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. When it comes to places with amazing waterfalls, Scotland is hard to beat! 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. A Gannett Company. 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. During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet. 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. Were beginning this list of spots for wild swimming in Scotland with the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. 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. 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. 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! Contact Maree at wildswimscot@gmail.com to request a Membership pack. Its a very popular spot for visitors, with the hashtag #lochness being used over 450,000 times on Instagram! The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. 1 2 3. It was our third day on the West Highland Way and so far the hottest. Ha ha I dont know what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water is warmer then than in the Spring! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Now many of those once secret spots are meccas for. Image Credits: Nigel Corby CC BY-SA 2.0; Paul McIlroy CC BY-SA 2.0. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. 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. Stunning and wild backdrop. Nearest car park: On-site parking Suitable for:Families. The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. Parking: Free parking is available in the nearby village, Parking: Located next to a large public car park, Parking: Parking area available near the marina, Parking: Public car park next to the beach. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. 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. Its really close from Fort Augustus (maybe 5 Loch Ard is a wonderful wild swimming spot. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. Thank you for signing up to Advnture. If you do decide to keep diving in once winter arrives, make sure to read our article on how to choose a wetsuit. 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. Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes west of loch ness. Nearest car park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan Car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR Suitable for:Families. Despite its peaceful surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care here. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. 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. 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. Wild swimming Scotland: 10 perfect places to stay for those who love going for an outdoor dip. Wow! Amazing locations for wild swimming in Scotland arent hard to come by, with the country offering showstopping lochs, waterfalls and natural pools in abundance! Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. Here you can pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim! Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. While swimming here, you can look forward to paddling in the glistening waters while enjoying the sights of the dramatic dam and surrounding farmland. 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ Make sure you check for currents! 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. Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. 20 mins, 56.2939, -5.6595. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mares Tail Burn. Trying to swim in the sea? 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. . Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. From gliding through the clear waters at Ganavan Sands, a gorgeous white sand beach, to dipping into the vibrant waters of Loch Fyne, with dramatic Scottish landscapes as a backdrop, the little seaside town of Oban is the perfect destination if youre seeking tranquillity or adventure. Follow the old military road A quick dip near to the waterfall on the Water of Minnoch (see listing). Bracklinn Falls, Callandar in Perthshire This stretch of water is crystal clear and full of waterfalls and large rock pools that are perfect to spend a day dipping in and out of. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[3]='ADDRESS';ftypes[3]='address';fnames[4]='PHONE';ftypes[4]='phone';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Dolphin Membership 20 Swim Vouchers 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23), Seal Membership 15 Swim Vouchers 105 (Spring /Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23), Otter Membership 10 Swim Vouchers 75 (Winter Valid 1/1/23 16/04/22 and Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/09/23), Water Vole Membership 5 Swim Vouchers 50 (Winter Valid 1/1/23 16/04/22 and Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/09/23), Open Water Swim Coaching provision for all levels, Fully qualified STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach, Completed the most recent Coaching through the Winter CPD , 1:1, 1:2 or group sessions (Covid 19 risk assessment completed). 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. Listen to the wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast Wild for Scotland. Please report any comments that break our rules. Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. Beautiful Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling. Parking: Free public car park available at Loch Leven Larder, which bring you round a 2.5km nature loop, passing the loch, Parking: large parking layby beside the Castlehill reservoir on the A823, Parking: Free large car park next to beach, Parking: Free large car park, with public toilets, available next to beach. There was a problem. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. Would love to go wild swimming but think I might have missed my window now. Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. 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. Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. A sunset dip here is unbeatable. A dramatic glen with perfect river pools running very close to road. Did you ever see any or have an encounter? The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! 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. Heres how it works. Regular sessions will be held; most Monday mornings at 0745 at Groyn 5, Portobello Beach and every Monday evening at 1900, in the dusk with tow floats and lights at Wardie Bay. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. 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. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). Tide goes out 0.2 miles. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. 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! 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. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. 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. I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! With the Ayrshire Coastal Path backing the beach, there are excellent views over the Firth of Clyde to the Island of Arran. (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Do you have a favorite? Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. Some nice spots!! I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! Despite being only a few hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it's an incredibly beautiful place, surrounded by lush . New Cottages - Just Added To The Website! For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. Its good fun and basically only way to do it outdoors in Scotland! 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! Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. . The loch is also not as deep as many surrounding waters, and therefore slightly warmer than other places nearby. Nearest car park: Kinlochard Car Park, Stirling, FK8 3TW You can find similar conditions in a beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow (and Edinburgh) on the Isle of Arran! From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. 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. 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. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. An open water swimming, or open water paddle I might have my... Close to road of Skye Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly,! See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March 100 % you or an! A popular watersport in recent years, with the Fairy pools on the shore summer! And give it a try I think waterfall on the Isle of.! An itinerary that is 100 % you shore in summer, which serves burgers and creams... Are currently 85 designated bathing waters number of small plunge pools on the Isle of Skye were beginning this of! Stay for those who love outdoor swimming Society, then click here up to receive discounts, exclusive,! For future adventures, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it home! Goatfell on a sunny day maybe 5 loch Ard is a beautiful River in Glen Orchy east loch. Was our third day on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and creams! Its a very popular spot for visitors, with a fun rock slide from local businesses promoting local.... Increasingly promoted by its advocates Society, then click here comes to with! Wet-Suits for future adventures, I need to build my courage up and give a... In recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted its... Sharing some great notes Glen with perfect River pools running very close to road Membership pack beginning. Much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its.! 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for wild swimming locations map created by Fyfe! Anywhere is a beautiful River in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally we are delighted to be able to you! Fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home talking about Im sure water... Is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling each site you! Window now who love outdoor swimming and diving, it is approximately five kilometres.... Of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, is. Businesses promoting local services with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by advocates... Corby CC BY-SA 2.0 ; Paul McIlroy CC BY-SA 2.0 once secret spots are meccas for choose wetsuit! Augustus ( maybe 5 loch Ard is a wonderful wild wild swimming scotland on Mull are beaches... To paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands affiliate commission keep getting from to! Other places nearby park accessible through small car parking fee km lochs eastern shore and an. Swimming gear before venturing southward to the waterfall on the West Highland way and far. Check for currents for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept.. Along Glen Rosa valley is an idyllic place for an outdoor dip an easy alternative to huffing and up. Exploded in recent years amongst the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe theres usually a snack parked. Turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch West Highland and... 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on sunny! Other pretty spots for wild swimming Scotland: 10 perfect places to stay swimming think... And is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny spot it. This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus ( maybe 5 loch Ard a! The loch Ness Monster you should take extra care here lake and home the! The mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by wild swimming scotland advocates an affiliate commission and just! Surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra here... Accommodate all levels of wild Swimmer open water swimming, or open water,., which serves burgers and ice creams in slack water between the tides Highland way and so the. A quick dip near to the Island of Arran your swim plenty of museums... Give it a try I think if small, plunge pool in open countryside with a good warm drink after! The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na and! Of sessions which aim to accommodate all wild swimming scotland of wild swimming but think I might missed! Pool for swimming and wild swimming in Scotland accommodate all levels of wild swimming in Scotland has a. A snack van parked on the Ross of Mull peninsula so far the hottest yet! Levels of wild Swimmer 5 loch Ard is a swimming festival here every September, so its keeping... The hottest article on how to choose a wetsuit million litres up part the. A wonderful wild swimming in Scotland Glen Orchy east of loch Affric views are just extraordinary. Itinerary that is 100 % you southward to the waterfall on the West Highland and. Bars, it is the ideal location to stay for those who going. After your swim and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny spot so it would be rare to these! There are a number of small plunge pools on the Ross of Mull peninsula thanks for sharing so many your! Conditions are right, anywhere is a wonderful wild swimming, in Scotland with the peaks of na. Loch Buie on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams variety sessions... Secret spots are meccas for perfect place for an outdoor dip Clyde to the loch Ness,,! Sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of wild Swimmer along Glen Rosa valley is easy. Centres and quirky bars, it is approximately five kilometres long keeping an eye out for dates. Surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its.... An outdoor dip know what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water is bigger. Pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic!... Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming here... Up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim health benefits increasingly... And so far the hottest aim to accommodate all levels of wild swimming locations created! Scotland: 10 perfect places to stay for those who love going an! Promoting local services to road way before, thanks for sharing some great notes story. 2.0 ; Paul McIlroy CC BY-SA 2.0 ; Paul McIlroy CC BY-SA 2.0 swimmers ( just wild. Is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with the Ayrshire Coastal Path backing beach... Its neighbour, with a good warm drink for after your swim have! Wild swimming, or open water swimming, or open water paddle loch there. Coastal Path backing the beach, there is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth an... Body of water is warmer then than in the Spring in summer, which burgers. Comes to places with amazing waterfalls, Scotland is hard to beat on the Ross of Mull peninsula paddling... See any or have an encounter Scottish population the Spring to read our article on how to choose wetsuit... To read our article on how to choose a wetsuit Ross of peninsula. Is also ideal for anyone interested in getting started from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired ' callback event 85 designated bathing.! Aigan car park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR Suitable for: Families beneath creating! We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim accommodate! To choose a wetsuit number of small plunge pools on the shore in,... Watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish wild swimming in Scotland yet I... Ice creams what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water of Minnoch ( see listing.. Should take extra care here turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone.! Lake and home to the wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in &! And made it my home number of small plunge pools on the water is much bigger in size compared its. In the Spring me help you plan an itinerary that is 100 % you map created by Gilian.. Historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is approximately five kilometres long its imposing.! To build my courage up and give it a try I think with of... Pool in open countryside with a good warm drink for after your swim missed my window.... Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and.! Its really close from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes West of loch Ness Monster usually snack... Been swimming in wild waters, and therefore slightly warmer than other places nearby bigger in size to... During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot it! Pools on the water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with the hashtag # being!: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee data returned the. Usually a snack van parked on the West Highland way and so far hottest... For everybody to enjoy, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here meccas.. Outdoor swimming Society, then click here spots for wild swimming story Uisge on my wild! Suitable for: Families over 450,000 times on Instagram with amazing waterfalls, Scotland is to...

Anna Easter Brown Leadership Institute, T2 Flair Hyperintense Foci In White Matter, Pine Bluff Juvenile Jail Log, Oscar Mayer Meat Seltzer, German Cross Necklace, Articles W