Ross Edgley's Great British Swim

Watch Ross Edgley's Great British Swim

  • 2016
  • 1 Season

Ross Edgley's Great British Swim is a six-part documentary series that follows adventurer Ross Edgley's journey to become the first person to swim around the coast of mainland Britain. The series takes viewers on a 2,000-mile journey around the British coastline, from Margate to London, along the south coast, around Land's End and up to Bristol before heading north towards Scotland.

Throughout the series, Edgley tackles all kinds of challenges, from extreme weather conditions to dangerous currents, as he battles to complete his epic journey. Along the way, he also meets a whole host of people who offer him support, including fellow swimmers, scientists, nutritionists and supporters who help him recharge and stay focused.

At the heart of this series is a true sense of adventure and determination. Edgley is a skilled athlete and swimmer, but he's also a great storyteller, bringing viewers along for the ride with his witty, down-to-earth commentary. He doesn't shy away from sharing the difficult aspects of his journey, from the physical and emotional toll of the swim to the toll on his relationships back home. What emerges is a portrait of a man on a mission, one who refuses to give up, no matter how tough things get.

What sets this series apart is its use of stunning visuals and innovative filming techniques. From underwater cameras to drone footage, the series captures every inch of Edgley's journey in breathtaking detail. We watch in awe as he battles rough seas and strong currents, navigates the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel and swims alongside seals and other marine life.

At the same time, the series offers a fascinating glimpse into the science behind endurance swimming. Edgley works closely with scientists to monitor his progress and learn more about the physical and mental demands of long-distance swimming. Viewers will be left with a newfound appreciation for the incredible resilience and strength of the human body.

As he swims around Britain, Edgley also confronts the environmental challenges facing our oceans. From plastic pollution to overfishing, he witnesses firsthand the impact human activity is having on our seas. This adds another layer of depth to the series, as Edgley reflects on the urgent need for greater ecological awareness and action.

Overall, Ross Edgley's Great British Swim is a thrilling and inspiring adventure series that will transport viewers to the heart of one of Britain's greatest challenges. With its mesmerizing visuals, expert storytelling and compelling human drama, it's a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, all while showcasing the beauty and diversity of the British coastline.

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Seasons
Job done
24. Job done
 
After nearly three thousand kilometres of swimming Ross Edgley has entered the record books - again - by becoming the first person in history to swim around the entire coast of mainland Great Britain.
Leaving a legacy
23. Leaving a legacy
 
With Margate just around the corner and this most extraordinary of swims nearly at an end, Ross Edgley finds some time for reflection and begins to sum up the legacy of the Great British Swim.
What happens after?
22. What happens after?
 
Ross Edgley and the team have made it to Norfolk and are feeling pumped at their progress. During his banana breaks in the water Ross answers questions from fans who've followed his journey.
That wasn't just water
21. That wasn't just water
 
Ross Edgley has made it down to his home county of Lincolnshire and he feels like celebrating reaching this milestone. Getting there, however, involved swimming through some weird water. Then a storm allows Ross to take a rest and enjoy his birthday.
Fit for purpose
20. Fit for purpose
April 1, 2016
How much food does Ross Edgley have to eat each day to keep up his swimming schedule? Ross says he thinks of the Great British Swim as a giant eating competition with a little bit of swimming thrown in.
Unsung heroes
19. Unsung heroes
April 1, 2016
No man is an island, and the same can be said for Ross Edgley, who is only able to take on this extraordinary challenge with the support of his dedicated crew. Responsible for navigation, nutrition and safety, they are the unsung heroes.
Stir crazy
18. Stir crazy
April 1, 2016
As Storm Ali batters the British coastline, Ross Edgley and the crew are forced to take cover. And while the team waits out the storm cooped up on the boat - Ross is forced to reflect on life back home and deal with his demons.
Focus on the Process
17. Focus on the Process
April 1, 2016
Scotland continues to teach Ross Edgley some lessons in its brutal waters as he works hard to keep his head in the game after receiving an upsetting call from home.
Battling the Moray Firth
16. Battling the Moray Firth
April 1, 2016
Ross Edgley takes on the brutal Moray Firth in northern Scotland when he gets a surprise in the skies above to celebrate his 100-day journey so far.
Reaching John O'Groats
15. Reaching John O'Groats
April 1, 2016
After 92 days and 1,915km, Ross has made it to the to John O'Groats. Favourable weather and an eat, swim, sleep, repeat approach meant he also set a surprise world record from Land's End.
Shock Encounter with a Shark
14. Shock Encounter with a Shark
April 1, 2016
Coming up to the top of Great Britain Ross Edgley is facing Scotland's rough tides. Ross reflects on his swim speed so far and how much he's learned. Then when Ross gets in the water he encounters a massive basking shark.
The Brutal Reality
13. The Brutal Reality
April 1, 2016
Ross shares his special spot on the boat where he prepares to go into the water but before he can get into the water and continue swimming around Scotland the team faces issues with the mast.
World Record Breaker
12. World Record Breaker
April 1, 2016
Records are there to be broken and that's exactly what Ross Edgley has done this week. He's set the World Record for the longest ever staged swim. Most people would be happy with just that, but Ross knows there's still a long way to go.
A Changed Man
11. A Changed Man
April 1, 2016
As we hit the half way point of the Great British Swim Ross reflects on how his body is adapting to suit the challenge, and gives us three reasons why he is in love with the Scottish coast.
Who Dares Swims
10. Who Dares Swims
April 1, 2016
As Ross reaches Scottish waters, during his epic swim around the coast of Britain, he teams up with ex-special forces operative Ant Middleton to share the mental strain. And, his two brothers hop onboard the boat for some light-hearted shenanigans.
Dark Times
9. Dark Times
April 1, 2016
The Great British Swim isn't all sunshine and dolphins. This week Ross enters the dark zone and gives us a first-hand account of what swimming in the dead of night is really like, and brings us face-to-face with the creatures that lurk there.
The Pain is Real
8. The Pain is Real
April 1, 2016
After more than 1,000km of swimming, Ross's shoulders are starting to make some weird noises. Worried that this might impact his chances of finishing his Great British Swim the team call on the help of top sports physio Jeff Ross.
Decision Time
7. Decision Time
April 1, 2016
Having battled the waves to round Land's End, it's now decision time for Ross and the crew. Which way next? Do they go across to Wales for a shorter, but more turbulent swim, or take the (much) longer but more sheltered swim up the Irish coast?
The Battle of Land's End
6. The Battle of Land's End
April 1, 2016
Fitness pro Ross Edgley continues his swim around the coast of Britain's mainland. With 29 days behind him, he and the team are joined by surfing legend Andrew 'Cotty' Cotton and kiteboarder Tom Bridge at Land's End, the southwest corner of Britain.
Taking on the Royal Navy
5. Taking on the Royal Navy
April 1, 2016
As fitness pro Ross Edgley continues his swim around the coast of mainland Britain, tidal currents on the south coast force his route, adding more miles to his journey. Then, a couple of Royal Navy ships join Ross and the crew for a chat and a race.
A Sting in the Tail
4. A Sting in the Tail
April 1, 2016
Having battled salt mouth and a chaffed neck, fitness expert Ross Edgley faces a couple of new challenges: choppy waters and jellyfish stings. Despite that he's in a positive frame of mind.
A Pain in the Neck
3. A Pain in the Neck
April 1, 2016
The reality of the challenge facing Ross Edgley begins to hit home. Salt mouth, neck chafe and jellyfish are just some of the things he's encountering during his swim around the coastline of Great Britain.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
April 1, 2016
Fitness expert Ross Edgley is on an epic swim around mainland Great Britain. Take a look at what Ross will be eating, wearing and living in over the 100 days of his incredible attempt.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
April 1, 2016
Strongman Ross Edgley prepares for his attempt to swim around the coast of mainland Great Britain with gear checklists, physio advice and mental preparation. Get the behind-the-scenes story of this incredible attempt in the first of his weekly vlogs.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 1, 2016