Britain’s number one Olympic open water swimmer, Hector Pardoe, is gearing up for a monumental endurance challenge: to swim the full lengths of Loch Lomond, Windermere, and Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala) within 24 hours.
The challenge, which begins at midnight on Friday 1st August, will see the Welsh-born athlete cover over 50 kilometres of open water across Scotland, England and Wales, to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing the UK’s lakes and rivers. The effort is in support of Surfers Against Sewage, a charity dedicated to protecting the UK’s waterways, both inland and coastal, from pollution.
Hector, who trains at Loughborough University with the British swimming squad, is hoping to tackle each of these iconic lakes under traditional BLDSA (British Long Distance Swimming Association) rules, meaning no wetsuit and no external assistance, just goggles, a swim cap, and determination.
“Each lake presents its own unique challenge,” said Pardoe. “Loch Lomond is vast, remote and dark, Windermere is known for its busy waters, and Bala, while the shortest, will really test my endurance after two long swims earlier that day. This is about pushing my mental and athletic limits, bringing awareness of the need to clean up the UK’s bodies of open water, and hopefully inspiring others to experience the physical and mental benefits of open water swimming.”
The challenge schedule includes:
- Loch Lomond (Scotland): 21 miles (33–35 km). – The largest inland stretch of water by surface area in Britain
- Windermere (England): 10.5 miles (17 km). – England’s longest natural lake.
- Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid) (Wales): 3 miles (4.5 km). – Wales’ largest natural lake.
Hector’s journey highlights his dual passion for elite sport and environmental advocacy. Already a World Championship bronze medallist (Doha 2024), Pardoe hopes this challenge will raise vital awareness and funds, while also inspiring others to engage with open water in a safe, sustainable way.
The event is supported by Jeep electric vehicles, and Hector will be accompanied by a full safety team on the water and land.
You can follow Hector’s progress on social media via @hectorpardoe
