Suitable for:Adults. 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. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. This area is protected, so no wild camping is allowed, though there is a campsite located on the east side which can be booked in advance. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 . Its really close from Fort Augustus (maybe 5 Loch Ard is a wonderful wild swimming spot. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . Suitable for:Families. Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. Tide goes out 0.3 miles then sea bed slopes steeply. A stretch of crystal clear water with waterfalls and rock-pools big enough to swim in. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Swimming Beautiful location. NY 10036. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. 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. 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. Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. 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. The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . Our Top Spots. Oh brrrrr I can imagine! 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. Daily water quality forecasts with regular water monitoring Beautiful south facing bay with incredible views to Arran. 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. A Gannett Company. Drawing on her vast experience as a long-distance swimmer and open water swimming coach, Alice has hand-picked locations to help you experience Scotland at its wild and rugged . Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Keep an eye out! Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . 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! Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. Hi, I'm Lola and I joined the marketing team in 2021. 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. Outdoor Activities. 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. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. 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? Whether its a family day trip to the Beach Boulevard just outside the centre of Aberdeen, or an adventurous swim through the cracks of a collapsed cave at Hells Lum over Cullykhan Bay, Aberdeenshire is rich with unique rural locations, and beaches to go open water swimming. 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. 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. Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. Suitable for: Families. New York, Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ 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. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. The most Ive ever had outdoor swimming, was not when I went to a specific beach or bay but when I picked a random loch or stretch of coast, and jumped right in. It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. 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. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. When sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. This is a great collection of places to visit for a refreshing swim! I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! Due to the reservoir being part of the Cairns Farm Estate, it also makes for a quiet area for a dip. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Enter with caution around the slippery slate. 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. Find out more here. Image Credits: Nigel Corby CC BY-SA 2.0; Paul McIlroy CC BY-SA 2.0. Your email address will not be published. Perfect for an afternoon dip. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. Lets get that debate started! The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. Editors' Code of Practice. The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 5 mins, 58.1703, -5.3069. 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. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. Whether its gliding through the vibrant waters of Loch Lomond at Milarrochy Bay or taking a dip with Largs picturesque Pencil Monument in the background, there will be a special place for you. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! Swimming on Top of the World. Amazing locations for wild swimming in Scotland arent hard to come by, with the country offering showstopping lochs, waterfalls and natural pools in abundance! www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. View Privacy Policy. 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. (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) The Benefits of Water Wellness & 7 Water Activities to Try, 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland, A practical guide for snorkelling in Scotland, A Scotland Weekend Getaway: The Isle of Mull | Watch Me See, 5 Reasons to Fly with Go Ape Aberfoyle | Watch Me See. Nearest car park: Glen Etive Estate Parking, Ballachulish PH49 4JA Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. Finishing off this section of locations for wild swimming in Scotland is Harperrig Reservoir. Listen to the wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast Wild for Scotland. Listen to my conversation about water safety with outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. 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. But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. 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. With the unique culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and enchanting castles, it really is the best backdrop to your wild swimming in Scotland. 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. Browse 339 wild swimming scotland stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. 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. Crowds depend on the time of year you visit, but if you visit in autumn and winter, you can enjoy having the place to yourself, and the zing of the cool water. GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 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. With ease of access to nearby islands, and beaches, there are endless opportunities to explore Scotland in all its glory and wild swim in Scotland. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Surrounded by the Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming spot of Castlehill Reservoir. 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. There are also some From the A82 take a narrow single track road. 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. 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. If you are new to Cold Water Swimming / Dipping, you will be required to take a number of 1:1 sessions to ensure you are safe to join in our group sessions. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. 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. The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. 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. 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. Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. Black sand beach with breathtaking views of the mountains. We arrived at our hostel in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun was still standing high, burning down. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! Wild Swimming - Scotland For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. Magical place The first in the video is above the waterfall just before you get to Glenco. The barrier to the car park is coin-operated. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. Are you on the phone to our call centre? 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. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. 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 . Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. 7 Beautiful Places for Wild Swimming in Scotland. Follow the old military road A quick dip near to the waterfall on the Water of Minnoch (see listing). Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! 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. Can you swim in lochan? 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. 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. Good shout! The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. 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. With 188 mountains in Wales, the country is a hiking haven! When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. To swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely, -5.3069 Lola and I joined marketing! Our call Centre biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water image Credits: Nigel CC., travel tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture not be a Nessy here, this... Lessen pollution sources for upcoming dates here 5 mins, 58.1703, -5.3069 off this section locations. 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