Danny Ralph Conquers Loch Lomond

Danny Ralph Conquers Loch Lomond

By Karen Quartermain

August 24, 2021

After 2 years of lockdown uncertainties and pool closures, it was Danny Ralph's time to conquer his Loch. Having always wanted to swim Loch Lomond solo after completing it in a relay team over 4 years ago, Danny let nothing get in his way. Hours and hours of swim training included being tethered in his back garden in the very pool that previous Johanna Bulley had spent hours in training for her English Channel solo.

Tuesday 24th August had a stunning forecast and the Loch measured a whopping 18.4 degrees at the start, a toasty temperature for this lean swim machine. No wind, no rain, just blue skies and sunshine, it all fell into place for his big day. It was a misty start, but it was guaranteed to be a belter of a day.

The swim was utterly glorious, with the biggest drama being the fact Danny's watch died 10 hours into his swim. We fed back all the messages of encouragement and support to Danny along the way along with some cards of encouragement from his family and close friends. I also got in for a swim to give Danny something else to think about.

12 hours and 35 minutes later, Danny walked out at Ardlui having utterly smashed the Loch of his dreams. Here is a short video of his day.