The Red Bull Neptune Steps water adventure race returns to Glasgow this weekend with a challenge to swim up the Forth & Clyde Canal and over Maryhill Locks.

Elite competitors will brave the elements along with a few hardy souls by throwing themselves into the freezing canal for an open water swim like no other.

The Red Bull challenge, which has been called the world's toughest open water adventure race, is returning to Maryhill Locks for a fourth consecutive year.

As much of the country slowly thaws out following the beast from the east's arctic assault, only the bravest of swimmers will be back to take on the icy-cold waters.

Over 600 competitors will line up to swim, climb and conquer the ultimate open-water endurance test.

To complete the challenge they will need to swim through 420 metres of cold water, climb 18m over seven canal lock gates and be "pushed to their limits in a true test of speed, strength, and resolve."

Amongst the competitors taking part will be TV presenter and adventurer Steve Backshall, Olympic bronze medallist Cassandra Patten, and Olympian Gordon Benson to name a few.

Speaking about the event, Gordon Benson said: "I'm really excited to be back for this year's Neptune Steps challenge following on from last year's event.

"I'm looking forward to challenging myself with the combination of swimming and climbing, combined with the cold canal water - I think it will be a real, fun test"

Competing in heats throughout the day, the highest placed swimmers from each round will move onto the semi-final heat and eventually the final.

Each canal gate features a different obstacle, which the swimmers will have to climb over, before diving into the next section of water, including cargo net, ropes, wood ladder, rope ladders and a climbing wall.

Red Bull Neptune Steps will take place this coming Saturday, March 10, at Maryhill Locks in Glasgow.