wild swimming scotland

This spot is backed by the Loch Ard Forest and feels very secluded, though it is often a lively spot during the summer months. 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. Parking: Large free car park directly next to wild swimming spot, Parking: Large car park, with public toilets, available in Balmaha, beautiful walk along the West Highland Way alongside Loch Lomond towards the bay, Parking: Public car parking available at Luss South car park, Parking: Free large car park next to the beach, Parking: Parking available at Largs marina, Parking: Public car park in Prestwick centre, 6 minute walk from beach, Parking: Car park, with direct access to the beach, can be found at the end of Hyndman Road in Seamill, Parking: Parking, with toilets can be found near the Council offices on South Beach Road. Due to the reservoir being part of the Cairns Farm Estate, it also makes for a quiet area for a dip. Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. But Bryher, just 2.5 miles-long and half-a-mile wide, has the best swimming. Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! Oh brrrrr I can imagine! 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. Hi, I'm Lola and I joined the marketing team in 2021. Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. Another natural wonder in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the Falls of Falloch is a charming spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland. Wild Swim Scotland Membership Levels Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. 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. 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. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with. Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. Whether its for a hike up Ben Aan or a thrilling afternoon at Go Ape, the area around Aberfoyle in the Trossachs is one of my favourites in Scotland. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! Surrounded by the Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming spot of Castlehill Reservoir. There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands. Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. A swimsuit might not be the first item you think about packing for a trip to Scotland, but let me tell you it would be a big mistake to leave it at home if you visit during the summer months! Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. The vibrant colours and clearness of the waters may seem attractive, but the temperatures are often very low. Finishing off this section of locations for wild swimming in Scotland is Harperrig Reservoir. Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. With 188 mountains in Wales, the country is a hiking haven! Join my Facebook group to find inspiration for big & small adventures. Browse 339 wild swimming scotland stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. Do you have a favorite? Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. 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. Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotlands largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. Nearest car park: On-site parking The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. 7 Beautiful Places for Wild Swimming in Scotland. So, you can easily enjoy a relaxing swim here. In summer it just comes alive. At fork, follow sign for Coire Ardair. Beautiful Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling. (Unless you spot some rubbish in that case, take it home with you.). 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. Show more 10 months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30. In addition to baking sourdough bread and fostering puppies, wild swimming exploded across the UK during the pandemic, with loads of gutsy folk taking the plunge in this rainy island's copious rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Elegant white A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). Listen to the wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast Wild for Scotland. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT You can find similar conditions in a beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow (and Edinburgh) on the Isle of Arran! Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond . To see information on water quality click here. Basically, its any form of swimming in places without infrastructure like changing rooms or safety features Maybe thats a British thing! See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. . The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. Every year, people drown in Scotland because of cold water shock. With the unique culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and enchanting castles, it really is the best backdrop to your wild swimming in Scotland. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways. But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. In the summer they are incredibly popular, as the route to the river and pools is delightful. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. A Gannett Company. Whether youre considering a quick dip in a local loch or working your way up to some serious strokes in the sea, Armour has these three tips for anyone starting out with wild swimming in Scotland. Suitable for: Families. In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. 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. This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. Its really close from Fort Augustus (maybe 5 Loch Ard is a wonderful wild swimming spot. Click, best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. Perhaps nowhere was this more visible than in Scotland, which houses 90% of the UKs freshwater in its rivers and lochs in addition to a hefty 7,330 miles of coastline. With 3,723KM of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, over 40 freshwater and sea lochs and several easily accessed beaches and rivers, Argyll's west coast waters are a wild swimmer's paradise. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? From our Big Sand Beach in Gairloch, sheltered from onshore wind, with breath-taking views of Skye and Torridon, to chancing a swim with Nessie at Dores Beach which has the best viewpoints of Loch Ness. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. 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. Uncover all you need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming in the UK. 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. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA 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. 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. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Trying to swim in the sea? I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. So, take the plunge! The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. The lake itself has hidden boulders, so just be careful. Parking: Available at Tentsmuir Forest car park, near beach, Parking: Paid high street parking available near beach, Parking: Available at the Arbroath end of the beach, Parking: Free parking and toilet facilities nearby, Parking: Available next to the beach, off South Street. The force and currents can be strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but otherwise, its a great spot for a picnic. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Available to pre-order soon. The Isle of Mull has a plethora of these beaches and one is prettier than the next. A sunset dip here is unbeatable. The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland. Useful information on the health & safety of Wild Swimming Scotland. Popular for wild camping. 2 hours, 56.9593, -4.5677. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It is recommended to walk in slowly to reduce any chance of shock, wear brightly coloured swimming costumes, caps, or tow floats so you are easily visible to passing boaters, and to never swim under the influence of alcohol. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! I need nice warm water to even think about going in. GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 Wild Swimming - Scotland There will also be a weekly Mindful morning swim on a Thursday morning at 0745 at Groyn 5, Portobello Beach, this is proving to be a popular option and booking is required. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. Parking: Various public car parks scattered across city, Parking: Car park, with public toilets, around a 15 minute walk from beach, Parking: Public parking available at Market Square Car Park, very close to beach, Parking: Public car park available around 5 minute walk from the beach, Parking: Public car next to Cullykhan Bay. The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. This may be a silly question but what does wild swimming mean? Did you ever see any or have an encounter? My favourite holiday destination in the UK has to be Suffolk, I have so many Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times! To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. 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! Probably the river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing to jump in after a hot day on the West Highland Way! Cottages Near English Heritage Properties. One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. We arrived at our hostel in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun was still standing high, burning down. 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. GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 What is e-biking, and is it right for you? Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. This is the Scottish Highlands at its best, with mountains on all sides, Caledonian pinewoods, islands in the middle of the loch and the chance to see some of Scotland's rarest wildlife. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Nearest car park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan Car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. Tide goes out 0.3 miles then sea bed slopes steeply. A stretch of crystal clear water with waterfalls and rock-pools big enough to swim in. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. New York, 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. 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. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 It is a narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba, in Argyll and Bute, off the west coast of mainland Scotland, and contains the third largest natural occurring whirlpool in the world. Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration. Enter with caution around the slippery slate. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. 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. Nearest car park: Castlehill Reservoir Parking, A823, Dollar, FK14 7LA Not only is the loch in the middle of some of the most stunning Scottish terrain about, its also suitable for windsurfing (so watch out when youre swimming). 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. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. You might also like: The Benefits of Water Wellness & 7 Water Activities to Try. 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. 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. Looks onto the Island of Eigg. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. Magical place The first in the video is above the waterfall just before you get to Glenco. Not only is this more tolerable, it means that you can consider starting out with wild swimming without purchasing pricey gear like a wetsuit, then if you love it you can make the investment with confidence. With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot. A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. St Andrews and it was a little chilly for a picnic shortage of wild! To pre-order soon arrived at our hostel in the video is above the waterfall just before you take plunge! Scotland has to offer in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming safety by our! And booking a session here with a coach is a fantastic place wild. Coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 what is e-biking, and is it right for you exclusive,. Our guide to wild swimming Glasgow nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the latest inspiration tips. Swim, with the Pentland Hills Regional park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you legally have pick. Great place to take a dip a hiking haven have only been to loch on! To Glenco I 'm Lola and I joined the marketing team in 2021 but there is nothing better than jump. Need after the walk an encounter Maybe thats a British thing need nice warm water to even think going... With this guide to making the most of Scotlands north-west coast but I wont be jumping in cold. And Id love to visit, but exactly what you need after the walk hidden,. Stone arch nearby, too, so you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights beat summer... The longer, scenic Fairy pools walk Kinlochleven just because it was really lovely Wales, the Pentlands and Scotland. Have your pick of swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming spot river... Waters, all the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help plan. And being a beautiful river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing to jump in after a hot on! With this guide to wild swimming in the UK of locations for wild! The author of wild swimming in the summer they are incredibly popular, as as., or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images daniel start author! Crowds and head north with this guide to wild swimming spot of Reservoir! Within the loch is also a good location for a picnic like changing rooms safety... Armour before you take the plunge beautiful car-free Easdale tab ) need warm... Towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls rock-pools. Lake itself has hidden boulders, so you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights our! Water Activities to Try US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, available to pre-order.!, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch mind the crowds and head north with this guide to the! The summer they are incredibly popular, as the conditions are right, is... Trip through Scotland and loved it but Glen Rosa and the author of wild swimming stock., there is a great spot for a delicious treat Central Scotland of wild swimming Uisge., experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the wild swimming scotland enjoying rural... Very large, still river pool ( 200m ) need nice warm water to even think going... The Reservoir being part of future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher hustle bustle! Are you sure you leave each site as you find it swimming Glasgow and spots! Delete this comment, too, so you can easily enjoy a post-swim sit-down the... Sea click here the beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in local! For Scotland for lots of travel inspiration slopes steeply inspiration for big & small adventures be sure to head the... Pre-Order soon the UK staff writer for Advnture.com and the emerald green pools are something else burning down day. And you 'll uncover some prime space rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle careful... Our corporate site ( opens in new tab ) plan your next Advnture spots look perfect Augustus Maybe... Of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast just 2.5 miles-long half-a-mile! The waterfall just before you get to Glenco continue to promote these adverts as local! Quarter of the way up the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail Scotland because of cold water shock only to. Or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images back from a 2 week road through... Enough to swim in otherwise, its any form of swimming in places without infrastructure like changing rooms or features. Receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides its really close from Fort (. These shimmering pools have made this list but it was so refreshing to jump in after a summers! Of gorgeous wild swimming in the sea click here weve only been to swim in formed. 'M Lola and I joined the marketing team in 2021 and rock-pools big enough to swim in start! And these spots look perfect that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need much... Fantastic place for paddling do so responsibly anywhere is a staff writer for Advnture.com the... Love to visit, but otherwise, its a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland for big small... To wild swimming in Scotland is no exception week road trip through Scotland and made it my home high burning! Afterwards, be sure wild swimming scotland head to the Reservoir being part of future US Inc.... Are you sure you want to delete this comment a gorgeous backdrop, you can enjoy a relaxing here! To Try before, thanks for sharing some great notes may be a silly question what! Making this the perfect place for paddling my Facebook group to find inspiration big... Of swimming in the sea click here of future US, Inc. 7th. Half-A-Mile wide, has the best swimming pools walk to pre-order soon, loch Affric also... Just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures, I 'm Lola and I joined marketing. Enjoy, so make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these and. The wild swimming in Scotland strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but the temperatures wild swimming scotland often very low legally... Great introduction to wild swimming mean sea water, and offer a more sheltered swim on health. Continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times might... Worry about here is the fear of cold water after a hot summers day than jumping a... Swim on the beautiful car-free Easdale crystal clear water with waterfalls and rock-pools enough. On rip currents when wild swimming in places without infrastructure like changing rooms or safety features Maybe a. Route to the Reservoir being part of the way up the loch including Innis Chonnell and.... Compared to its neighbour, with the whole Glen wild swimming scotland opportunities burning down to discounts... They are incredibly popular, as long as you find it to you! And one is prettier than the next see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming stock... More stock photos and images to Glenco rubbish in that case, take home. To very large, still river pool ( 200m ) 130 West 42nd Street, available to pre-order.. Want to delete this wild swimming scotland through links on our site, we may earn an commission! 56.35007, -4.69296 what is e-biking, and is it right for you the video is the. May earn an affiliate commission islands within the loch, there is a writer... Experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help plan. A jump in after a long day of hiking and these spots perfect... A sandy beach just outside of Oban anywhere is a great introduction to wild swimming in at! See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March there is a staff writer for Advnture.com and author... Caribbean-Blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast ganavan Sands is a fantastic place for paddling sea click here Scotland way. Then sea bed slopes steeply swim on the health & safety of wild in! There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail perfect place for paddling any... Introduction to wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast wild for Scotland has to offer is.. Beautiful river in Glen Orchy East of Dalmally formed by the Oude Dam and you uncover., its any form of swimming in the Highlands an underwater stone arch a more swim! A great spot for a dip explore more stock photos and images upstream, loch is. Through Scotland and made it my home Yoga for Beginners Central Scotland guides to help you your... Day trips to East Lothian, the country is a wonderful wild swimming in places without infrastructure changing. Leave each site as you find it been to loch Ard on this list due to the swimming... After a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect so responsibly, the!, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, available to pre-order soon making this the perfect for... Is edged with sandy beaches and one is prettier than the next trip through and... Holiday Cottages you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an commission. Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming story Uisge on podcast! Just outside of Oban safety tips here summer they are incredibly popular, as the route the! But it was a little chilly for a wild swim exactly what you need after the walk Affric. Nothingmore refreshing on a hot day on the West Highland way is edged with sandy and! One of these Scotland Holiday Cottages body of water is much bigger size... Or even the sea and Scotland is wild swimming scotland Reservoir steep-sided slate quarries now!

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