Swimming Across Every Bay in Guernsey - Diary of a Sea Swimmer

Pepper has loved the ocean ever since she was a puppy. Her swimming journey started with a few paddles in the shallows, then chasing the ball into the water and finally swimming right beside Bobby G out into the open water.

For a long time, it was just the two of them. Every day, Dad would come home for lunch and take Pepper for a swim and they’d go no matter the weather! I used to come down and watch from the shore and think, “Nope, not for me!” and I actually thought they were a bit bonkers for doing it all year round.

I never thought I’d ever be able to do something like that. But when I stood there watching them, I couldn’t help but think how cool it was that they did this together. And afterwards when they finished their swim, they just had so much energy and joy.

I became curious, because what was it about open water swimming that made them so happy? I wanted to find out for myself, and give it a go - so that’s what I did, and I haven’t looked back since. 

Don’t get me wrong, it was really challenging at first and it took me ages to get over the cold shock of the cold water. But we very quickly became this little swimming trio, me Dad and Pepper and now it’s part of my daily routine too.

We decided to set ourselves the challenge of swimming across every bay in Guernsey.

There are 30 bays in total, but because some of these merge into one another we’ll try to swim across a few in one go. Some swims will be just a quick dip of about 15-20 minutes, while others might see us in the water for longer stretches as we explore connecting bays or tackle more challenging swims.

We haven’t got a strict timeframe on completing the challenge, but we expect it will take us most ofthe summer to visit and swim them all, depending on the tides, weather and how much time we spend chatting, exploring the rocks - or stopping for coffee and cake along the way!

This challenge is not about distance, speed or setting records. It’s simply about getting in the water, enjoying the swims and spending time together (with Pepper swimming right alongside us). Along the way, we’re sharing bits of island life, local gems and the beautiful places that make Guernsey so special.

Guernsey is an island in the Channel Islands, tucked between the UK and France. It’s only about 9 miles long and 5 miles wide, and with a small population of around only 65,000 people.

Interestingly, Guernsey has one of the largest tidal ranges in Europe (up to 10m!), so the beaches can completely transform with the tide every day which makes each swim very different. In the winter, the sea temperature can drop to a freezing 8 degrees centigrade, and in the late summer it can get up to a pleasant 18 degrees centigrade, but we like to swim all year round whatever the weather!

There are so many gorgeous bays and beaches around the island that I think it would be almostimpossible to choose just one favourite spot! However, we do really enjoy the west coast of the island, especially Cobo, Grand Rocques and Richmond.

The peaceful atmosphere, clear waters and stunning sunsets always draw us back. 

As for our favourite cafe, it has to be La Vallette Bathing Pools. There’s such a lovely sense of community there. Everyone’s friendly, familiar faces pop in and out and it always feels welcoming.The food is consistently amazing (Pepper is especially fond of the bacon sandwiches!), and it’s the best spot to sit, relax and soak up the view after a swim in the tidal pools.

We’re documenting the whole challenge and sharing it on YouTube!

Expect an insight into island life, beautiful coastal scenery and plenty of laughs (and lots of Pepper content)!