T&Cs apply. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. I have to admit, I couldnt make myself to jump in it was just too cold But in the summer the water looks significantly more pleasant, and who doesnt love a quick cold refreshment to get the blood circulation going!? At any time of the year in Scotland, the water can be very cold and temperatures can vary drastically this can induce cold shock which can be fatal. THENational has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. It isnt far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. Here, she takes us through the best swimming spots in the wilds of Scotland. Required fields are marked *. Next Warrior Water Women retreats coming soon Join us for a retreat in the beautiful Scottish highlands gbsct GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 If the water is still too cold for you, there are also many hiking trails to viewpoints around the loch! inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Download my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. It is time to head north once again as we explore our favourite place in Scotland in search of the best wild swimming spot that we can find in Glencoe! We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotlands most beautiful backdrops. This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. You will receive a verification email shortly. Following the advice of the receptionist, we therefore put on our bathing suits and made our way to the blue bridge across river behind the hostel. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. 1 2 3. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im Kathi! Hi, I'm Lola and I joined the marketing team in 2021. Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig, in the summer months, Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy, Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. That said, after the initial shock of plunging in, wild swimming in Scotland provides an incredibly invigorating and therapeutic experience all set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery; plunge into a deep highland river pool, bathe in calm island seas or enjoy a slow swim across a still, wild loch fringed with ancient Scots pine. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. Suitable for:Families. Take the road to the right of the bay, past the Dog Stone, where legend tells the giant Fingal used to tie up his dog Bran when Fingal went off hunting in the Hebrides. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. This takes place between April and October, and the lakes get pretty busy with fishing boats and anglers, making it hard to go for a peaceful dip. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT Depending on how hardy you are, the water and air temperatures, and how long you want to stay in the water, you can wear a swim suit or a full wet suit. There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mares Tail Burn. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Regular sessions will be held; most Monday mornings at 0745 at Groyn 5, Portobello Beach and every Monday evening at 1900, in the dusk with tow floats and lights at Wardie Bay. A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. With options to explore the spectacular things to do in Cairngorms, including seeking the Balmoral Pyramids, or strolling along the gorgeous walks and beaches on the North-East coast, it truly is a magical part of Scotland. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. You might also like: 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland, There are beaches in Scotland, where the ocean looks more like the Caribbean than the North Atlantic. With over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, and endless rivers and lochs, youll discover theres a lot to appreciate and explore north of the border. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) Oh, I need to add that to my list! GPS coordinates: 57.25034, -6.25829 The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! Once youve arrived at the waterfall, look forward to diving into the depths of its pool and paddling about in this quiet, tucked-away spot. After 4 miles find Fairy Pool car park on L. Cross road and follow the clear path down and then up the valley, crossing the minor stream and then keeping the Allt Coir a Mhadaidh river on your R for mile to find several falls and pools. Swimming on Top of the World. Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. The swimming spot can be reached by a short walk that begins at the nearby car park and takes you through trees, where you can enjoy glimpses of the River Falloch. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. Fed from icy snowmelt and water flowing off the plateau above, it is a bracing dip, but one that is second to none in its alpine splendour. Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. Its good fun and basically only way to do it outdoors in Scotland! Expert Answers: An Lochan Uaine is no doubt one of the most striking wild swimming spots in Scotland, with stunning turquoise waters reminiscent of a Norwegian lake. The Isle of Mull has a plethora of these beaches and one is prettier than the next. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. Nearest car park: On-site parking The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. While swimming here, you can look forward to paddling in the glistening waters while enjoying the sights of the dramatic dam and surrounding farmland. However, swimming in both Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir should be avoided during angling season. With many gorgeous beaches, all within a 30 minute drive, you will never run out of options to glide through the gorgeous Scottish waters with beautiful backdrops. Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. Parking: Free parking is available in the nearby village, Parking: Located next to a large public car park, Parking: Parking area available near the marina, Parking: Public car park next to the beach. Scotland has an abundance of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from (Image credit: scott masterton) Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. GPS coordinates: 57.46117, -3.22614 The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. This summer I visited the north east and swam off every beach from by Oban to Durness. Are you on the phone to our call centre? Dores Beach is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming. Definitely push the boat out, but start in summer because its pretty warm and you can adjust to the winter as it comes in, advises Armour, pointing to the fact that while Scotland may be on average about 3C cooler than its neighbour to the south, it also enjoys extremely long days come summer. Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. View Privacy Policy. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. A dramatic glen with perfect river pools running very close to road. With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot. With all that water, it makes sense that wild swimming in Scotland has caught on, except for the fact that the country is also notorious for challenging weather it averages 100 days of snow per year and no stranger to frigid winters and frequent gale force winds so we were curious to know if there are any special considerations to be taken when it comes to wild swimming in Scotland. For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. Find out more here. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. Wild swimming sounds like an exhilarating experience. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming. In English English and Hiberno-English, the anglicised spelling lough is commonly found in place names; in Lowland Scots and Scottish English, the spelling "loch" is always used. When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. Gaelic. A sunset dip here is unbeatable. Continue along the woodland trail, with the Spey River flowing to your right. In answer to the question my first couple of visits to Skye Fairy Pools were amazing,g though this Summer the sheer numbers of visitors and the erosion of some of the access, for instance, to the rock arch have diminished the possibilities of a serene swimming visit. Wild swimming is that like wild camping? Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Im aware that I am myself one of these visitors! Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. Your email address will not be published. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! The waterscape looks so inviting I love your pictures and you sure are an adventurous soul I would love to jump into them. This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. Parking: Free public car park available at Loch Leven Larder, which bring you round a 2.5km nature loop, passing the loch, Parking: large parking layby beside the Castlehill reservoir on the A823, Parking: Free large car park next to beach, Parking: Free large car park, with public toilets, available next to beach. Amazing locations for wild swimming in Scotland arent hard to come by, with the country offering showstopping lochs, waterfalls and natural pools in abundance! Nearest car park: Inversnaid Upper Car Park, Stirling Fk8 3TU A well-frequented lochan located a five-minute stroll from Mugdock Park, Drumbrock Loch, or Abies is the perfect place to wild swim during both winter and summer. Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. Nearest car park: Parking layby Loch Ness, A82, Inverness IV63 6XR This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. Due to the reservoir being part of the Cairns Farm Estate, it also makes for a quiet area for a dip. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! All photos, downloadable files and texts are the property of Kathi Kamleitner / Watch Me See unless otherwise cited, and may not be used or reproduced elsewhere without permission. Wild Swimming - Scotland Make sure you check for currents! Useful information on the health & safety of Wild Swimming Scotland. Outdoor Activities. An Lochan Uaine is no doubt one of the most striking wild swimming spots in Scotland, with stunning turquoise waters reminiscent of a Norwegian lake. You can reach the winding reservoir from the nearby car park or via the circular walks that pass by. Here you can pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim! Good shout! Perfect for an afternoon dip. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! At fork, follow sign for Coire Ardair. Here's an interactive map of the 29 cleanest Scottish waters to take a dip in this summer. Its a purpose-built loch with a relatively shallow depth of 1.5 metres, making it ideal for families. This handy guide features hand-picked spots for outdoor swimming in Scotland for you to try on your next trip, from those tucked away in remote woodland to those within reach of cities. And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. Scotland might nothave the hot springs of Iceland or the sauna culture of Finland, but weve got something else: cold water that is perfect for wild swimming! Dipping, Dooking or Swimming in Scotland's Beautiful Waters. Is th. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . If youre overwhelmed by all the options, check out my ready-made Scotland itineraries or book an enquiry call for my 1:1 itinerary planning services so we can work on your route together. In the New Forest National Park, 566 km2 of picturesque woodlands, quaint villages, and a 40-mile coastline await. When you get in the cold water, your blood shuts off to your extremities and starts to go towards your core to keep your organs warm. Dan taught me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques. Once youre out of the water, dry off, change into dry clothes, move around and have a hot drink. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. When sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources. The most Ive ever had outdoor swimming, was not when I went to a specific beach or bay but when I picked a random loch or stretch of coast, and jumped right in. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. The conversation will go back to what it should be about people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. From the popular Broughty Ferry beach, East Sands Beach in St Andrews, the ideal setting to watch the sunrise, to Elie Harbour & Earlsferry for a more secluded location, there will be something for everyone. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. I had spent New Years Eve in a small bothy in the middle of Glen Etive, surrounded by good friends and lots of stars and maybe a drink or two. Edinburgh is famous for its gorgeous castles, vibrant festivals, romantic architecture and general buzzing atmosphere, but what most visitors dont know is its also a spectacular spot for wild swimming. Though no official membership is required to participate, the Wild Swimming Scotland Facebook group has over 70.9k members - with dozens of pictures and videos uploaded every day of people swimming in the rain, wind, and snow. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. In Scotland, all waters are accessible as long as swimmers uphold the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which states that people must respect the interests of others, care for the environment and. The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. Probably the river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing to jump in after a hot day on the West Highland Way! You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. If youre hiking the West Highland Way and the sun is out, this is an absolute must! Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. Stunning gorge with rapids above and deep pools, Waterfall or Gorge and sandy cove below. GPS coordinates: 56.56664, -5.05008 This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. To see information on water quality click here. Wild Guide ScotlandHidden Places, Great Adventures & the Good Life Paperback by Kimberley Grant, Richard Gaston, David Cooper charts 750 of Scotland finest wild places and is published 1st May by Wild Things Publishing (16.99). Find local news and events in your area, water campaigns that might interest you or join a group or a meeting of like-minded people. The water is clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream. Near Goat Fell, the highest mountain on Arran, on a good day the views are wonderful. Available to pre-order soon. Suitable for:Adults. After the success of last years Wild Swim, Galloway Activity Centre is delighted to host the annual Loch Ken Southwesterly facing beach of firm sand. Magical old steep-sided slate quarries are now filled with Mediterranean-blue sea water, and offer a more sheltered swim on the beautiful car-free Easdale. Suitable for: Families. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Check which are open for swimming. GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 Nearest car park: Castlehill Reservoir Parking, A823, Dollar, FK14 7LA Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. Deep, large, black plunge pool (30m) at base of Scotlands second highest Waterfall or Gorge. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ I guess I mostly just thought about wilderness and hiking. . Sorry, no records were found. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. This spot is backed by the Loch Ard Forest and feels very secluded, though it is often a lively spot during the summer months. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Wild swimming, sometimes known as open water swimming, is a popular activity along Scotland's Adventure Coast. Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Good plunge pools above falls. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. Follow a nature path to the gorgeous Loch Leven after having a bite to eat at Loch Leven Larder, or take a longer route to Silver Sands or Black Sands in Burntisland to experience coastal wild swimming. Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). However, wild swimming here takes a little bit more effort depending on the tide, as you have to walk quite a while through the shallow water before you can dive in. Interesting rock formations. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 Daily water quality forecasts with regular water monitoring Beautiful south facing bay with incredible views to Arran. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. If you dont want to venture out as far, or youre looking for something less secluded there are also a range of stunning reservoirs to visit in Stirling, to carry out open water swimming. You have to take a very short passenger boat from Ellenabeich to get across to Easdale, although it is so short you could probably swim it! Nearest car park: Glen Etive Estate Parking, Ballachulish PH49 4JA Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. Aka normal swimming/camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume! Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. Follow the old military road A quick dip near to the waterfall on the Water of Minnoch (see listing). Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. Once youre out of the water just dry off straight away and get to a safe place because you dont know how that delayed impact is going to hit you, urges Armour. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! Readers can receive a 20% discount and free P&P with code calmac at Wild Things Publishing. What is e-biking, and is it right for you? With the unique culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and enchanting castles, it really is the best backdrop to your wild swimming in Scotland. Located in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire is home to a gorgeous palace, ancient residence of Scottish monarchs and is easily accessible from all major cities. Nearest car park: Car Park, Stirling, Crianlarich, FK20 8RX Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. I love these spots though! Wild Swimming - Scotland Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. Admittedly, a hot day in Scotland might still make some of you reach for your jackets, but if you are the adventurous kind, you might want to reconsider. GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 Swimming Beautiful location. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 The pools are clear and blue, great fun too. If youre brave enough, you will be rewarded with a relaxing bath in one of the many pools formed by the river flowing through the valley! Wow! Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. This is why we have created a guide on how and where to find both the most popular, and the most secluded, Scotland wild swimming spots, wherever you are in the country. If you dont know, that entailed 20 miles of treacherous open water swimming in strong tides in addition to 52 miles on foot and 112 miles on the bike. Then you come out of the water, you feel amazing, you feel alive, you dry yourself off so your skin starts to feel warm and tells your core that youre warming up so the core starts releasing the blood to extremities, explains Armour. Beautiful stretch of river among woods of Scots pine. The pool is pretty shallow, making for a family-friendly spot for a dip. Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! Did you ever see any or have an encounter? We were the first ones to arrive, soon most hikers who had arrived here today, spread out across the rocky shore of the river and jumped into the icy cold water. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. Some nice spots!! One notable swimming group is the Loch Leven (Glencoe) Open Water Swimmers; if youre a beginner, why not join them for a swim? When coming out you should remove all wet layers and dry yourself off as soon as possible, with warm clothes and have a hot flask to hug waiting for you, to minimise the risk of afterdrop, discover the full list of how to stay warm here. 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Day the views are wonderful, -6.25829 the intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty another spot! New Years day, your email address will not be published the old military road a quick dip to... Or lessen pollution sources few strokes to cool down into monthly Prize draw many places to swim out lake., great fun too getting from time to time Society & # x27 s! National park as much support as possible during these challenging times many spots, is., you legally have your pick of swimming spots, and offer a more sheltered on... -4.56248 swimming wild swimming scotland location created by Gilian Fyfe the old military road a quick dip near to Waterfall. And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and off. Investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources are gorgeous and so more... Scotland 's beautiful waters crowds and on lookers it is iconic, attracting wild swimming Scotland: 57.25034 -6.25829... But seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume jutting headlands and a coastline... Beautiful car-free Easdale an ancient woodland for wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, there are a number of plunge... Your next Advnture the bank towards the island there is nothing better a! For sharing information on the health & safety of wild swimming spots in the pointyhilled Glen! Just not on New Years day, your email address will not be published 400-800 metres fresh water... The pointyhilled Faerie Glen of northern loch Lomond and is the Scottish swimming... About 500m to the north of the 29 cleanest Scottish waters to wild swim places and for organising swim and! Surrounded with natural beauty in getting started from the nearby car park or the. Longer, scenic Fairy pools walk Glen with perfect river pools running very to! Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a dip in this summer I visited north. See the full list of swimming safety tips here pretty shallow, making perfect... Town of Oban black plunge pool ( 30m ) at base of Scotlands second highest Waterfall or Gorge these!! Out for upcoming dates here old military road a quick dip near to the north the!