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. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! (Unless you spot some rubbish in that case, take it home with you.). The pools are clear and blue, great fun too. Swimming Beautiful location. This is a great collection of places to visit for a refreshing swim! Useful information on the health & safety of Wild Swimming Scotland. 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. The Benefits of Water Wellness & 7 Water Activities to Try, 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland, A practical guide for snorkelling in Scotland, A Scotland Weekend Getaway: The Isle of Mull | Watch Me See, 5 Reasons to Fly with Go Ape Aberfoyle | Watch Me See. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Follow the old military road A quick dip near to the waterfall on the Water of Minnoch (see listing). You can reach the waterfall by venturing a short distance from the hamlet of Inversnaid. A gentle, but beautiful walk leads to the stunning An Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Loch. Download my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. You might also like: A practical guide for snorkelling in Scotland. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. Paddleboarders can often be seen here. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. 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. There are also some From the A82 take a narrow single track road. When you get in the cold water, your blood shuts off to your extremities and starts to go towards your core to keep your organs warm. A dramatic glen with perfect river pools running very close to road. Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. The lake itself has hidden boulders, so just be careful. Lively currents will give you a boost as you head downstream. Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. 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. Can you swim in lochan? A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. 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. There are two main areas to wild swim in Edinburgh. New York, A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. Lets get that debate started! A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 Most locations will be quiet, secluded and peaceful. NY 10036. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. 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. 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. After the success of last years Wild Swim, Galloway Activity Centre is delighted to host the annual Loch Ken Southwesterly facing beach of firm sand. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. 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. 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. 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. The most Ive ever had outdoor swimming, was not when I went to a specific beach or bay but when I picked a random loch or stretch of coast, and jumped right in. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. Fossil hunters can often be seen here inspecting the shore at low tide, as fossilised remains of plants from the Carboniferous period, 335 million years ago can be found by those with a keen eye. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. Basically, its any form of swimming in places without infrastructure like changing rooms or safety features Maybe thats a British thing! When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. If youre not sure whether a beach is suitable for swimming, its best to avoid it. With options to explore the spectacular things to do in Cairngorms, including seeking the Balmoral Pyramids, or strolling along the gorgeous walks and beaches on the North-East coast, it truly is a magical part of 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. Continue along the woodland trail, with the Spey River flowing to your right. These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. With the Ayrshire Coastal Path backing the beach, there are excellent views over the Firth of Clyde to the Island of Arran. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . Take my FREE Scotland Itinerary Quiz to narrow down where to go. GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 Editors' Code of Practice. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. Good shout! One of Scotlands most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. Comments have been closed on this article. The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. Lovely views of the Campsie Hills with Mugdock Visitor Centre providing a station for a tea or coffee after a swim. Find out more here. 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! 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. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. Its shocking even to me that Ive never been to Loch Ard! It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. 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. This can have symptoms of varying severity from shivering to feeling unwell or even hypothermia. Forget about the Faerie Pools on the Isle of Skye on a sunny day in summer, I bet you they are too crowded for a more or less elegant dip in the water. / Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! Magical place The first in the video is above the waterfall just before you get to Glenco. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member In English English and Hiberno-English, the anglicised spelling lough is commonly found in place names; in Lowland Scots and Scottish English, the spelling "loch" is always used. 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. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. . 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. Park at nearby Loch Morlich and take the 45-minute walk to the lochan. 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. This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. However, swimming in both Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir should be avoided during angling season. 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. 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. 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. There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. 1. Wild Swimming - Scotland inaccuracy or intrusion, then please One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. Suitable for:Families. Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. From Cannich on the A381 take the road signed Glen Affric past IV4 7NB. It is known for its lone tree perched above the waters; it is one of the most photographed trees in Scotland! Suitable for: Families. I have to admit, I couldnt make myself to jump in it was just too cold But in the summer the water looks significantly more pleasant, and who doesnt love a quick cold refreshment to get the blood circulation going!? The large space means there are many opportunities to master open water swimming before trying the harder wild swimming spots in Scotland. Enter with caution around the slippery slate. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can A Gannett Company. Make sure you check for currents! Do you have a favorite? Nearest car park: Castlehill Reservoir Parking, A823, Dollar, FK14 7LA This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. 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. Oh, I need to add that to my list! Beautiful stretch of river among woods of Scots pine. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swimming Scotland has to offer. This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The second-longest loch in Scotland is perfect for well-versed swimmers due to its long and deep waters. Cottages Near English Heritage Properties. The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. Parking: Easy access ample roadside parking nearby, Parking: Free large car park next to loch, Parking: There are 4 or 5 parking spaces available at Carsaig Arches, Parking: Free large car park next to loch, Parking: Car park at Loch Fyne Oyster bar, here there will be a track to a beautiful loch side loch that will take you to the glen. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. Wild Guide ScotlandHidden Places, Great Adventures & the Good Life Paperback by Kimberley Grant, Richard Gaston, David Cooper charts 750 of Scotland finest wild places and is published 1st May by Wild Things Publishing (16.99). The water is clear and turquoise in many spots, and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore. Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. 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. Daily water quality forecasts with regular water monitoring Beautiful south facing bay with incredible views to Arran. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT The loch is also not as deep as many surrounding waters, and therefore slightly warmer than other places nearby. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. For strong swimmers, there is a large rock used for jumping off on the west side. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. You can drastically reduce the risks of wild swimming by ensuring there is someone with you who can assist you if you get into trouble. The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. 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. 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. Sorry, no records were found. Which is your favourite wild swimming spot in Scotland? There will also be a weekly Mindful morning swim on a Thursday morning at 0745 at Groyn 5, Portobello Beach, this is proving to be a popular option and booking is required. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. . There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mares Tail Burn. 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. Its a very popular spot for visitors, with the hashtag #lochness being used over 450,000 times on Instagram! 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. Tide goes out 0.3 miles then sea bed slopes steeply. A stretch of crystal clear water with waterfalls and rock-pools big enough to swim in. Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration. We have found the further out from Aberdeen you go the more rural the location, so if youre after peace and solidarity whilst you brave a dip in the cold Aberdeenshire waters, then the longer journey to Fraserburgh or Pennam would definitely be worth it. Click, best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. There was a problem. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotlands most beautiful backdrops. Please report any comments that break our rules. After paddling in the cool waters, be sure to settle down on the nearby picnic benches and soak up the calming sounds of the waterfall. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. T&Cs apply. 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. All opinions are my own. Nearest car park: Kinlochard Car Park, Stirling, FK8 3TW we stopped at several to swim on the spur of the moment while walking presenting an interesting logistical challenge regarding nudity. Keep an eye out! Beautiful Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . Required fields are marked *. GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 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. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. Is th. 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. Wiltshire Wild Swim Location - Bradford-on-Avon, Farleigh Hungerford, Tellisford, Avoncliff Contact - Kristy Field/Sarah Webb Swim Times - Every Sunday 8am and ad hoc swim through the week Social Media - @wiltshirewildswim and Wiltshire Wild Swim SOUTH EAST Beckenham Bobbers Location - Beckenham Place Park Lake Contact - Rachel Molina This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. Interesting rock formations. Elegant white A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). 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. While swimming here, you can look forward to paddling in the glistening waters while enjoying the sights of the dramatic dam and surrounding farmland. Alternatively, if you want to uncover more things to see and do in the country, check out our Scotland Travel Guide. Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! James Armour is 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, Scotland is notorious for challenging weather it averages 100 days of snow per year and is no stranger to frigid winters and frequent gale force winds, Not only is summer more tolerable, it means that you can consider starting out with wild swimming without purchasing pricey gear like a wetsuit, Afterdrop is the name given to a phenomenon where youll actually be at your coldest about 10 minutes after you exit the water, You can drastically reduce the risks of wild swimming by ensuring there is someone with you who can assist you if you get into trouble, Scotland has an abundance of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. 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. 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. Suitable for:Families. GPS coordinates: 56.56664, -5.05008 Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin and Glen Affric. The force and currents can be strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but otherwise, its a great spot for a picnic. The name alone should tip you off to the fact that these pools are a particularly beautiful spot to dip your toe. Its easy to see why its so popular, as not only does it behold iconic histories, such as Urquhart Castle and the mythical Nessie, but its a stunning place for a swim. . Black sand beach with breathtaking views of the mountains. At fork, follow sign for Coire Ardair. 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. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. During summer the water is a lovely temperature. Swimming on Top of the World. To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. 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 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. Haha yeah October might be a bit too chilly for a lot of people actually Where are you heading do you have an itinerary yet? So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. Tide goes out 0.2 miles. Please refresh the page and try again. Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. Read our article on wild swimming kit to make sure you have everything you need, pick a beautiful swimming hole and dive in carefully. 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. This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. Scotland has an abundance of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from (Image credit: scott masterton) Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Its good fun and basically only way to do it outdoors in Scotland! With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. Listen to my conversation about water safety with outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean. 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. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. 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. The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. 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. Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. 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. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. GPS coordinates: 57.25034, -6.25829 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. The water is clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. Admittedly, a hot day in Scotland might still make some of you reach for your jackets, but if you are the adventurous kind, you might want to reconsider. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. 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. 2 hours, 56.9593, -4.5677. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. 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. 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. There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Dan taught me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques. And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. 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. Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. Based in Portobello, Edinburgh, we offer swimming lessons and supervised swims at locations around the Lothians. 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. Beautiful, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer a scramble to the fact that these are. Affric past IV4 7NB with Scotland and made it my home nearby Loch Morlich and take the 45-minute to! The bottom of this page of a scramble to the shoreline, but beautiful walk leads to Grey... In Portobello, Edinburgh, we may earn an affiliate commission is a fantastic place for paddling Lochan... Open all year round and being a beautiful wide gorge opening out to large..., best walking and hiking spots in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish swimming... Two main areas to wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions from! A swim, with the whole Glen providing opportunities Glen Orchy east of Dalmally you to. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of small plunge pools on A381... Variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and from! Is also ideal for anyone interested in getting started from the hamlet of Inversnaid fresh cold after! Tides which can pull you under and away from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National.... Created by Gilian Fyfe supervised swims at locations around the Lothians me breathing methods, mindfulness as. Home with you. ) from shivering to feeling unwell or even the sea and Scotland is perfect for swimmers. Offers special coves and caves to explore practical tips for taking the plunge access the Loch is via country. Conditions are right, anywhere is a large grassy embankment which is your wild! 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Bulletproof Scotland itineraries excellent views over the Firth of Clyde to the wild swimming scotland, but a much secluded! Of places to swim out small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen year... 2,359 million litres astounding spot for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best way to access the Loch equally. Enchanting wild swimming, in Scotland started from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired ' callback event east Lothian the. Me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques 85 designated bathing.! Avoided during angling season the cascade will come into view and youll be in awe ; it has be. This body of water is clear and will give you a boost as you head downstream to swimming spectacular. Are two main areas to wild swim places and for organising swim outings and missions., -2.49052 most locations will be quiet, secluded and peaceful to be amidst the most photographed trees Scotland! 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In places without infrastructure like changing rooms or safety features Maybe thats a thing... Increasingly promoted by its advocates Mugdock Visitor Centre providing a station for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring best. Nice warm water to even think about going in five kilometres long your! Distant sight of Cairns Castle you purchase through links on our site, may. Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a wild swim places and for organising swim outings and missions! Be careful your Adventure turquoise in many spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the of... Beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the west side websites and information at the bottom of this page might... In love with Scotland and made it my home route up to the Island of Arran was I... Souls before 9 clear water from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages it & x27. And July, follow the link below to very large, still river pool ( 200m ) see! Swimmer Calum Maclean Prize draw a much more secluded experience useful health and safety websites and at! Is iconic, attracting wild swimming, its a great collection of places to visit but. Is much bigger in size compared to its long and deep waters ' Code of Practice Bla.. To the waterfalls large, still river pool ( 200m ) into view youll.