Private coach transport from registration (in Pennal) to the start point (in Aberdovey)

Full safety cover

Aid station

Special commemorative gifts for all swimmers

Top 3 prizes in both wetsuit & skins categories

Event photos

Post-swim refreshments in Canolfan Pennal

WEBSCORER Timing

All logistics & reconnaissance

Canolfan Pennal, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9DR

By road: Penal is on the A493, 4 miles West of Machynlleth. Take the A487 out of Machynlleth, then at the roundabout turn onto the A493.

By train: Machynlleth railway station is on the Cambrian Line, it is where the majority of eastbound or 'up' trains from Pwllheli and Aberystwyth combine to go forward as one towards Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham International. Similarly, most trains in the opposite direction divide here before continuing West.

Water temperature at the start will be around 15/16 degrees, and around 13/14 degrees at the finish.

This swim will be tide assisted. If you can swim consistently for 2.5 hours at 3km/h or more in open water, and you have a sense of adventure, then you'll be suited to this swim. Skins swimmers must provide prior evidence of swimming for similar amounts of time in similar water temperatures.

REGISTRATION
Registration will take place at Canolfan Pennal, which is the event HQ for the The Dovey 13k. This is located in the village of Pennal. There is parking outside registration and in the village on the many quiet roads, please park considerately. Toilets, no showers. Kit can be left at registration.

07:15 - 08:15 - Registration at Canolfan Pennal

08:30 - On coach for departure to Aberdovey

09:00 - Swim start

10:45 - Expected first swimmer

12:15 - Expected last swimmer

12:30 - Prize giving

The private coach to Aberdovey (the start) leaves from outside registration - board the coach ready to swim.

THE SWIM

We will be starting just after mid-tide - the tidal assistance will be around 7km/h at the start, and drop by around 3km/h after each hour. Most swimmers will be past the 10k mark within 1hr 45m (the railway bridge that you will swim under marks the 10k point).

NUTRITION

At the 10k (by the bridge) there will be SIS GO Isotonic Energy Gels (60ml), jelly babies and water. The average time for swimmers to get to this nutrition point in 2019 was around 90 minutes. All safety boaters will have gels and water on board too.

THE FINISH

You can leave a bag in the dedicated vehicle at registration to include (for example) your towel/robe, warm hat, windproof layer, crocs/flip flops/similar, nutrition. This will be transported to the exit point for the swim ready for you when you finish. This should make the 12 minute walk back to the village a little more comfortable. Additional kit bags can be stored at registration in Pennal.

POST-SWIM

There will be hot drinks, and cake/biscuits/crisps in Canolfan Pennal included in your event fee. Presentation of prizes will be at 12:30.