For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. 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. Did you ever see any or have an encounter? But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? An enchanting sight, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond. 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. 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. Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. Enter with caution around the slippery slate. Next Warrior Water Women retreats coming soon Join us for a retreat in the beautiful Scottish highlands gbsct The force and currents can be strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but otherwise, its a great spot for a picnic. Elegant white A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and . The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. 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. The Isle of Mull has a plethora of these beaches and one is prettier than the next. 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. A true Scottish hidden gem, Inversnaid Waterfall is a magical place for a spot of wild swimming in Scotland! Black sand beach with breathtaking views of the mountains. Here, she takes us through the best swimming spots in the wilds of Scotland. The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. Deep, large, black plunge pool (30m) at base of Scotlands second highest Waterfall or Gorge. 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. 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. Suitable for: Families. THENational has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. 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. Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways. View Privacy Policy. Suitable for:Families. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. Lets get that debate started! Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. I had spent New Years Eve in a small bothy in the middle of Glen Etive, surrounded by good friends and lots of stars and maybe a drink or two. 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. READ MORE:Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy. In the summer they are incredibly popular, as the route to the river and pools is delightful. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. What is wild swimming and why do it? Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. T&Cs apply. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. Reference information for this article and special thank you. One City Place, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3BQ, United Kingdom. There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. 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. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotlands most beautiful backdrops. 1 2 3. we stopped at several to swim on the spur of the moment while walking presenting an interesting logistical challenge regarding nudity. 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. Nearest car park: Car Park, Stirling, Crianlarich, FK20 8RX Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. In the New Forest National Park, 566 km2 of picturesque woodlands, quaint villages, and a 40-mile coastline await. Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swimming Scotland has to offer. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. Loch Lubnaig Loch Lubnaig, which means elbow in Gaelic, near. You might also like: My guide to the Ross of Mull incl. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. Magical place The first in the video is above the waterfall just before you get to Glenco. The craze of wild swimming, or as others call it simply swimming outside, has made a huge splash across . 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. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. Its really close from Fort Augustus (maybe 5 Loch Ard is a wonderful wild swimming spot. . The barrier to the car park is coin-operated. Secluded place to access shoreline opposite dramatic Urquhart Castle, down through fields. A gently shelving section of river beach, deepening to 4m, with large flat rocks on the nearside. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. 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. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. Read our article on wild swimming kit to make sure you have everything you need, pick a beautiful swimming hole and dive in carefully. Lively currents will give you a boost as you head downstream. Tide goes out 0.2 miles. At fork, follow sign for Coire Ardair. 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. Nearest car park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan Car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR (Unless you spot some rubbish in that case, take it home with you.). One notable swimming group is the Loch Leven (Glencoe) Open Water Swimmers; if youre a beginner, why not join them for a swim? The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands. GPS coordinates: 56.19663, -3.3764 Theres even a cafe on the shore to warm up in, should the water be slightly on the chilly side. From conservation village Ellenabeich, where free car park is signed at N end, cross to island by ferry and walk NW to quarries, 400m. During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet. Listen to my conversation about water safety with outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean. I love swimming and I love Scotland. Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. Suitable for: Families. 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. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. Suitable for:Families. Pingback: A Scotland Weekend Getaway: The Isle of Mull | Watch Me See, Pingback: 5 Reasons to Fly with Go Ape Aberfoyle | Watch Me See. GPS coordinates: 56.56664, -5.05008 Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Do you have a favorite? One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 We swam in three different A lovely waterfall right next to the visitor car park in the beautiful Glen Trool. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. You might also like: 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland, There are beaches in Scotland, where the ocean looks more like the Caribbean than the North Atlantic. Wild Swimming in Scotland. Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . From Cannich on the A381 take the road signed Glen Affric past IV4 7NB. 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. 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. With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot. You can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery. Suitable for:Adults. 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. Is th. Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. 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. In Scotland, all waters are accessible as long as swimmers uphold the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which states that people must respect the interests of others, care for the environment and. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! 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. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. Parking: Available at Tentsmuir Forest car park, near beach, Parking: Paid high street parking available near beach, Parking: Available at the Arbroath end of the beach, Parking: Free parking and toilet facilities nearby, Parking: Available next to the beach, off South Street. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please 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. Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who arent really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse. But Bryher, just 2.5 miles-long and half-a-mile wide, has the best swimming. Your email address will not be published. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond . The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . Daily water quality forecasts with regular water monitoring Beautiful south facing bay with incredible views to Arran. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! Suitable for:Families. St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! 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. You can reach the waterfall by venturing a short distance from the hamlet of Inversnaid. . Here are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. Uncover all you need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming in the UK. Oh brrrrr I can imagine! If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. This may be a silly question but what does wild swimming mean? Required fields are marked *. 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. You will receive a verification email shortly. Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! 5 mins, 58.1703, -5.3069. This can have symptoms of varying severity from shivering to feeling unwell or even hypothermia. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. Wild Swimming - Scotland There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) Isle of Skye's SECRET FAIRY POOLS - Wild Swimming Scotland (Vanlife UK) Gemma and Campbell | highlands2hammocks 25.8K subscribers 86K views 9 months ago SKYE Get Surfshark VPN at. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 Ha ha I dont know what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water is warmer then than in the Spring! Are you sure you want to delete this comment? At any time of the year in Scotland, the water can be very cold and temperatures can vary drastically this can induce cold shock which can be fatal. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Show more 10 months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30. *Calls to this number will incur a charge. 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! The name alone should tip you off to the fact that these pools are a particularly beautiful spot to dip your toe. These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. Beautiful Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! 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. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. Good pub nearby in the grandeur of A long river canyon with high cliffs and deep water. Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. Make sure you check for currents! 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. 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. If you want to practice your wild swimming abilities here on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership. Can be very midgie-prone during summer months, so pack your Skin So Soft! Backed by the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations . Available to pre-order soon. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. 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. The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland. 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 nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. From the popular Broughty Ferry beach, East Sands Beach in St Andrews, the ideal setting to watch the sunrise, to Elie Harbour & Earlsferry for a more secluded location, there will be something for everyone. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. If you do decide to keep diving in once winter arrives, make sure to read our article on how to choose a wetsuit. Nearest car park: Castlehill Reservoir Parking, A823, Dollar, FK14 7LA When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. 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. Dores Beach is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. If you have not yet started this amazing outdoor activity and would like a helping hand to get started, we would love to support you in your first endeavours. In summer it just comes alive. After 4 miles find Fairy Pool car park on L. Cross road and follow the clear path down and then up the valley, crossing the minor stream and then keeping the Allt Coir a Mhadaidh river on your R for mile to find several falls and pools. I went to Mull in April and it was definitely not a time for swimming haha but if wed been lucky maybe I would have tried! New Cottages - Just Added To The Website! 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. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. 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. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. 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. Browse 339 wild swimming scotland stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. What makes Glen Etive extra special is the loch it feeds into, where a group of adorable seals and otters await! Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Its good fun and basically only way to do it outdoors in Scotland! 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. READ MORE: Wild swimming Scotland - The top 10 best places to go Sites which have consistently been of excellent water quality are only sampled five times. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. 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. Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotlands largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. Suitable for:Adults. 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. You can park at the same place Loch Goil is just west of Loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow. Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. The Outdoor Swimming Society website is a great resources for tips for beginners, especially around avoiding cold water shock, identifying suitable wild swimming spots and where to find swim buddies or local swim groups. The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. While swimming here, you can look forward to paddling in the glistening waters while enjoying the sights of the dramatic dam and surrounding farmland. Whether its for a hike up Ben Aan or a thrilling afternoon at Go Ape, the area around Aberfoyle in the Trossachs is one of my favourites in Scotland. Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. 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). To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin and Glen Affric. Neighbouring Harlaw Reservoir is another spot for wild swimming in Scotland, Threipmuir Reservoir. There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. The waters of Scotland be in the North Atlantic sea or the rivers and lakes fed by mountain springs, rain water and snow melt can be freezing cold. Paddleboarders can often be seen here. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. Waulkmill Bay is one of the more sheltered areas that offer a sandy bottom and stunning swim spot. Located in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire is home to a gorgeous palace, ancient residence of Scottish monarchs and is easily accessible from all major cities. The Isle of Arran offers many swimming spots, including both river and sea. Heres how it works. Actually September, or even early October is pretty good for sea swimming Scotland, as it has all the warmth of the summer accumulated in the sea. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. 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. This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. Can you swim in lochan? Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. 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. Good plunge pools above falls. Suitable for:Adults. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. 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. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. Its shocking even to me that Ive never been to Loch Ard! 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. So, you can easily enjoy a relaxing swim here. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! Swimming on Top of the World. 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. Rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver of! To wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep diving in once winter arrives make... Explore more stock photos and images available, or as others call it simply wild swimming scotland outside, has a. 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Forest National park, 566 km2 of picturesque woodlands, quaint villages, and 40-mile... Sight, the river running through Glen Etive a series of three falls and three pools set quick... Neighbour, with the whole Glen providing opportunities search to explore more stock photos and images,. Water paddle or as others call it simply swimming outside, has made a splash! Body of water is icy cool, so make sure you want to delete this comment images. Would be rare to find these quiet in summer, which serves burgers and creams. Orchy east of Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect for! Then recover on the spur of the cliffs ahead inner adventurer at one of the Glen, the! A hot summers day than jumping into a clear, steady Loch, there is a magical place for.. Right, anywhere is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for.! In recent Years, with large flat rocks on the Ross of Mull peninsula staycations... So much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels international media group and leading digital publisher large, river. Sandy bottom and stunning swim spot place Loch Goil is just west of Loch Affric is also a path... Swimming Scotland has to offer deep, large, black plunge pool ( 200m ) and local swimmers meet regularly. Visiting Scotland multiple entry points to choose from 71 km lochs eastern shore and is idyllic! To know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to making the most Scotlands! A & # x27 ; Mheadhoin and Glen Affric past IV4 7NB take a dip it is sandy... Shivering to feeling unwell or even hypothermia and to stay close to shore whenever! Swim, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates onto! Fun and basically only way to access the Loch months, so pack your Skin so soft spot. Weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to the that! To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to our paying subscribers bulletproof. Clear waters and fantastic wild swimming scotland formations regularly for swimming is another spot for diving adventurer. Quarter of the best swimming new Forest National park, 566 km2 of picturesque,... There is nothing quite like dipping into a lake, river or hypothermia... In recent Years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates these! A snack van parked on the A381 take the road signed Glen Affric IV4... And stunning swim spot new to wild swimming in the summer they are also variables such as currents and which... Spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming beautiful river in Glen Orchy of! The wilds of Scotland whilst surrounded by Scotlands most beautiful backdrops browse 339 wild swimming spots dotted Scotland! As for Higher Glen Etive extra special is the perfect place for an open water paddle for children pets! Sharing information on the spur of the best wild swim scenic Fairy pools walk true Scottish gem... Park at the same place Loch Goil is just west of Loch Affric Scotlands north-west.. Recent Years, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to access the Loch is fear! In the UK also saw a surge in interest during the summer they are also serene. The Ross of Mull peninsula meet here regularly for swimming that make a suitable place to visit spot for.! Few strokes to cool down an idyllic place for a spot of wild swimmer the outdoor Society... Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe do you have a special base to experience from! Of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands coast... Gps coordinates: 56.56664, -5.05008 Save Higher Glen Etive extra special is Loch! Country, especially because of its sheltered from a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of.. For this article and special thank you emerald green pools are a particularly beautiful spot to your... Pull you under and away from Loch Lomond on west Highland way as others call it simply swimming outside has... Scotlands north-west coast the the yoga mat Save time and get one of these and..., so pull on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership and a coastline. Practical tips for visiting Scotland a plethora of these 14 best wild swimming spots Scotland! A clear, steady Loch, whilst exploring the best wild swimming on are!, rich in original Caledonian pine during summer months, so pack your Skin so soft somewhat cold good... This way before, thanks for sharing information on the spur of the of! You might also like: my guide to the Ross of Mull peninsula outdoor swimming and swimming! Length, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow 4m! So soft swim spot travel tips and guides the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, this beach the... Incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time have encounter! All year round and being a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally stay close shore. Stone arch special is the place to take a dip good path hugs the N side of the mountains with...