Just over a year ago I was smoking, drinking, and doing absolutely no exercise. If you’d told me then that I’d sign up for a city-wide swimming challenge, I’d have laughed.

This year I’m taking part in the Victorian Pool Crawl — a long walk combined with multiple 1km swims across Edinburgh — to raise money for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.

The 2026 Victorian Pool Crawl will see up to 75 people walking 16 kilometres and swimming up to 1km in each of all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian pools in a single day to raise over £350 each for our Active Communities programme.

The challenge begins at Dalry Swim Centre and winds its way through the city, finishing in style on the promenade at Portobello Swim Centre. Expect a day of camaraderie, iconic locations, and an unforgettable sense of achievement!

Active Communities helps over 14,700 people each year who face barriers to getting active, including those living with health problems, disabilities, inequality, or poverty. Their work helps people improve their health, confidence, and quality of life, and brings communities together through movement.

My own lifestyle change has shown me how powerful being active can be. This programme gives that same opportunity to people who might not otherwise have access to it.

This Easter Monday spectacle will raise vital funds to support people of all ages in Edinburgh who face barriers to leading healthy, active, lives.