Channel swim veterans dive in for New Year dip in Loch Shiel

More than 30 hardy souls from across the UK, including three cross-Channel swim veterans, took the plunge at Glenfinnan on New Year's Day for the traditional dip in the cold waters of Loch Shiel.

The water temperature was 10 degrees but that did not deter the brave band of swimmers for the popular event, which has been organised for the last 14 years by local open water swimmer Morag Hughes who has completed the swim from England to France.

Also among the group were Lianne Hickling and Jean Wilkin-Oxley who, as well as conquering the Channel, have also completed many other swimming challenges.

Morag commented: ‘It was great to swim with Jean and Liane in the loch. Maybe not quite as demanding as the Channel but, nonetheless, quite exciting.’

Write Image. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The The three English Channel swim veterans who tackled the cold waters of Loch Shiel on New Year’s Day, along with nearly 30 other hardy swimmers – from left Jean Wilkin-Oxley, Morag Hughes and Lianne Hickling.