12 UK Bridges Swim Challenge

 

Welcome to the 12 UK Bridges Swim Challenge!

A year-long open water swimming journey designed to inspire consistency, build confidence, and celebrate every swim.

The challenge is simple: swim one bridge per month.

Each month, you choose a bridge swim that suits you. With varying distances available, this challenge is open to everyone ~ whether you’re newer to open water, building endurance, or already an experienced swimmer.

This isn’t about racing or competing with others. It’s about showing up, setting personal goals, and enjoying the incredible physical and mental benefits of swimming outdoors. Some months you may choose a shorter, gentler swim; other months you might push yourself further ~ the choice is always yours.

Safety and community are at the heart of this challenge. Swim within your limits, follow local guidance, and whenever possible, swim with others. 

Every completed bridge is an achievement worth celebrating.
By the end of the year, you won’t just have swum 12 bridges ~ you’ll have built confidence, resilience, and a powerful connection to the water.

We can’t wait to see you take on the challenge.

One bridge. One month. One amazing year of swimming.

How the 12 Bridges Swim Challenge Works

The 12 Bridges Swim Challenge is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and achievable.

The aim:

Swim one bridge per month over the course of 12 months.

How it works

• Each month, choose one bridge swim
• Select a distance that suits you ~ distances vary by bridge
• Swim at your own pace, on a date that works for you.
• You can swim solo where safe or as part of an organised group
• Complete one bridge per calendar month to keep on track

Important things to remember

• This is not a race
• You don't have to swim the same distance every month
• Conditions, seasons and personal circumstances change ~ flexibility is encouraged
• Safety always comes first

Every bridge completed is a success!!

Are you ready to take on the Challenge?? Click here to join us!

Completing the 12 Bridges Swim Challenge is a huge achievement and deserves to be celebrated.

The 12 Bridges Badge

• Awarded to swimmers who complete one bridge per month

• Represents consistency, commitment, and courage

• A symbol of your year-long swimming journey

This badge isn’t about distance or speed – it’s about showing up, month after month, and honouring your relationship with the water.

Wear it with pride.

List of Bridges: Choose from these bridges and feel free to add your own local ones to your challenge!

Bridge	Distance
Bromford Viaduct	5,600m
Prince of Wales Bridge	5,128m
Tay Bridge	3,286m
Queen Elizabeth 11 Bridge	2,872m
Forth Road Bridge	2,400m
Humber Bridge	2,220m
Severn Bridge	1,600m
Thelwall Viaduct	1,371m
Erskine Bridge	1,322m
Kessock Bridge	1,056m
Saltash Bridge	667m
Clifton Suspension Bridge	412m
Tyne Bridge	389m
Tower Bridge	290m
London Bridge	269m
Foyle Bridge	234m
Pneumonia Bridge	200m
Gosport Millenium Bridge	180m
Tavistock Bridge	128m
Pulteney Bridge	45m
Mathematical Bridge	12m

Are you ready to take on the Challenge?? Click here to join us!