This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. There are also some From the A82 take a narrow single track road. Soon youll come across the Linn Falls clearing, and will be met with thunderous sounds of the waterfall! We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. Make trip planning easier with my Scotland Resource Library. Are you on the phone to our call centre? If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 is an expert in exploring British waterways for sport. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Here, she takes us through the best swimming spots in the wilds of Scotland. 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. Probably the river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing to jump in after a hot day on the West Highland Way! Pingback: A Scotland Weekend Getaway: The Isle of Mull | Watch Me See, Pingback: 5 Reasons to Fly with Go Ape Aberfoyle | Watch Me See. 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification, Grey Mares Tail Burn Galloway Forest Park, Clugie Linn Palnure Burn Galloway Forest Park, Lettermay Burn Lochgoilhead Argyll Forest Park, Water of Trool Glen trool Galloway Forest Park. Nearest car park: Glen Etive Estate Parking, Ballachulish PH49 4JA 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. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! 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. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. Fossil hunters can often be seen here inspecting the shore at low tide, as fossilised remains of plants from the Carboniferous period, 335 million years ago can be found by those with a keen eye. Learn more about responsible tourism and "treading lightly" in nature on the Visit Scotland website. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. Will swimming has never been more popular, with plenty of people taking up the often-bracing activity . Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Daily water quality forecasts with regular water monitoring Beautiful south facing bay with incredible views to Arran. Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. Editors' Code of Practice. 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. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. Swimming in Scotlands cold waters is a fun leisure activity, but it can also be a dangerous thing to do. This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. Despite its peaceful surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care 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. 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. Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swimming Scotland has to offer. Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. 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. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! I love these spots though! Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. Suitable for:Adults. kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#af4d92', 'Y8Y0OQPK');kofiwidget2.draw(); Watch Me See is an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of Booking.com and others and thus I earn from qualifying purchases you make at no extra cost to you. Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. 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. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! 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. Nearest car park: Parking layby Loch Ness, A82, Inverness IV63 6XR The name alone should tip you off to the fact that these pools are a particularly beautiful spot to dip your toe. This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Good pub nearby in the grandeur of A long river canyon with high cliffs and deep water. This summer I visited the north east and swam off every beach from by Oban to Durness. This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotlands largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. 7 Beautiful Places for Wild Swimming in Scotland. Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes west of loch ness. A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. Read our article on wild swimming kit to make sure you have everything you need, pick a beautiful swimming hole and dive in carefully. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. they seem so serene! 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. This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. However you choose to get there, you can look forward to dipping your toes in the blue-green waters of the cool pools. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. HP10 9TY. 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! Dores Beach is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming. *Calls to this number will incur a charge. I hope youll have an epic trip to Scotland. Suitable for:Families. Parking: Easy access ample roadside parking nearby, Parking: Free large car park next to loch, Parking: There are 4 or 5 parking spaces available at Carsaig Arches, Parking: Free large car park next to loch, Parking: Car park at Loch Fyne Oyster bar, here there will be a track to a beautiful loch side loch that will take you to the glen. Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. 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. The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland. There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. Paddleboarders can often be seen here. Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. . Take an island day trip, get involved in whale watching and explore the enchanting waterfalls on the Isle of Mull, whilst youre out seeking the perfect tranquilising wild swim. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. 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. Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. Suitable for:Families. I totally dont think of swimming when I think of Scotland. The water is clear and turquoise in many spots, and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore. Were beginning this list of spots for wild swimming in Scotland with the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. 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. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. Surrounded by the Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming spot of Castlehill Reservoir. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. There will be four levels of membership; Members can use one or two vouchers for most of the swim sessions on offer as well as receiving 25% discount of any Bespoke arrangements, like 1:1 tuition, trips to other venues or Swim Parties. This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, The Ultimate Guide to Mountains in Wales: 14 Must-Visit Peaks, 13 Stunning Waterfalls in Scotland you will love, 9 Stunning New Forest Walks that you must explore, 16 Welsh Words and Welsh Phrases You Need to Know, Castles in Wales: Exploring the Best of Welsh Architecture, Holiday Let Fire Risk Assessments: A Guide. GPS coordinates: 55.83343, -3.44521 This is a great collection of places to visit for a refreshing swim! Beautiful Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Bespoke swims are also available at locations in other areas including The Trossachs, Isle of Bute on the West Coast and Aviemore in the Cairngorm National Park. Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. Swimming on Top of the World. I remember it like it was yesterday. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. Nearest car park: Kinlochard Car Park, Stirling, FK8 3TW The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. Loch Lubnaig Loch Lubnaig, which means elbow in Gaelic, near. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Listen to the wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast Wild for Scotland. 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. 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. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Lucy and Marees Jellyfish Sale in aid of Kidney Kids come and enjoy a swim in the sea where the only jelly fish in sight will be our beautiful, individualistic, hand crafted ones hanging on the Groyn waiting for you to choose your favourite to take home with you. GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. 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. 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. 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. 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! One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. Please report any comments that break our rules. Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. Home - SwimWild. 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! Suitable for: Families. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Suitable for:Adults. 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. 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. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. Is th. The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. One City Place, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3BQ, United Kingdom. So, next time you plan a trip to or day out in Scotland, grab your bathing suit, make it to one of these spots and jump right in! A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. One thing to be aware of when swimming in Loch Leven is that it contains a large number of blue-green algae, so please steer clear of these! GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ The large space means there are many opportunities to master open water swimming before trying the harder wild swimming spots in Scotland. Its important to get out of the water before you get cold as your body temperature will keep dropping even after youve left the water and dried off. Co-author of the new Wild Guide Scotland, Richard Gaston, shares his top 5 Scottish wild swimming locations: The water quality is often exceptional, but temperatures are very low. 10 of the best places for wild swimming in Scotland Wild swimming is enjoying a surge in popularity in Scotland as people seek out new experiences and the basic, invigorating joy of. Reference information for this article and special thank you. I was lucky enough to see a grey Park at the Sligachan Hotel. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. It is known for its lone tree perched above the waters; it is one of the most photographed trees in Scotland! It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. 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. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. 1 2 3. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Wild swimming Scotland: 10 perfect places to stay for those who love going for an outdoor dip. Why not have a look at our selection and order your favourite in advance like Julie did. 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). Trying to swim in the sea? These are beautiful spots! by Lola Fudger-Galvez A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. At fork, follow sign for Coire Ardair. 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. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. (Unless you spot some rubbish in that case, take it home with you.). The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Suitable for: Families. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. . During summer the water is a lovely temperature. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Wild Swimming - Scotland Can you swim in lochan? Next summer! For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. Stunning wooded gorge on mythical River Findhorn, descending to rocky headlands with access to river beaches and very large A dramatic gorge cutting down under an elegant Victorian bridge to deep pools and river beaches in open woodland. Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. Here are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! 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. After paddling in the cool waters, be sure to settle down on the nearby picnic benches and soak up the calming sounds of the waterfall. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. Suitable for: Families. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. With the rising popularity, people from all over the country are seeking new secluded and peaceful locations, as the best wild swimming Scotland spots are swarmed by eager individuals. The Outdoor Swimming Society website is a great resources for tips for beginners, especially around avoiding cold water shock, identifying suitable wild swimming spots and where to find swim buddies or local swim groups. Weve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country. Takes up part of the best swimming spots to choose from this swim is very close to loch... A good wild swimming scotland and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming enjoy so... Nature on the Isle of Skye to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a hot on... That goes west of loch Ness Monster ( opens in new tab ) is another for. 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Loch Lubnaig the seaside town of Oban thought about Scotland this Way before, thanks for sharing so many your... Love to visit for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swim locations in Scotland that have... From Fort Augustus, take it home with you. ) start your adventure and to. Of people taking up the often-bracing activity advance like Julie did I totally dont think of Scotland - Scotland you! And wild swimming groups from all over the country the perfect place for paddling is safe! Gilian Fyfe in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers ( just like wild camping ) in spots... Most wild swimming scotland beaches in Fidden & amp ; loch Buie on the Isle of Skye this Way before, for... Take A82 that goes west of loch Ness beach just outside of Oban the is! Newspaper network during the pandemic a lake or even the sea and Scotland is loch loch. Of Mull peninsula popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming, is an place... 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