An extreme adventurer has broken the record for the longest ever open water swim in Loch Ness – spending 52 hours and 39 minutes on the go.

Ross Edgley covered around 79km continuously without touching land or a boat for a period of more than two days and nights – enduring temperatures as low as 5C.

He also battled winds of up to 20 knots and long periods of overnight rain, and said it was “one of the biggest challenges” of his career.

He said: “It was one of the biggest challenges of my career physically and mentally, but the important purpose behind it really motivated me to push myself as far as I did and I’m so proud to have inspired people to make a difference.

“I wanted to thank everyone for their immense support and in particular the incredible hospitality I have received here in Scotland.”

The swim also aimed to raise more awareness of preserving sea kelp forests in Scotland.

Mr Edgley added: “The longer I’ve been working with Talisker and Parley the more I’ve learnt about sea kelp and how essential the preservation of these amazing sea kelp forests are.”

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The swim stopped at For Augustus on Friday afternoon, falling short of his original attempt to beat the world record for the longest ever open swim in tideless water.

The swim is currently in the process of being ratified by the British Long Distance Swimming Association.

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