The swim takes place on the same days as the triathlons but has its own registration location and arrangements, and you swim after the triathlon waves have finished. The venue is extremely picturesque and the organisation is seamless - Castle’s expertise and experience comes through here.

The swim was new for 2017 and the distances were new for the lake. Guidance was relatively easy with the different coloured buoys but to swim the 2.5k and 5k involves a number of tight turns, including a near 180 degree turn. Although the course isn’t as straightforward as some swims, the briefing helped everything to make sense.

The final part of the swim is in the river - approximately 1k, and is very beautiful.

The water was around 16 degrees so fine with a wetsuit (non-wetsuits optional too). Only slight downside with the lake is that it isn’t very deep so you sometimes stroke the plant life in the lake (and once even the lake floor). Not a huge problem, and I was more surprised by just how shallow it was!

In addition to the briefing, there were loads of kayakers so the course felt very safe at all times.

Finishers’ medal and goody bag was received upon completion.