Hundreds of hardy athletes have taken part in a swimming spectacle like no other.

Last weekend saw the latest edition of the Barmouth Hurly Burly, an epic challenge which sees participants run, and then swim the length of the Mawddach Estuary.

The event includes an 11km run, a 10km swim, or a run-swim for people who want to do both.

The location is described by organiser Outdoor Swimming Society as “the most beautiful we have ever found”.

The swim started on the sandy Barmouth beach before taking swimmers underneath the historic Barmouth Bridge until they reached the Grade II listed Penmaenpool Bridge.

The tidal surges encouraged swimmers to complete their 10km in record time on Saturday.

Ian Lane won the event, although it is not strictly a competition, by completing his 21km slog in a whisker under two hours and 30 minutes.

An Outdoor Swimming Society representative was delighted with how the event ran: “What a day! Thank you all so much for coming to our first big Hurly Burly.

“Volunteers, supporters, sponsors, swimmers, runners, run-swimmers and spectators, you were all amazing.”

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