Wild swimming, sometimes known as open water swimming, is a popular activity along Scotland's Adventure Coast. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. An enchanting sight, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. Despite being only a few hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it's an incredibly beautiful place, surrounded by lush . GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 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. If you want to practice your wild swimming abilities here on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership. 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! GPS coordinates: 56.19663, -3.3764 One of these is the gorgeous Harlaw Reservoir, where wild swims can be enjoyed amidst peaceful surroundings! Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. Was it cold? Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. GPS coordinates: 55.862, -3.31768 *Calls to this number will incur a charge. Despite its peaceful surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care here. You will receive a verification email shortly. You can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery. Dores Beach is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming. View Privacy Policy. 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. Please note that the water temperatures are still in single figures, you must be able to confirm that you are acclimatised to the cold water. 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. 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. Park at nearby Loch Morlich and take the 45-minute walk to the lochan. Nearest car park: Glen Etive Estate Parking, Ballachulish PH49 4JA 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? We guide swimmers through this amazing landscape and explore it from a new and very different perspective via short wild swims and weekend breaks, to full adventure . Reference information for this article and special thank you. The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. Here's an interactive map of the 29 cleanest Scottish waters to take a dip in this summer. Elegant white A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). There was a problem. 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. The vibrant colours and clearness of the waters may seem attractive, but the temperatures are often very low. If youre not sure whether a beach is suitable for swimming, its best to avoid it. Take your pick of incredible wild swimming spots on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. Swimming on Top of the World. This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. 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. Aka normal swimming/camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume! James Armour is 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, Scotland is notorious for challenging weather it averages 100 days of snow per year and is no stranger to frigid winters and frequent gale force winds, Not only is summer more tolerable, it means that you can consider starting out with wild swimming without purchasing pricey gear like a wetsuit, Afterdrop is the name given to a phenomenon where youll actually be at your coldest about 10 minutes after you exit the water, You can drastically reduce the risks of wild swimming by ensuring there is someone with you who can assist you if you get into trouble, Scotland has an abundance of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. GPS coordinates: 56.56664, -5.05008 Contact Maree at wildswimscot@gmail.com to request a Membership pack. The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. 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. What is e-biking, and is it right for you? Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). . Theres even a cafe on the shore to warm up in, should the water be slightly on the chilly side. Suitable for: Families. 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. Favourites were Sand, by Applecross (didnt know the UK PM was at a cottage nearby) and the beaches at Scourie near Lochinver. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! 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. The Isle of Mull has a plethora of these beaches and one is prettier than the next. I totally dont think of swimming when I think of Scotland. Here, she takes us through the best swimming spots in the wilds of 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. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . Required fields are marked *. Heres how it works. One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. GPS coordinates: 57.46117, -3.22614 In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Read our article on wild swimming kit to make sure you have everything you need, pick a beautiful swimming hole and dive in carefully. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. 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. 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! Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. Dan taught me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques. Uncover all you need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming in the UK. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. Nearest car park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan Car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR Here are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland. Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. Nearest car park: Kinlochard Car Park, Stirling, FK8 3TW Suitable for: Families. Reached along a sign-posted path, five minutes walk from road. South facing beach reached by dirt track from Straad. Haha for me it really depends on the outside temperature sometimes it is just the best thing in the world to jump into freezing cold winter. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA Continue along the woodland trail, with the Spey River flowing to your right. Suitable for:Families. This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. Based in Portobello, Edinburgh, we offer swimming lessons and supervised swims at locations around the Lothians. And finally, more important than whether you decide to take a wetsuit or a pair of water shoes, Armour advises you to always take a friend with you when you go wild swimming. Every year, people drown in Scotland because of cold water shock. The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) To see safety information on wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers, click here. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please These are part of Wild Swim Scotlands Membership Programme. I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. With over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, and endless rivers and lochs, you'll discover there's a lot to appreciate and explore north of the border. During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet. 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. GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 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. 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. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. 1 2 3. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Stunning gorge with rapids above and deep pools, Waterfall or Gorge and sandy cove below. Is th. 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. Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. 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. Its a very popular spot for visitors, with the hashtag #lochness being used over 450,000 times on Instagram! These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. 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 post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Wow! Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. Do you have a favorite? Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im Kathi! This summer I visited the north east and swam off every beach from by Oban to Durness. Download my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Learn more about responsible tourism and "treading lightly" in nature on the Visit Scotland website. GPS coordinates: 57.25034, -6.25829 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. There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to So why not, treat yourself to a retreat at one of our luxurious hotels & inns, go wild swimming Scotland to boost your circulation, improve your immunity and release a rush of endorphins, with an out-of-this-world therapeutic experience. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. 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 annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. 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. In the New Forest National Park, 566 km2 of picturesque woodlands, quaint villages, and a 40-mile coastline await. 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. 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! To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. The water is clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream. Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. 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!? Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim.