we decided to take a look at some of the other difficult open-water swims around the UK, starting with a brisk dip north of the border in the Firth of Forth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Rat Race City to Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n What it is: A newish point-to-point triathlon that starts outside Edinburgh and finishes with a run to the summit of Britain\u2019s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: The race starts with a 3.8km swim in the Firth of Forth, which flows into the decidedly nippy North Sea. The water at last year\u2019s event was a lower-than-expected 9\u00baC, causing the organisers to shorten the swim leg down to 1km.<\/p>\n Age-group blog: preparing for City to Summit<\/p>\n \u00a0Rat Race City to Summit website<\/p>\n The Brutal\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: With half, full and double-Iron distances on offer, and all requiring a run up Mount Snowden, this is viewed by many UK triathletes as the country\u2019s hardest race.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: Cold, long (in the case of the double, very long) yet undeniably scenic late season swim in Snowdonia.<\/p>\n We also rate The Brutal as the toughest ironman distance race in the world<\/strong><\/p>\n The Brutal website<\/p>\n Celtman<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: Organised by the same people behind Norseman and Swissman, this Iron-distance race sends athletes across some of Scotland\u2019s most challenging terrain.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: A swim so chilly the distance was shortened in both 2012 and 2013, this Western Highlands epic is one for the hardcore only.<\/p>\n Celtman Triathlon 2015 \u2013 in pics \u00a0Celtman website<\/p>\n Ironman Wales<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: With a punishing course across the Pembrokeshire countryside that involves a constantly changing gradient, this is seen as one of the hardest IM races going.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: Two-laps of choppy sea and a mass of bodies before a long yet memorable run to transition.<\/p>\n We rated Ironman Wales the 4th toughest Ironman distance race in the world<\/p>\n \u00a0Ironman Wales website<\/p>\n Perranporth Triathlon<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: The \u2018Perranporth Extreme Surf Triathlon\u2019 to give it its full name, this is one of the UK\u2019s oldest triathlons and is hosted by the local lifesaving club every year.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: The name\u2019s a good clue: the race starts with a 1km swim off the rugged Cornish coast, where you\u2019ll be glad to be within reach of the local lifesavers.<\/p>\n Perranporth\u00a0<\/strong>website<\/p>\n The Snowman now known as Snowdonia Triathlon<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: One of the UK\u2019s most iconic races, this takes place in rugged north Wales and includes both Iron distance and sprint events.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: Last year saw lots of choppy waves, making the chilly swim in the lake of Llyn Mymbyr even tougher than normal.<\/p>\n Snowdonia Triathlon website<\/p>\n The Bastion<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: This new-for-2014 Iron distance event will take place at Hever Castle in Kent this July, looping sections of the existing Gauntlet route and taking athletes on a 140mile journey.\u00a0<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: Participants will swim two loops of the Gauntlet swim course along the river Eden, facing strong currents and multiple choke points.<\/p>\n Gallery: The Bastion\u00a0<\/p>\n Bastion<\/strong> website<\/p>\n Castles Triathlon<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: Taking place in the shadow of Northumberland\u2019s mighty Bamburgh Castle, this middle distance race starts with a beach standing start and connects some of the region\u2019s best landmarks.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough: A dip in the North Sea is never one to be taken lightly. Throw in waves and rival triathletes taking your line, and you have a 1.9km battle of mind and body.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0Castles Triathlon website<\/p>\n Helvellyn Triathlon<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n What it is: With a finishing line described by the Guardian as \u201clike a depiction of hell\u201d, this monstrously difficult race takes in some of the country\u2019s most beautiful scenery.<\/p>\n Why the swim\u2019s tough:\u00a0It takes place in Ullswater, just down the road from Davina\u2019s nemesis Windermere, where plenty of shady spots can make the temperature plummet and rumours of giant pike trouble the mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n Helvellyn Triathlon 2015 \u2013 in pics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Helvellyn Triathlon website<\/p>\n Enjoyed this? Check out \u00a0Iron-distance races: the 7 toughest?<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n How many of these races have you done? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" we decided to take a look at some of the other difficult open-water swims around the UK, starting with a brisk dip north of the border in the Firth of Forth.\u00a0 Advertisement Rat Race City to Summit What it is: A newish point-to-point triathlon that starts outside Edinburgh and finishes with a run to the … <\/p>\n
\nRacing Celtman for the \u2018Wild Lady of Lochbroom\u2019 \u2013 blog<\/p>\n