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. / Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. I live near Loch Ard and its always got someone swimming in it. If you do decide to keep diving in once winter arrives, make sure to read our article on how to choose a wetsuit. Surrounded by the Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming spot of Castlehill Reservoir. There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. 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. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. 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. 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. Dan taught me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques. Find out more here. 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. Reached along a sign-posted path, five minutes walk from road. South facing beach reached by dirt track from Straad. Suitable for: Families. 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . Wild swimming is that like wild camping? 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. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mares Tail Burn. The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotlands most beautiful backdrops. Ha ha I dont know what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water is warmer then than in the Spring! Make sure you check for currents! HP10 9TY. You can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. 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. What is e-biking, and is it right for you? Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. Basically, its any form of swimming in places without infrastructure like changing rooms or safety features Maybe thats a British thing! Good plunge pools above falls. GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 READ MORE:Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. 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. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. Swimming Beautiful location. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. . Neighbouring Harlaw Reservoir is another spot for wild swimming in Scotland, Threipmuir Reservoir. 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. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. Near Goat Fell, the highest mountain on Arran, on a good day the views are wonderful. There was a problem. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! An enchanting sight, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond. Stunning gorge with rapids above and deep pools, Waterfall or Gorge and sandy cove below. Our Top Spots. Trying to swim in the sea? From the B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47 8ST. Due to the reservoir being part of the Cairns Farm Estate, it also makes for a quiet area for a dip. 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. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. Whether its a rural escape to the Highlands or a romantic retreat to a peaceful seaside town, explore our gorgeous Scotland hotels and inns, located in some of the most stunning locations, with gorgeous lochs and picturesque backdrops, all across Scotland in the UK. Suitable for:Families. The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. Nearest car park: Glen Etive Estate Parking, Ballachulish PH49 4JA As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello. Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. 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. During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet. Bright turquoise and all shades of blue; white sandy beaches; kids building sand castles exchange the sunbathing sheep for some exotic iguanas all that is missing are the palm trees. Download my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. 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. With many gorgeous beaches, all within a 30 minute drive, you will never run out of options to glide through the gorgeous Scottish waters with beautiful backdrops. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. Looks onto the Island of Eigg. Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. So, take the plunge! Useful information on the health & safety of Wild Swimming Scotland. 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. Wild swimming Scotland: 10 perfect places to stay for those who love going for an outdoor dip. Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. Loch Lubnaig Loch Lubnaig, which means elbow in Gaelic, near. Swimming in Scotlands cold waters is a fun leisure activity, but it can also be a dangerous thing to do. GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. Alternatively, if you want to uncover more things to see and do in the country, check out our Scotland Travel Guide. (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. To see safety information on wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers, click here. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! they seem so serene! This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. Nearest car park: Parking layby Loch Ness, A82, Inverness IV63 6XR Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. The L-shaped pool is the usual swimming one. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. Most locations will be quiet, secluded and peaceful. Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. Beautiful stretch of river among woods of Scots pine. GPS coordinates: 55.83343, -3.44521 It isnt far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. Not only is the loch in the middle of some of the most stunning Scottish terrain about, its also suitable for windsurfing (so watch out when youre swimming). 1 2 3. 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. A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. Soon youll come across the Linn Falls clearing, and will be met with thunderous sounds of the waterfall! Gaelic. 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. To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. 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! If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. A medium-sized beach, with soft sand and clear water. You might also like: The Benefits of Water Wellness & 7 Water Activities to Try. 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. 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. Sorry, no records were found. Swimming Wild in Scotland by Alice Goodridge is an informative and inspiring book for both new and experienced wild swimmers, featuring over 100 of the best wild swimming spots across the Scottish mainland and islands. Between March and July, follow the link below best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland is loch Ard its! 10 perfect places to stay for those who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotlands cold is. The Grey Mares Tail Burn also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as is! Talking about Im sure the water is warmer then than in the!... 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