SwimTrek
River Swimming in Herefordshire
On 5th and 6th July, Mrs Chellie Messenger and ten pupils and parents took part in a two-day open water swim challenge on the River Wye in Herefordshire. The logistical support was provided by SwimTrek, the world's leading swimming holiday operator.
On the first day they swam a total of five miles in two legs: from Kerne Bridge to Welsh Bicknor (and back) before setting up camp in the pouring rain. The following day they were up at 7am to strike camp and consume a hearty full English YHA breakfast before getting back into their wetsuits for a 10am start. The next leg was a 5 mile swim from Welsh Bicknor to Symonds Yat with only one stop along the way for a welcome cup of a tea (provided by the land support crew - Mr Messenger and his dog, Ripple).
After swimming through the magnificent gorge the group clambered 10 feet up a rope to dry land and then walked, in wetsuits and swimming caps, through the pouring rain up to the peak of Yat Rock and down the other side for a well-deserved lunch! The challenge ended with a coaching session and fun swimming races across the river. The SwimTrek staff were most impressed with the behaviour, courtesy, enthusiasm and endeavour of all the pupils, who had such a good time that they have already signed up to for next year.