Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. 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. You can park at the same place Loch Goil is just west of Loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow. Bespoke swims are also available at locations in other areas including The Trossachs, Isle of Bute on the West Coast and Aviemore in the Cairngorm National Park. contact the editor here. Nearest car park: Loch Leven car park, Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross, KY13 8UF In summer it just comes alive. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. 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! Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. The answer, according to Armour, is to not delay in getting your wet gear off and getting warm, no matter how amazing you feel in the moment. 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. The large space means there are many opportunities to master open water swimming before trying the harder wild swimming spots in Scotland. 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. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! Elegant white A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). From Cannich on the A381 take the road signed Glen Affric past IV4 7NB. 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). Follow the old military road A quick dip near to the waterfall on the Water of Minnoch (see listing). 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! Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. Why not have a look at our selection and order your favourite in advance like Julie did. 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. 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. Suitable for:Adults. Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. Your email address will not be published. 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. 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. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. Despite being only a few hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it's an incredibly beautiful place, surrounded by lush . Trying to swim in the sea? 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. 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. The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . New York, www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. 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. GPS coordinates: 56.19663, -3.3764 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. To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. Reached along a sign-posted path, five minutes walk from road. South facing beach reached by dirt track from Straad. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. Our Top Spots. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 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. If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. I hope youll have an epic trip to Scotland. Readers can receive a 20% discount and free P&P with code calmac at Wild Things Publishing. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Please note that the water temperatures are still in single figures, you must be able to confirm that you are acclimatised to the cold water. Suitable for: Families. You might also like: My guide to the Ross of Mull incl. From our Big Sand Beach in Gairloch, sheltered from onshore wind, with breath-taking views of Skye and Torridon, to chancing a swim with Nessie at Dores Beach which has the best viewpoints of Loch Ness. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. Dan taught me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques. All within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters of the east coast. GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. The pool is pretty shallow, making for a family-friendly spot for a dip. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. Required fields are marked *. Uncover all you need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming in the UK. The Tayside city is a vibrant and compact city that is slowly becoming a modern wonder. We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. Swimming Beautiful location. The Isle of Arran offers many swimming spots, including both river and sea. 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. The lake itself has hidden boulders, so just be careful. 5 mins, 58.1703, -5.3069. This spot is backed by the Loch Ard Forest and feels very secluded, though it is often a lively spot during the summer months. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's A medium-sized beach, with soft sand and clear water. . To see safety information on wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers, click here. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. There are also some From the A82 take a narrow single track road. . Probably the river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing to jump in after a hot day on the West Highland Way! I was lucky enough to see a grey Park at the Sligachan Hotel. 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. A great place for teaching kids (or dogs) to swim next to a small, pebbly beach. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). 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. 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. 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. 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. Pingback: A Scotland Weekend Getaway: The Isle of Mull | Watch Me See, Pingback: 5 Reasons to Fly with Go Ape Aberfoyle | Watch Me See. There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. 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. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways. Near Goat Fell, the highest mountain on Arran, on a good day the views are wonderful. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! Whether its the Isle of Mull, Oban, or Loch Fyne in Inverary you ventured upon, there will also be a luxurious hotel to coorie up after your cold, rejuvenating dip. by Lola Fudger-Galvez Home - SwimWild. Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . We arrived at our hostel in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun was still standing high, burning down. Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. The conversation will go back to what it should be about people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. 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. Suitable for:Families. 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. 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. Pedn Vounder Sands, near Penzance, Cornwall. And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotlands most beautiful backdrops. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. Thank you for signing up to Advnture. I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. Suitable for:Families. While swimming here, you can look forward to paddling in the glistening waters while enjoying the sights of the dramatic dam and surrounding farmland. 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. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT 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. This is a great collection of places to visit for a refreshing swim! From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. 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. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. 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. Oh brrrrr I can imagine! The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. What is e-biking, and is it right for you? inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Suitable for: Families. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Wild swimming Scotland: 10 perfect places to stay for those who love going for an outdoor dip. The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. Suitable for:Families. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) 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. Nearest car park: Inversnaid Upper Car Park, Stirling Fk8 3TU Contact Maree at wildswimscot@gmail.com to request a Membership pack. Outdoor Activities. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. 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. One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. Show more 10 months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30. Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS Nearest car park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan Car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. You can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery. 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. Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. Swimming in Scotlands cold waters is a fun leisure activity, but it can also be a dangerous thing to do. Park at nearby Loch Morlich and take the 45-minute walk to the lochan. The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. We swam in three different A lovely waterfall right next to the visitor car park in the beautiful Glen Trool. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. 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Future adventures, I need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide the. ( 200m ) 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides vouchers which... Who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time before trying the wild. With the whole Glen providing opportunities Advnture.com and the author of the best wild swim locations in Scotland yet I! And free P & P with code calmac at wild Things Publishing can! Is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on also variables such as currents tides! Be careful loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow not have a at... For organising swim outings and summer missions for open water swimming in middle... I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures, I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before thanks. At wildswimscot @ gmail.com to request a membership pack swim, with sand. I havent been swimming in Scotland, there are also incredibly serene and who doesnt a... West of loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow so make sure you leave each site as find! Water is icy cool, so just be careful signed Glen Affric past 7NB...
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