Castle to Castle Challenge | New Forest

New Forest District, UK

TW
23 reviews
Jun 7 - 9, 2024
Group size: 1 - 99
Castle to Castle Challenge | New Forest
New Forest District, UK

23 reviews

Jun 7 - 9, 2024
Group size: 1 - 99

About this trip

Castle to Castle Challenge | New Forest National Park

7 - 9 June 2024


'The three day swim from Castle to Castle, County to County'


An epic 3 day challenge to swim from Hurst Castle in Hampshire to Highcliffe Castle in Dorset, tidal assisted. Choose from three levels of accommodation;


Hurst View: Bring your own camper or tent.


Seascape Lodge: Beautiful private house with large garden  (Daily breakfast hamper provided).


Additional inclusive activities include: Sunset swim, sun rise swim, evening heated pool stretch and recovery session.


The full distance not your thing? We can plan you an optional shorter route each day (approximately 1km or 2km).


What is the full distance? Approximately 11km, expect to swim 3 -4km per day.


11:30am Friday - 4:30pm Sunday.


Suitable for anyone who can swim 1km confidently.


 

Who are the swim guides? - Mel

Mel is TWSCo's full time swim guide, Mel is a qualified Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Swim Coach and has achieved the National Water Safety Management Programme 

Mel is currently studying towards her Diploma in Cold Water Therapy, as well being a nutritionist, personal trainer and operating a successful Swim School 

Favourite swim- Bossiney Cove, Cornwall

Favourite retreat - Spring in Cornwall 

Favourite cake - Lemon drizzle 


Who are the swim guides? - Becky

Becky began work with TWSCo. as a hospitality assistant before completing her Beach Lifeguard and Open Water Lifeguard qualification in 2023.

Favourite swim- Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Favourite retreat - Studland, Dorset

Favourite cake - Millionaire's shortbread


Who are the swim guides? - Rich

Rich is a Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Lifeguard and Open Water Swim Coach and has achieved the National Water Safety Management Programme. Amongst this, Rich also delivers the whole suite of lifeguard and water safety awards for The Royal Lifesaving Society as a National Trainer Assessor.

Rich is also RNLI lifeboat crew and operations manager of Land & Wave, a busy outdoor centre in Dorset.

Favourite swim- Any of Snowdonia's waterfalls

Favourite retreat - The North Wales Swim Retreat

Favourite cake - Carrot Cake

What’s included

  • Breakfast
    Lightfoots Farm and Light Lodge stays include a breakfast hamper
  • Accommodation
    Choose your preferred accommodation
  • All swims & activities
    All swims included, plus any additional activities on the itinerary such as pool sessions and sunrise swims.
  • Cake, cake and more cake
    Cake is vital, homemade cake after every swim, of course
  • Beach Lifeguards
    We employ beach lifeguards and swim coaches. Can we improve your stroke?

Available Packages

Camping option | Bring your own

Bring your own tent or camper to Hurst View, with access to the site's facilities. Price per person. 2 Nights only | Add non- swimming camp mates in 'add ons' at bottom of page

£299
Deposit:£50
Luxury Private House | Double Room

Stay in a well furnished double bedroom at Seascape Lodge, with it's large dining room, kitchen and spacious garden, you can simply relax in style (see gallery). 


Receive your breakfast hamper each morning to prepare you for the day.


2 persons | 2 nights only @ £400 per person

£500
Deposit:£50
Luxury Private House | 2 x Double Beds

 Stay in a well furnished deep blue themed bedroom at Sea Salt Lodge, this room has 2 x double beds, with it's large dining room, kitchen and spacious garden, you can simply relax in style (see gallery). 

Receive your breakfast hamper each morning to prepare you for the day.

4 persons | 2 nights only  @ £350 per person

£350
Deposit:£50

Available options

Camping option | Bring your own | +Adult
£28

If you're camping at Hurst View in your own tent/ camper, add a non swimming ADULT camp mate here

Camping option | Bring your own | +Child
£12

 If you're camping at Hurst View in your own tent/ camper, add a non swimming CHILD camp mate here 



Itinerary

Day 1
Hurst Castle to Milford on Sea

On Day 1 afternoon (time TBC) we'll set off on foot from Milford Haven to Hurst Castle, before entering the water and swimming along the glorious New Forest coastline to Milford on Sea with our lifeguard team. We'll park vehicles in a manner to allow a return to the start.


This lovely swim will finish with some homemade cake on the beach. 


Join us in the evening for a sunset swim on the beach.


Dinner plans? Self cater or we'll help you book the best restaurants in the area. 

Your Organizer


TW
The Wild Swimming Co. Ltd
23 reviews
Incredible swimming holidays and events at iconic locations around the UK. ​ Fabulous food, wonderful wines and accommodation come as standard alongside inclusive, breath taking swims and kind humans on our holidays. Our unique holidays focus on bringing new people to the best secret and most iconic swim spots from Cornwall, Devon & Dorset to North Wales and the Lake District, in exclusive, simple yet stunning accommodation with every detail taken care of. ✔ STA Open Water Swim Coaches ✔ Iconic Locations ✔ Lifeguard Led

Reviews

A great weekend - the swims were well organised & meant we could push ourselves if we wanted to or take a leisurely pace if we preferred. Sunrise and sunset dips were amazing. Mel, Rich and the team were fantastic. The walk with Dorset mythology wasn’t quite as described but it was fun and nice to stretch our legs. Overall a lovely opportunity to spend a few days with like-minded people plus we’ve come home with a group of local wild swimmers to meet up with again.
By Natalie C for The Adventure Swimmer Retreat on Oct 02, 2024
My weekend retreat was a great holiday full of fun and and adventure. I felt very well.looked after, with great food, super itinerary of different swimming and dipping opportunities and challenges. Great information and guidance on swimming safety, open water swimming conditions and a great talk on tides and sea conditions. Absolutely the best staff and lifeguards continually looking after our safety. I really appreciate the hardwork and commitment of Richard, Mel, Becky and other lifeguards making my weekend so wonderful. Your support has increased my confidence and love of open water swimming. Pauline jones
By Pauline J for The Summer in Dorset Retreat on Aug 28, 2024
We had a wonderful swim retreat weekend in beautiful Dorset celebrating Fiona’s 60th birthday. The swims were the absolute highlight made possible by thoughtful planning, amazing local knowledge and the safety protocols in place. Thank you to the amazing team who looked after us so well, Rich, Mel, Becky, Elle and Hector. Sandyholme House was a great location, the catering absolutely hit the spot especially the post swim cakes. You were all so hospitable and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you for a memorable weekend.
By Kristina N for The Summer in Dorset Retreat on Aug 28, 2024
Thanks so much to Rich, Mel, Elle & Hector for a truly memorable weekend. I loved every minute. The swims were epic and the team do everything they can to make sure that everyone (whatever their swim level) has a wonderful experience. The team are so friendly and patient- answering all our questions to alleviate any worries and thinking of all the details to ensure a smooth experience. The food was great- particularly the handmade pizzas, their knowledge and experience was 5 star. I’d highly recommend their retreats to anyone who enjoys swimming and beautiful natural environments. It was a perfect way to forget the daily demands of a busy life.
By Michelle L for The Summer in Dorset Retreat on Aug 20, 2024
Really enjoyed this retreat, great swims and dips, good food (lots of lovely post-swim cake!), knowledgeable and friendly instructors and staff. Also a lovely partner the world which I hadn't previously visited. Would definitely recommend it!
By Sarah K for The Summer in Dorset Retreat on Aug 20, 2024
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