Alternatively, you can purchase a one-off day pass. Our Top Spots. This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. Suitable for:Adults. In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. Perfect for an afternoon dip. What is wild swimming and why do it? Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. And if you think thats a mouthful, just wait for how cold the water is! After a steep climb up the Devils Staircase and a long descent to Kinlochleven, we were exhausted and sweaty and really needed something to cool us down. View Privacy Policy. During summer the water is a lovely temperature. Dan taught me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. Check which are open for swimming. Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. It was our third day on the West Highland Way and so far the hottest. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! One notable swimming group is the Loch Leven (Glencoe) Open Water Swimmers; if youre a beginner, why not join them for a swim? / Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. 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. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. 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. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . One being the coastal beaches; Wardie Bay and Portobello Beach, where it would be a very rare sight to not see them swarmed with excited locals during the warmer months, the second being a series of reservoirs which have beautiful backdrops overlooking the capital and surrounding areas. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. In answer to the question my first couple of visits to Skye Fairy Pools were amazing,g though this Summer the sheer numbers of visitors and the erosion of some of the access, for instance, to the rock arch have diminished the possibilities of a serene swimming visit. There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mares Tail Burn. And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. It is time to head north once again as we explore our favourite place in Scotland in search of the best wild swimming spot that we can find in Glencoe! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Readers can receive a 20% discount and free P&P with code calmac at Wild Things Publishing. A dramatic glen with perfect river pools running very close to road. Britains longest lake and home to Nessie. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. GPS coordinates: 55.862, -3.31768 Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. Are you on the phone to our call centre? If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . 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. To see safety information on wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers, click here. Available to pre-order soon. 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. Stunning gorge with rapids above and deep pools, Waterfall or Gorge and sandy cove below. www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! Join my Facebook group to find inspiration for big & small adventures. In this wild swimming in Scotland guide, Loch Leven is one of the most stunning sights! There was a problem. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. Suitable for:Families. Suitable for:Families. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. 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. With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. 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. 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. The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. Which is your favourite wild swimming spot in Scotland? 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. 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. 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. 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. Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. Nearest car park: Little Vantage car park, Unnamed Road, Kirknewton, EH27 8DJ Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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. Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. 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. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. The barrier to the car park is coin-operated. 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. Oh, I need to add that to my list! Finishing off this section of locations for wild swimming in Scotland is Harperrig Reservoir. GPS coordinates: 55.83343, -3.44521 Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. Whilst Loch Lomond can count as a spot for wild swimming in Scotland on its own, its so large that its best to explore it in parts! These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. The still lochs are perfect places for children to paddle, adults to wild swim and the pebbly shore is the ideal setting for a light picnic. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. The conversation will go back to what it should be about people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. I remember it like it was yesterday. 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. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. Comments have been closed on this article. Gaelic. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. Its easy to see why its so popular, as not only does it behold iconic histories, such as Urquhart Castle and the mythical Nessie, but its a stunning place for a swim. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. Nearest car park: Parking layby Loch Ness, A82, Inverness IV63 6XR This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. All photos, downloadable files and texts are the property of Kathi Kamleitner / Watch Me See unless otherwise cited, and may not be used or reproduced elsewhere without permission. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig, in the summer months, Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy, Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. From the A837 just N of Lochinver take the B869 NW, then turn L after passing sign for Achmelvich, past IV27 4JB to park at the road end next to the beach. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! 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. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. 1. 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! Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! READ MORE:Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. What is e-biking, and is it right for you? The pool is pretty shallow, making for a family-friendly spot for a dip. Suitable for: Families. Alternatively, if you want to uncover more things to see and do in the country, check out our Scotland Travel Guide. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT Edinburgh is famous for its gorgeous castles, vibrant festivals, romantic architecture and general buzzing atmosphere, but what most visitors dont know is its also a spectacular spot for wild swimming. 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. Gilian is currently undertaking an impressive ice swimming challenge in aid of the Islay Dog Rescue, please consider donating to her Jedi Polar Bear Challenge through her Go Fund Me page here. 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. GPS coordinates: 56.19663, -3.3764 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. You will receive a verification email shortly. Sorry, no records were found. Required fields are marked *. 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. In response, your blood leaves your core which is still surrounded by a layer of cold skin and muscle, and as a result, youll actually be at your coldest about 10 minutes after you exit the water. GPS coordinates: 56.24785, -4.68796 Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. 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! Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. 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. Dores Beach is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming. 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. The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. Nearest car park: Loch Leven car park, Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross, KY13 8UF 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!? The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. is an expert in exploring British waterways for sport. *Calls to this number will incur a charge. The water is clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream. The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Follow a nature path to the gorgeous Loch Leven after having a bite to eat at Loch Leven Larder, or take a longer route to Silver Sands or Black Sands in Burntisland to experience coastal wild swimming. Oh brrrrr I can imagine! Dipping, Dooking or Swimming in Scotland's Beautiful Waters. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. Jump in or take a dook in the pool. 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. 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. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. You might also like: My guide to the Ross of Mull incl. Good plunge pools above falls. Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swimming Scotland has to offer. However, I would be concerned about eels, mainly in the lochs. If you do decide to keep diving in once winter arrives, make sure to read our article on how to choose a wetsuit. Lovely views of the Campsie Hills with Mugdock Visitor Centre providing a station for a tea or coffee after a swim. A medium-sized beach, with soft sand and clear water. 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