A new, first-of-its-kind event will see swimmers 'escape' from a Welsh island. Swim event 'Escape from Flat Holm' will give advanced swimmers the opportunity later this summer to swim 12km from Flat Holm to Whitmore Bay in what has been described as "a deep-sea adventure unlike no other".
Flat Holm is a Welsh island approximately 6km from Lavernock Point, Penarth, that holds plenty of history and is home to an array of wildlife. Since the Dark Ages, the island has been a retreat for monks, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, silver miners, smugglers and was later used to house cholera victims. You can read about the abandoned cholera hospital on the island here.
The small island is most known for receiving the first ever radio message across water in 1897 and was used as a defence line during the Second W. It is now used for guided tours, with visitors exploring the island and dining at the island pub, the Gull and Leek.
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And now Swim Wild Wales is using Flat Holm as a starting point for participants in their swim across the Bristol Channel to Barry. The 12km swim will last approximately 2.5-3.5 hours in choppy waters, therefore sufficient open water swimming experience is necessary.
The event was created by Swim Wild Wales founder Bryce Davies, who along with two others is thought to have made the first documented successful swim to the island from Lavernock Point. Bryce said: “With so many swim events focusing on the race format, we wanted to create something different, with more of an adventurous, expedition kind of feel, rather than a competition."
"This is a great chance to experience what it’s like to swim out in the deep channel, miles from shore, in a safe way with expert guidance. For us, it’s not always about being the fastest or most competitive, it’s about connecting with our environment and enjoying the adventure.”
Escape from Flat Holm is taking place on Saturday, August 26 and will cost participants £220 to take part. More information on the event can be found here.
