Adventurer prepares to swim 65 miles across Scotland for charity

An outdoor swimmer who has previously conquered the River Severn is preparing for what could be his toughest challenge yet - swimming from Fort William to Inverness via a series of chilly lochs.
Ross O'Sullivan swam the length of the River Severn in 18 days in April. Picture: ContributedRoss O'Sullivan swam the length of the River Severn in 18 days in April. Picture: Contributed
Ross O'Sullivan swam the length of the River Severn in 18 days in April. Picture: Contributed

Ross O’Sullivan will dive into the waters of Loch Lochy at Fort William on Saturday, August 27 and aims to complete his mammoth swim in a record-breaking six days by reaching the end of the River Ness by September 2.

The 26-year-old aims to raise more than £1000 for a children’s hospital in the process.

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Ross, who grew up in County Cork, Ireland, and now lives and trains in Cardiff, is no stranger to outdoor waterways.

He made national news in April when he swam Britain’s longest river, the Severn, in just 18 days. That achievement raised more than £2000 for motor neurone research.

“I think swimming across Scotland could be tougher,” Ross told The Scotsman. “The weather will be of course be a big factor. I think there will be a lot more thrown at me in terms of adversity.”

Ross will be supported by a two-man ‘paddle support team’ who will canoe alongside him throughout the journey. His fiancé Caitriona Hurley will be driving alongside to act as land support.

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“I’ll be swimming for five hours a day, broken down into one hour windows with a break in between,” he continued.

“The previous record for Fort William to Inverness is eight days, but I’ll be looking to do it in six.”

Ross was a college student in Ireland when he decided to take up outdoor swimming.

“I took up triathlon but only really enjoyed the swimming part,” he said. “I looked into swimming the English Channel but the training was too expensive.

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“With this challenge, we’ll be keeping costs down to a minimum and focusing on the fundraising.”

Ross and his team will donate proceeds from the adventure to The Noah’s Ark Charity in Cardiff, which supports the Children’s Hospital for Wales.

For more information on Ross’ swim, or to donate, visit his website.

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