Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. 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. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. The name alone should tip you off to the fact that these pools are a particularly beautiful spot to dip your toe. Cross the road and then the stony bridge. Thank you for signing up to Advnture. Dipping, Dooking or Swimming in Scotland's Beautiful Waters. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming. So why not, treat yourself to a retreat at one of our luxurious hotels & inns, go wild swimming Scotland to boost your circulation, improve your immunity and release a rush of endorphins, with an out-of-this-world therapeutic experience. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotlands most beautiful backdrops. 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. Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. 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. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. Outdoor Activities. 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. Heres how it works. So, take the plunge! Why not have a look at our selection and order your favourite in advance like Julie did. Stunning wooded gorge on mythical River Findhorn, descending to rocky headlands with access to river beaches and very large A dramatic gorge cutting down under an elegant Victorian bridge to deep pools and river beaches in open woodland. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. GPS coordinates: 57.25034, -6.25829 There was a problem. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes west of loch ness. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA 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. In drier months, the current is lazy in this section of the River Forth and shallow enough for kids to paddle bring swimming shoes though, as the river bottom is rocky. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. 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. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. Co-author of the new Wild Guide Scotland, Richard Gaston, shares his top 5 Scottish wild swimming locations: The water quality is often exceptional, but temperatures are very low. 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. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. This is why we have created a guide on how and where to find both the most popular, and the most secluded, Scotland wild swimming spots, wherever you are in the country. 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. If you want to turn your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking. 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. 20 mins, 56.2939, -5.6595. GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 One thing to be aware of when swimming in Loch Leven is that it contains a large number of blue-green algae, so please steer clear of these! I love swimming and I love Scotland. Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. 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. 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. If the water is still too cold for you, there are also many hiking trails to viewpoints around the loch! Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Waulkmill Bay is one of the more sheltered areas that offer a sandy bottom and stunning swim spot. This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways. Nearest car park: On-site parking She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. 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. Check which are open for swimming. Contact Maree at wildswimscot@gmail.com to request a Membership pack. 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. 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.. 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. Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS An enchanting sight, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience. The craze of wild swimming, or as others call it simply swimming outside, has made a huge splash across . 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. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and . Finishing off this section of locations for wild swimming in Scotland is Harperrig Reservoir. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! 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. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please READ MORE:Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy. 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. The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. A medium-sized beach, with soft sand and clear water. Alternatively, you can purchase a one-off day pass. Suitable for:Families. Nearest car park: Parking layby Loch Ness, A82, Inverness IV63 6XR Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. View Privacy Policy. Once youve arrived at the waterfall, look forward to diving into the depths of its pool and paddling about in this quiet, tucked-away spot. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Next Warrior Water Women retreats coming soon Join us for a retreat in the beautiful Scottish highlands gbsct Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. Some nice spots!! The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. 7 Beautiful Places for Wild Swimming in Scotland. From conservation village Ellenabeich, where free car park is signed at N end, cross to island by ferry and walk NW to quarries, 400m. Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. 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. The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. 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. Turn right at a junction and venture downhill to the edge of the river.A footbridge awaits here, cross this to reach the stunning falls! Editors' Code of Practice. We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. 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. 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. 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! GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 Suitable for:Families. / We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. 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. Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! 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. Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe NY 10036. Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. In the summer they are incredibly popular, as the route to the river and pools is delightful. 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! This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. A true Scottish hidden gem, Inversnaid Waterfall is a magical place for a spot of wild swimming in Scotland! Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. 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