Suitable for:Families. You might also like: A practical guide for snorkelling in Scotland. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! 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. Required fields are marked *. Suitable for:Families. THENational has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. GPS coordinates: 56.19663, -3.3764 Britains longest lake and home to Nessie. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. A Gannett Company. And if you think thats a mouthful, just wait for how cold the water is! You can reach the waterfall by venturing a short distance from the hamlet of Inversnaid. Lively currents will give you a boost as you head downstream. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. Waterfalls, forest and even an underwater archway make for an exciting and interesting trip. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! Although it may take a while to brave the cold, after the first dip, it is said that open water swimming in Scotland is a spectacular, energising and invigorating activity that has a number of impressive health benefits. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. Make sure you check for currents! The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Swimming Wild in Scotland by Alice Goodridge is an informative and inspiring book for both new and experienced wild swimmers, featuring over 100 of the best wild swimming spots across the Scottish mainland and islands. Stunning and wild backdrop. www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. Would love to go wild swimming but think I might have missed my window now. Here are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. Ha ha I dont know what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water is warmer then than in the Spring! From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Wild Swimming - Scotland But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? 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. Popular for wild camping. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. 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. The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration. READ MORE: Wild swimming Scotland - The top 10 best places to go Sites which have consistently been of excellent water quality are only sampled five times. 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. Was it cold? Suitable for:Families. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! The waters of Scotland be in the North Atlantic sea or the rivers and lakes fed by mountain springs, rain water and snow melt can be freezing cold. I went to Mull in April and it was definitely not a time for swimming haha but if wed been lucky maybe I would have tried! Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Scotland Embued with legend and fairy tales, the famous 'Allt Coir a Mhadaidh' pools and waterfalls are tinged with jade hues due to the volcanic gabbro rocks and the mystical peaks of the Black Cuillin mountains tower . Despite its peaceful surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care here. The L-shaped pool is the usual swimming one. If you want to turn your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking. Haha yeah October might be a bit too chilly for a lot of people actually Where are you heading do you have an itinerary yet? Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. The Tayside city is a vibrant and compact city that is slowly becoming a modern wonder. Are you inspired by these spots for open water swimming in Scotland? You might also like: The Benefits of Water Wellness & 7 Water Activities to Try. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. With the Ayrshire Coastal Path backing the beach, there are excellent views over the Firth of Clyde to the Island of Arran. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond . Secluded place to access shoreline opposite dramatic Urquhart Castle, down through fields. A gently shelving section of river beach, deepening to 4m, with large flat rocks on the nearside. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. GPS coordinates: 57.46117, -3.22614 This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. The pool is pretty shallow, making for a family-friendly spot for a dip. Editors' Code of Practice. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. Nearest car park: On-site parking These are beautiful spots! 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. Here's an interactive map of the 29 cleanest Scottish waters to take a dip in this summer. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. Some nice spots!! Here, it means gliding into a still loch in the shadows of Munros and castles, or slipping straight into the salty seas of the Atlantic Ocean or North Sea. Crowds depend on the time of year you visit, but if you visit in autumn and winter, you can enjoy having the place to yourself, and the zing of the cool water. (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) Surrounded by the Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming spot of Castlehill Reservoir. One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. Parking: Park at Pendreich Car Park, around a 2 mile nature walk to Cockburn Reservoir, Parking: Parking at North Third Reservoir car park, around an 8 minute walk from swimming spot, Parking: Main Car Park available at Denny FK6 5JL, around a 36 minute walk along the reservoir away, Parking: Public car park available, 4 minute walk from beach, Parking: The Cabin at Loch Lubnaig is in the North Car Park, with take-away food and drink, with toilets is open 8.30 am-5.00pm, Parking: Available at Loch Ard Forest Car Park, at the start of an 1.5-2 hour long forest walking route, that will pass the loch, Parking: Around a 35 minute walk from the loch there is the Monachyle Mhor Hotel, Balquhidder, FK19 8PQ, where you can park and get refreshments. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. This may be a silly question but what does wild swimming mean? The reservoir, despite its natural appearance, is actually man-made. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. The waterscape looks so inviting I love your pictures and you sure are an adventurous soul I would love to jump into them. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. Comments have been closed on this article. by Lola Fudger-Galvez Once youre out of the water, dry off, change into dry clothes, move around and have a hot drink. Is th. Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. 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. Wow! From Cannich on the A381 take the road signed Glen Affric past IV4 7NB. Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. Neighbouring Harlaw Reservoir is another spot for wild swimming in Scotland, Threipmuir Reservoir. But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands. Wiltshire Wild Swim Location - Bradford-on-Avon, Farleigh Hungerford, Tellisford, Avoncliff Contact - Kristy Field/Sarah Webb Swim Times - Every Sunday 8am and ad hoc swim through the week Social Media - @wiltshirewildswim and Wiltshire Wild Swim SOUTH EAST Beckenham Bobbers Location - Beckenham Place Park Lake Contact - Rachel Molina What makes Glen Etive extra special is the loch it feeds into, where a group of adorable seals and otters await! Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. Due to the reservoir being part of the Cairns Farm Estate, it also makes for a quiet area for a dip. GPS coordinates: 56.24785, -4.68796 The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. While swimming here, you can look forward to paddling in the glistening waters while enjoying the sights of the dramatic dam and surrounding farmland. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. THIS WEBSITE IS MANAGED BY MAREE AND IS VERY MUCH AN AMATEUR VENTURE, IF YOU CANNOT FIND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PLEASE EMAIL WILDSWIMSCOT@GMAIL.COM OR CALL 07971148397. GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) It was fun! 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. Im aware that I am myself one of these visitors! With the unique culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and enchanting castles, it really is the best backdrop to your wild swimming in Scotland. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to What is wild swimming and why do it? Suitable for: Families. All within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters of the east coast. Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. I love swimming and I love Scotland. Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. NY 10036. Take your pick of incredible wild swimming spots on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. 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. 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. 1 2 3. A sunset dip here is unbeatable. From the B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47 8ST. Did you ever see any or have an encounter? GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 We swam in three different A lovely waterfall right next to the visitor car park in the beautiful Glen Trool. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. 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. Looks onto the Island of Eigg. Reached along a sign-posted path, five minutes walk from road. South facing beach reached by dirt track from Straad. Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. Wild Swimming - Scotland The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. BBC Scotland - Jules' and Greg's Wild Swim Home Watch now Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill go wild swimming. If you do decide to keep diving in once winter arrives, make sure to read our article on how to choose a wetsuit. Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. To find out, we caught up with wild swimmer James Armour (opens in new tab), who we figured would know best since in 2021 he became the first person to swim, run and cycle the entire length of the Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands off the west coast of Scotland. 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. Learn more about responsible tourism and "treading lightly" in nature on the Visit Scotland website. 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. Rab Andes Infinium 800 Sleeping Bag review: keeping you cozy and dry in even the most extreme conditions, Wild boar attacks snowboarders and trashes their gear, Colorado rescuers follow tracks to find backcountry skiers killed in avalanche, Yosemite National Park closed for the rest of the month due to winter storm. Forget about the Faerie Pools on the Isle of Skye on a sunny day in summer, I bet you they are too crowded for a more or less elegant dip in the water. Suitable for:Families. Suitable for:Families. 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