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

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. 

Early birds can be wowed by a New Forest sunrise over the Isle of Wight's chalk cliffs.

Join us in swimming from Milford on Sea to Barton on Sea passing endless traditional beach huts, sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches and quizzical beach goers. 

Finish the swim at excellent cafe's and enjoy more glorious homemade cake.

With the evening's last light we'll exclusively hire an outdoor heated pool for a final stretch session before the last leg.

The final leg crosses borders from leafy Hampshire to delightful Dorset, swim passing great surf spots, endless golden sand and a forest back drop. 

Finish your trip below Highcliffe Castle with more cake and receive a Tame the Tides sew on badge for completion of your own personal challenge.