so wish. Returning to shore, we walk back to our hotel where the trip comes to an end.

We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during the course of your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as seals, 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. 

Walking Conditions

While walking is not a significant part of this trip it does help us reach some of the swim sites. Any walks we undertake are on either waymarked paths or mixed ground, which can sometimes be challenging and tricky underfoot.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures 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 swims. 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.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 12 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

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.

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 via Watersports Scotland.

Argyll has plenty of walking trails through forests, coastal and heritage walks. There is also pony-trekking, from local stables, museums and a scattering of castles.

Equipment Checklist

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.

**Due to the variable nature of conditions on these swims, it is advisable to bring a wetsuit along with you to use if required.

Tri Wetsuit Hire & Wetsuit Hiring Option

For all UK residence we have partnered with Tri Wetsuit Hire who offer different hiring options for our SwimTrekkers from 2 weeks or 4 weeks, to a whole season - Use 'SWIMTREK5' for a special discount on their website.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles but will fill your personal drink bottles. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you. For more on our Updated Packing List check out our: Covid-19 guidance.

Our base is the Loch Melfort Hotel located in Arduaine, in Argyll. While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights.

Driving to Arduaine

The easiest way to reach Arduaine is to drive. If you’re arriving from outside Scotland you can fly to Glasgow International Airport (GLA). Once in Glasgow you can rent a car. The drive from here is around two to three hours. Alternatively, Arduaine is around twenty miles south of Oban, which can be reached by public transport (see below).

If driving from Glasgow or Oban the postcode needed to get to the Loch Melfort Hotel is PA34 4XG.

Getting to Arduaine via Public Transport

Oban has National Rail and bus links. For further details on public transport prices and timetables please see the below information:

Information on trains from the rest of the UK to Oban can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Information on buses from Scotland or the rest of the UK to Oban can be found at www.citylink.co.uk.

Information on local buses from Oban to Arduaine can be found at www.westcoastmotors.co.uk. Please note that the 23/423 bus route from Oban to Arduaine may not operate on weekends.

Loch Melfort Hotel is a unique country house hotel set in 17 acres of gardens in the most amazing setting of the Argyll coast. The hotel has stunning views to the Sound of Jura and the Inner Hebrides beyond. Indoor and outdoor restaurant dining. During the stay there is a Garden Bistro.

Our accommodation is based in either the 20 Sea View Lodges or in the 10 main house bedrooms. Each is an ensuite bedroom offered on double or twin-share basis. There are a limited number of single occupancy spaces which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require additional nights’ accommodation before or after the SwimTrek tour, this can be arranged directly through the Loch Melfort Hotel via email at reception@lochmelfort.co.uk.

Food and Drink

Three breakfasts and two lunches are included, as well as dinner at the Loch Melfort Hotel on the first night. Other meals are at your own expense. This gives you the opportunity to either dine at the Loch Melfort Hotel again or to explore and experience a local restaurant of your choice.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as entertainment, dinners, snacks, and souvenirs. The local currency in the UK is British Pound Sterling (£).

In some countries tipping, gratuities, is not part of the culture in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guides, but many groups like to present something to the guides at the end of the trip.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of the UK require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not currently require a visa to enter the UK. 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

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection that is passed to humans via infected ticks. Ticks are present on many of the deer on the islands. They can be picked up when walking anywhere on the islands. Your guides will brief you about checks that you should carry out during and after the trip.

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the UK, 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

Due to our remote location, mobile signal at the Loch Melfort Hotel can be limited, however a satellite dish has been installed allowing much faster data transfer and phone signal within the whole hotel. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all bedrooms and public rooms.

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