Ben Gallagher, Veteran and Ambassador for Love Rowing completed The Big Row Hike Row on 24th September 2024. Ben explains the epic and tough challenge he completed to raise funds and awareness for Love Rowing.
“I covered approximately 125kms of rowing and hiking, climbing more than 3,000m in elevation and pushing through three nations in a continuous endurance effort.”
Ben Gallagher
Day 1
Starting at first light on Monday 22nd September, Ben rowed approximately a third of Loch Ness and beached the coastal boat at the Lochside Hostel. Ben immediately hiked Meall Fuar-mhonaidh before returning to row the remaining distance of Loch Ness. A total distance of 58.7kms.
Day 2
Once the fog had lifted in Windermere, Ben rowed the 16.5km Lake beaching at Bowness. Ben continued the adventure running through Ambleside, and hiking the Fairfield Horsehoe.
Day 3 and the final day
Fog delayed the started but once it started to lift Ben was off rowing Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala) in North Wales. Ben rowed the length of this beautiful Lake beaching at the other end, and immediately hiked Aran Fawddwy. Ben returned to the incredible Swift coastal rowing boat to row back to the start of the day’s challenge.
3 Challenges | 3 Nations | 3 Days
Scotland – 22nd Sept 25
Loch Ness 36.4km
Meall Fuar-mhonaidh 22.3km (699m)
England – 23rd Sept 25
Lake Windermere 16.5km
Fairfield Horseshoe 17.2km (873m)
Wales – 24th Sept 25
Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala) 10.1km
Aran Fawddwy 20.1km (906m)
Individuals, rowing clubs, schools and organisations across the UK are matching Ben’s challenge. There is still time to register and complete a challenge by Sunday 5th October.
Why? To raise funds for inclusive and accessible rowing.
Huge thanks to Crew Room, Dryrobe®, Swift Racing UK, British Rowing, Great Britain Rowing Team, Scottish Rowing, Welsh Rowing, Kia, Josh Raper Media, Inverness Rowing Club, Beastie Boats, Windermere Rowing Club, Graythwaite Adventure, Bala Sailing Club, National Trust, Eryri National Park, Bala Backpackers, Lochside Hostel and to the team of volunteers who supported Ben around the challenge.
Images provided by Josh Raper Media.