What an adventure Leg 4 turned out to be! Setting off from Oban, our incredible Roxy crew embarked on a challenging ~200-mile journey aiming for Thurso, the very top of Scotland. Skipper Neil Blackeby expertly led the charge, joined by the fantastic Stefan Shacker (on his second leg!), and welcomed new crew Claire Bedworth and Peter Wahlgren. A huge shout-out to Dunstaffnage Marina for their amazing support – we couldn't have started without them!
Day 1 kicked off with an all-nighter, as the crew powered past the stunning Isle of Mull and the postcard-perfect, colourful town of Tobermory. From there, it was past Mallaig and into the iconic Sound of Sleat and Loch Alsh, where they even glimpsed the majestic Eilean Donan Castle! Despite the "wet, wet, wet" conditions on Day 2, the crew's spirits weren't dampened. They pushed through, made a strategic stop at Kyleakin for some well-deserved rest (and a couple of breakfasts!), then continued their journey under the impressive Skye Bridge.
The adventure brought a full spectrum of Scottish weather – sun, rain, strong winds from all directions – but also incredible wildlife sightings, including playful seals, charming puffins, agile dolphins, and graceful porpoises.
Through Saturday night, the Roxy team powered north, embracing the challenge of the wild west coast. Day 3 saw them pushing relentlessly, dancing with the elements, until they safely reached Lochinver harbour. This stop provided a much-needed chance to dry out, rest, and regroup, especially as the winds proved even feistier than predicted.
Beyond the miles and the elements, Leg 4 was a testament to the human spirit. It was truly fantastic to witness a group of strangers, united by the love of rowing and the sea, forge lifelong friendships right there on the water. This leg was hard, challenging, windy, cold, and wet, but it was also filled with immense fun, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable companionship.
On Day 4, with strong winds in the forecast, the crew made the sensible and vital decision to end Leg 4, prioritizing safety above all. While the journey didn't reach Thurso, it was an epic achievement filled with incredible memories.
A massive THANK YOU to our amazing crew: Stefan Shacker for his inspiring dedication across two legs, Claire Bedworth and Peter Wahlgren for their strength, and skipper Neil for another leg safely and expertly guided.
This journey was about more than just the miles. We're immensely proud to be supporting Children in Need. Every stroke helped raise awareness and vital funds for children and young people across the UK.
What a whirlwind adventure Leg 3 has been for Roxy and her incredible crew! Kicking off from Porthdinllaen, Wales, with new skipper Ali Ball and fresh faces Julius Deane and Stefan Shacker joining the Roxy family (and a huge cheer for Graham Stuart sticking on for his final leg!), this stage was always destined to be epic.
Day one saw Roxy making a valiant push towards the infamous Menai Strait. This isn't just any waterway; it's a beast with currents that can hit 10 knots and whirlpools in a section affectionately known as the "Swellies"! The crew battled through, proving their mettle right from the start. With winds picking up, a smart decision saw Roxy tucking into Port Dinorwic Marina and then Conwy for safety, showing that even the toughest rowers know when to play it safe.
The weather continued to be a feisty opponent, but Roxy's team is all about adaptability! Instead of letting the wind slow them down, they made a brilliant pivot, heading for the legendary Crinan Canal. Dubbed "Britain's most beautiful shortcut," this 15-lock, nine-mile marvel saved them a treacherous journey around the Mull of Kintyre. Talk about turning a challenge into a scenic advantage! Even with grey skies and rain, spirits remained high as they emerged from the canal, setting their sights firmly on Oban.
After dropping anchor in Easdale Bay to catch the perfect tide, Roxy made her entrance into Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles." This bustling Scottish hub, with its natural deep-water harbour, welcomed our triumphant crew, marking the official completion of Leg 3!
A massive round of applause and heartfelt thanks go out to the incredible Leg 3 crew: Ali Ball for her superb leadership, Julius Deane, and a special, bittersweet farewell to Graham Stuart, Scotland's oldest Atlantic oarsman, who has been an absolute inspiration through three monumental legs! Your dedication has been truly outstanding.
Roxy is now safely berthed in Dunstaffnage Marina, taking a well-deserved breather. But the adventure doesn't stop here! Leg 4 from Oban to Thurso is already on the horizon, kicking off this Thursday! We're thrilled to welcome back Neil as skipper, with Stefan continuing his journey onboard, and we'll be introducing the new crew members very soon!
We've been sharing all the highs, the strategic pit stops, and the incredible progress of Roxy on her epic GB Row Adventure 2025! Now it's time to let you in on how YOU can be an even bigger part of this incredible journey!
We're rowing every mile to support the truly inspiring work of Children in Need. Every donation, big or small, helps make a tangible difference in young lives across the UK. Let's make this incredible physical challenge mean even more!
💛 Help us reach our goal! Donate to Children in Need here: 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/roxy-gbrow-children-in-need
What an incredible chapter the Roxy crew just closed! Leg 2 of the GB Row 2025 kicked off from Plymouth's Queen Anne's Battery, setting our sights firmly on the Welsh coast. This wasn't just about covering miles; it was about pushing limits and making every stroke count for Children in Need.
The adventure began with our initial crew – Neil, Graham, Jane, Rachel, and Sasha – heading out into some great rowing conditions. They made fantastic early progress, taking in those beautiful Cornish views and even making a smart call to anchor off The Lizard to time the next tide perfectly.
Mid-leg, we saw a pivotal, yet smooth, transition. A huge thank you to Neil for his dedication and leadership in getting Leg 2 underway! With a bittersweet goodbye, we then welcomed the incredibly experienced Andy Hodgson as our new skipper. Andy's no stranger to big rows, having circumnavigated Great Britain before, so Roxy was in the safest of hands!
With Andy at the helm, the crew powered on. They quickly passed the iconic Runnel Stone, rounded the majestic Land's End, and then braced themselves for the Bristol Channel. This section proved to be a real test, with strong flood tides trying to push Roxy off course. But did the crew back down? Not! They battled hard, showing incredible grit and determination with every single stroke.
Despite the challenges thrown their way, the entire Leg 2 crew – Andy, Graham, Jane, Rachel, and Sasha – gelled! Their teamwork was phenomenal, their spirits stayed high, and their resilience was truly inspiring. They even managed to make landfall in Wales just before some strong winds hit, showing fantastic timing and skill!
A massive round of applause to every single one of them for this epic achievement!
As we celebrate their incredible journey, we're reminded that every powerful stroke on this adventure helps raise awareness and funds for Children in Need. Their vital work transforms young lives, and we couldn't be prouder to support them.
Now, the adventure rolls on! Leg 3 is on the horizon, taking Roxy from Abersoch, Wales, all the way to Oban, Scotland. We're thrilled to welcome new skipper Ali Ball, alongside Julius Deane and Stefan Shacker, with the legendary Graham Stuart staying on for his final leg!
Stay tuned for more updates as Roxy continues her incredible circumnavigation!
The Rannoch Adventure GB Row 2025 officially commenced on June 8th with the departure of "Roxy" from Ramsgate, embarking on Leg 1 of its ambitious circumnavigation of Great Britain. The inaugural crew for this challenging segment comprised Skipper Neil Blackeby, Betsy Board, Graham Stuart, and Mark Latymer, with their primary objective being Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth. This formidable endeavour is proudly supporting Children in Need.
The initial days of Leg 1 presented immediate challenges from Mother Nature. Following an early departure from Dover Marina on Day 2, the crew faced significant headwinds and strong currents near Dungeness. Prioritising safety and adherence to the overall schedule, a strategic decision was made for Roxy to return to Dover. Rannoch Adventure extends its sincere gratitude to the Dover Marina team for their invaluable assistance during this unexpected return.
Despite this early setback, the crew's resilience and determination remained unwavering. Special acknowledgement is given to Henry Message from Hayling Island Sailing Club, whose swift support was instrumental in facilitating Roxy's re-entry to the water following the strategic diversion.
With renewed vigour, Roxy resumed her westward voyage. The crew skillfully leveraged favourable tides, making excellent mileage as they navigated key coastal landmarks. This included passing through the Solent, docking briefly at Yarmouth Marina, approaching Lulworth Cove, and rounding the iconic Portland Bill. The team consistently demonstrated high spirits and exceptional teamwork throughout these demanding phases.
Further weather-related challenges necessitated a tactical stop in Weymouth, where the crew opted for a sensible layover due to strong winds. Demonstrating their adaptability, they subsequently planned a night passage past Portland Bill and across Lyme Bay, harnessing favourable nocturnal tides to continue their progress.
The completion of this demanding segment stands as a testament to the crew's enduring spirit, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to the Rannoch Adventure GB Row 2025. This entire effort continues to underscore our dedication to raising awareness and funds for Children in Need, supporting their vital work across the UK.
Rannoch Adventure looks forward to sharing further updates as Roxy continues her remarkable journey around Great Britain.
We're buzzing with excitement as the GB Row 2025 adventure supporting Children in Need is almost here. Get ready to follow along as the incredible crews embark on the journey of a lifetime aboard Roxy 3. These dedicated teams have been training tirelessly, pushing their limits, and preparing for the ultimate challenge of rowing around Great Britain. Their hard work and determination are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing them conquer each leg of this monumental challenge.
We'll be bringing you regular updates right here on this blog, sharing all the highs, the challenges, and the breathtaking moments of their epic voyage.
Here's a quick recap of the incredible route they'll be undertaking:
So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired! We're thrilled to share every stroke of this extraordinary adventure with you.
