THE Scilly Swim Challenge returned to The Isles of Scilly last week with nearly 400 swimmers taking to the water – despite some very strong winds getting in the way.

Now in its 12th year, the Scilly Swim Challenges offers participants the chance to swim and walk between the Isles of Scilly alongside a team of open water experts.

The main focus of the day is on the swim journey as a group, and not as a race for individuals - the organisers even announce not the fastest swimmer but in fact the "friendliest swimmer" award at the end of the day.

This year’s event saw strong winds and adapted routes to suit the incoming weather but all swimmers completed the challenge, with the help of over 60 helpers and kayakers, and the organisers are already looking ahead to next year.

Alice Todd, co-owner of SwimQuest, the company behind the challenge, said: “This challenge is as good as it gets. It throws everything that’s wonderful about ocean swimming at you: the elements, stunning scenery, camaraderie, incredible support, a huge sense of achievement, connection with nature and endless smiles.

“Thank you to all of our amazing participants who took part this year and of course our friends on The Isles of Scilly. We’re already looking forward to being back next year. People just can’t get enough.”

Todd and her fellow organisers estimate that, over the years, the swim has brought over 11,000 visitors to the islands, accommodated over 36,000 overnight stays, seen over £1.8m spent in local shops and restaurants and left 90 per cent of participants keen to return for more.

The events, which took place on September 2, 4, 6 and 7, marked the opening of tickets for next year’s challenge via 2026’s charity partner, Level Water.

For more information, visit scillyswimchallenge.co.uk