This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. 20 mins, 56.2939, -5.6595. If you want to turn your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking. Suitable for:Families. 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. St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . 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. To see information on water quality click here. 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. Available to pre-order soon. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. Listen to the wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast Wild for Scotland. I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! 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. Amazing locations for wild swimming in Scotland arent hard to come by, with the country offering showstopping lochs, waterfalls and natural pools in abundance! 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. 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. These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. Editors' Code of Practice. . Depending on how hardy you are, the water and air temperatures, and how long you want to stay in the water, you can wear a swim suit or a full wet suit. Im aware that I am myself one of these visitors! 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. THE National has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. You have to take a very short passenger boat from Ellenabeich to get across to Easdale, although it is so short you could probably swim it! Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. Nearest car park: Car Park, Stirling, Crianlarich, FK20 8RX The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. 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. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. 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. The waterscape looks so inviting I love your pictures and you sure are an adventurous soul I would love to jump into them. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, The Ultimate Guide to Mountains in Wales: 14 Must-Visit Peaks, 13 Stunning Waterfalls in Scotland you will love, 9 Stunning New Forest Walks that you must explore, 16 Welsh Words and Welsh Phrases You Need to Know, Castles in Wales: Exploring the Best of Welsh Architecture, Holiday Let Fire Risk Assessments: A Guide. Now many of those once secret spots are meccas for. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Perhaps nowhere was this more visible than in Scotland, which houses 90% of the UKs freshwater in its rivers and lochs in addition to a hefty 7,330 miles of coastline. 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.. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. 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. A sunset dip here is unbeatable. Swimming Beautiful location. 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. Please report any comments that break our rules. Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! Reference information for this article and special thank you. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. 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. Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. The water is clear and turquoise in many spots, and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore. GPS coordinates: 55.862, -3.31768 Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. 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. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. We arrived at our hostel in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun was still standing high, burning down. 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. 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. HP10 9TY. And if you think thats a mouthful, just wait for how cold the water is! 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. 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. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! 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. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. Comments have been closed on this article. Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin and Glen Affric. Suitable for:Families. 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. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 A Gannett Company. 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. 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. View Privacy Policy. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. A well-frequented lochan located a five-minute stroll from Mugdock Park, Drumbrock Loch, or Abies is the perfect place to wild swim during both winter and summer. It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience. There are plenty of great spots on the foreshore to camp and swim from, including a romantic sandy beach dotted with ancient tree stumps, which make great seats for sitting on around your campfire. The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. 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. 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. Britains longest lake and home to Nessie. This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes west of loch ness. Haha for me it really depends on the outside temperature sometimes it is just the best thing in the world to jump into freezing cold winter. If you do decide to keep diving in once winter arrives, make sure to read our article on how to choose a wetsuit. Suitable for:Families. What is wild swimming and why do it? Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. Next summer! Armour was speaking about his epic voyage at the Fort William Mountain Festival (opens in new tab) in the highland area of Lochaber, where wild swimming has been a way of life for decades, if not longer, and boasts lots of stunning wild swimming spots (opens in new tab). GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 It was our third day on the West Highland Way and so far the hottest. The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. 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. Surrounded by the Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming spot of Castlehill Reservoir. 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: 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. READ MORE:Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. Beautiful Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling. Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. 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. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. Waterfalls, forest and even an underwater archway make for an exciting and interesting trip. Its a purpose-built loch with a relatively shallow depth of 1.5 metres, making it ideal for families. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. 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 . Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. 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. THENational has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. This handy guide features hand-picked spots for outdoor swimming in Scotland for you to try on your next trip, from those tucked away in remote woodland to those within reach of cities. 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. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ 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. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. Wild Swimming in Scotland. Whether youre considering a quick dip in a local loch or working your way up to some serious strokes in the sea, Armour has these three tips for anyone starting out with wild swimming in Scotland. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! 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. Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. The water is clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS This summer I visited the north east and swam off every beach from by Oban to Durness. Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Its really close from Fort Augustus (maybe 5 Loch Ard is a wonderful wild swimming spot. If you want to practice your wild swimming abilities here on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership. The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. 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. Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. It isnt far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. Gaelic. The second-longest loch in Scotland is perfect for well-versed swimmers due to its long and deep waters. 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. Following the advice of the receptionist, we therefore put on our bathing suits and made our way to the blue bridge across river behind the hostel. Clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream Holiday Cottages of your favourite!... Only been to loch Ard is a great introduction to wild swimming spot this Florida native, safety comes! A & # x27 ; Mheadhoin and Glen Affric 57.01214, -2.49052 Gannett. And will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream Activity Centre loch... Loch Beinn a & # x27 ; Mheadhoin and Glen Affric headed in. Shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spot the full list of swimming safety tips.! 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