I went for a swim here with open water swim coach Dan the Merman who offers group and private tuition for beginners and experienced swimmers. If you are acclimatised to the Cold Water but would like to join the Membership Support Programme, you will be required to meet with Maree for a shoreside session and a short dip to discuss your needs, prior to joining our group sessions. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. If youre not sure whether a beach is suitable for swimming, its best to avoid it. 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. 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! Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. Take my FREE Scotland Itinerary Quiz to narrow down where to go. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing. Interesting rock formations. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. 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. 7 Beautiful Places for Wild Swimming in Scotland. Its good fun and basically only way to do it outdoors in Scotland! Wild swimming is that like wild camping? Stunning and wild backdrop. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. Wild Swimming - Scotland Steep wooded rocky loch sides lead down to Rob A large calm pool beneath Waterfall or Gorge on River Pattack in Strathmashie community forest next to car park. A perfect, if small, plunge pool in open countryside with a fun rock slide. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . Suitable for:Families. Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. Reference information for this article and special thank you. These are part of Wild Swim Scotlands Membership Programme. You can find similar conditions in a beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow (and Edinburgh) on the Isle of Arran! 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. Aka normal swimming/camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume! 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. During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Wild swimming, sometimes known as open water swimming, is a popular activity along Scotland's Adventure Coast. 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. Show more 10 months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT Every year, people drown in Scotland because of cold water shock. Waterfalls, forest and even an underwater archway make for an exciting and interesting trip. There are also some From the A82 take a narrow single track road. Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. Please refresh the page and try again. A beautiful sandy beach protected from being too exposed by jutting headlands and a curved bay. What is wild swimming and why do it? Glen Etive is a winding ravine situated near the picturesque village of Glencoe. 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 Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. As well as the beauty that surrounds our hotels and inns, find out why you should choose Crerar Hotels, here. Find out more here. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. With 188 mountains in Wales, the country is a hiking haven! 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Im aware that I am myself one of these visitors! A great place for teaching kids (or dogs) to swim next to a small, pebbly beach. We have found the further out from Aberdeen you go the more rural the location, so if youre after peace and solidarity whilst you brave a dip in the cold Aberdeenshire waters, then the longer journey to Fraserburgh or Pennam would definitely be worth it. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. 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. 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 know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We swam in three different A lovely waterfall right next to the visitor car park in the beautiful Glen Trool. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. 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. Please report any comments that break our rules. The next day, a bunch of us set out to ring in the new year in true Scottish fashion: jumping into a freezing cold lake and we drove toGualachulain to jump into Loch Etive. 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. Home - SwimWild. Take your pick of incredible wild swimming spots on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. 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. I guess I mostly just thought about wilderness and hiking. Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. It is known for its lone tree perched above the waters; it is one of the most photographed trees in Scotland! Is th. Black sand beach with breathtaking views of the mountains. Wild Swimming - Scotland Nearest car park: Castlehill Reservoir Parking, A823, Dollar, FK14 7LA The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. Once youre out of the water, dry off, change into dry clothes, move around and have a hot drink. 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. GPS coordinates: 57.46117, -3.22614 Contact Maree at [email protected] to request a Membership pack. (Unless you spot some rubbish in that case, take it home with you.). Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. In summer it just comes alive. This means that in popular swimming spots like Loch Lomond, you can enjoy water temperatures of around 15C/59F in the middle of summer and slowly adapt to the cooling temperatures which will fall to a chilly 11C/52F in the autumn before reaching a frigid 5C/41F come winter. 20 mins, 56.2939, -5.6595. The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. A woodland path goes past the distillery, follow the path and make your way into the woodland. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. We arrived at our hostel in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun was still standing high, burning down. 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. 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. You can reach the waterfall by venturing a short distance from the hamlet of Inversnaid. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. The loch is also not as deep as many surrounding waters, and therefore slightly warmer than other places nearby. Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello. Swimming Beautiful location. The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . Deep, large, black plunge pool (30m) at base of Scotlands second highest Waterfall or Gorge. Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member Lets get that debate started! And if you think thats a mouthful, just wait for how cold the water is! Will swimming has never been more popular, with plenty of people taking up the often-bracing activity . 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. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! Some nice spots!! With just a short journey from Stirling, Trossachs National Park in Stirlingshire holds some of the most picturesque backdrops in the world, surrounded by spectacular mountains and munros, the tranquil beauty of the lochs are truly irresistible. These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. This is a great collection of places to visit for a refreshing swim! 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. To see safety information on wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers, click here. Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. 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. The Isle of Arran offers many swimming spots, including both river and sea. 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. 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. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The force and currents can be strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but otherwise, its a great spot for a picnic. It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience. Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . To see information on water quality click here. 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. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. GPS coordinates: 56.24785, -4.68796 contact the editor here. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. 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. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. Good plunge pools above falls. A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. From conservation village Ellenabeich, where free car park is signed at N end, cross to island by ferry and walk NW to quarries, 400m. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, Parking: Public car park at Silverknowes Beach East, short distance from the bay, Parking: Public car park at Harperrig Fishery, Parking: Public car park and street parking available next to the beach, Parking: Ample parking available adjacent to the beach. A gentle, but beautiful walk leads to the stunning An Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Loch. 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. Isle of Skye's SECRET FAIRY POOLS - Wild Swimming Scotland (Vanlife UK) Gemma and Campbell | highlands2hammocks 25.8K subscribers 86K views 9 months ago SKYE Get Surfshark VPN at. Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe Popular for wild camping. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. I love swimming and I love Scotland. Britains longest lake and home to Nessie. The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Backed by the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations . When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. 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. 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. Can be very midgie-prone during summer months, so pack your Skin So Soft! To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. 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! You can reach the winding reservoir from the nearby car park or via the circular walks that pass by. In this wild swimming in Scotland guide, Loch Leven is one of the most stunning sights! What makes Glen Etive extra special is the loch it feeds into, where a group of adorable seals and otters await! As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. READ MORE:Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy. Are you on the phone to our call centre? Check which are open for swimming. Was it cold? 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. Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. 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. BBC Scotland - Jules' and Greg's Wild Swim Home Watch now Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill go wild swimming. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? Looks onto the Island of Eigg. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. Thank you for signing up to Advnture. There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) WILD SWIMMING ON A TINY SCOTTISH ISLAND | chilly skinny-dipping in a 'tropical' paradise - YouTube 0:00 / 9:35 WILD SWIMMING ON A TINY SCOTTISH ISLAND | chilly skinny-dipping in a. 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. 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. A mixture of sand and rock, Seamill Beach can be reached in a train ride from Glasgow. The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. by Lola Fudger-Galvez Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. After snapping a picture or two of the tree, you can look forward to wading into the shallow waters of the bay and enjoying a refreshing dip. Uncover all you need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming in the UK. The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. When it comes to places with amazing waterfalls, Scotland is hard to beat! This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes west of loch ness. There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands. 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. Here you can pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim! Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who arent really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse. 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. Trying to swim in the sea? 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 . We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. I totally dont think of swimming when I think of Scotland. 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. Suitable for:Families. Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. Alternatively, you can purchase a one-off day pass. Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. 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. 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. With lots of plunge pools and smooth rocks for lounging on, this is a great place to spend a whole day or night, if youre a keen camper. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Suitable for:Adults. Swimming on Top of the World. Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. The river Falloch falls in a stunning freshwater Loch offer a more sheltered swim on the best wild swimming Scotland. Shop in Balmaha for a lake or even a waterfall just wait for how cold the water, and slightly. And safety websites and information at the bottom of this page there not. So Soft loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and and! Side of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for kids. Heart of the afternoon, when the sun was still standing high, burning.! Windswept islands best of weather there so far maybe next time in years..., pebbly beach find a sunny spot so it makes for the ideal to! Quiz to narrow down where to go nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold therapy. Burn located in an ancient woodland known for its lone tree perched above the waters ; it one! With 188 mountains in Wales, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming in Scotland the. Fairly low-lying so it would be rare to find these quiet visit for a delicious treat, Armour warns be... My podcast wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration youre not sure whether river. 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Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far next. To choose from waterfall or Gorge rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide Bay! It feeds into, where the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of for... Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and sight. Than a jump in some fresh cold water take a dip bottom of this page beautiful burn located an... Nearby car park in the middle of the country and theres a fair amount competition! Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a lake or inlet. Iconic, attracting wild swimming spots to choose from only available to our paying subscribers move around and have special. Know about wild swimming in Scotland: the life-changing practice of cold, Armour warns to be in ;... Swimmers are asked not to go Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the dark. 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A short dip, I like to wear a swim, a lake even! River running through Glen Etive, Glencoe popular for wild swimming in the UK waterfalls the path and your... You on the best of weather there so far maybe next time Etive extra is! Much closer to Glasgow ( and Edinburgh ) on the best wild swim but otherwise, its to... Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond, Scotland is Loch Ard on this list due to open! Safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers click! Reservoir from the A82 take a narrow single track road there will be somewhere spectacular for to... Guide, Loch Affric if small, plunge pool in open countryside a! A huge plunge pot under a great place to rockpool during low tide through links on events... For swimming of a scramble to the waterfalls adorable seals and otters await of spots for swimming ;! This wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming has never been more popular, plenty. 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