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 River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. 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. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotlands largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. I hope youll have an epic trip to Scotland. A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! Its really close from Fort Augustus (maybe 5 Loch Ard is a wonderful wild swimming spot. 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. Wild Swim Scotland Membership Levels Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. Lets get that debate started! 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). These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. Did you ever see any or have an encounter? 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. Suitable for:Families. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. Amazing locations for wild swimming in Scotland arent hard to come by, with the country offering showstopping lochs, waterfalls and natural pools in abundance! Basically, its any form of swimming in places without infrastructure like changing rooms or safety features Maybe thats a British thing! 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. We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 However, swimming in both Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir should be avoided during angling season. 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. The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. 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. Aka normal swimming/camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume! GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . Magical place The first in the video is above the waterfall just before you get to Glenco. 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. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. 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. . Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes west of loch ness. they seem so serene! With 188 mountains in Wales, the country is a hiking haven! With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Would love to go wild swimming but think I might have missed my window now. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. . 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. Near Goat Fell, the highest mountain on Arran, on a good day the views are wonderful. Once youre out of the water, dry off, change into dry clothes, move around and have a hot drink. Suitable for:Adults. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. 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! The loch is also not as deep as many surrounding waters, and therefore slightly warmer than other places nearby. Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. So, you can easily enjoy a relaxing swim here. A swimsuit might not be the first item you think about packing for a trip to Scotland, but let me tell you it would be a big mistake to leave it at home if you visit during the summer months! Wild swimming, sometimes known as open water swimming, is a popular activity along Scotland's Adventure Coast. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. All opinions are my own. 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. Wow! When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. With over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, and endless rivers and lochs, youll discover theres a lot to appreciate and explore north of the border. SwimWild is all about having fun and building confidence and skills in open water in breathtakingly beautiful parts of Scotland's Highlands & Islands. When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. Required fields are marked *. 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. Keep an eye out! Learn more about responsible tourism and "treading lightly" in nature on the Visit Scotland website. From the car park at Creag Meagaidth reserve at Aberarder on the A86 (approx 4 miles SW of PH20 1BX), head out on well-constructed paths, past a whitewashed farmhouse with picnic tables outside. 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. Good pub nearby in the grandeur of A long river canyon with high cliffs and deep water. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. Scotland might nothave the hot springs of Iceland or the sauna culture of Finland, but weve got something else: cold water that is perfect for wild swimming! T&Cs apply. Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. 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. Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ The pools are clear and blue, great fun too. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Are you on the phone to our call centre? St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . The loch offers several swimming loops between 400-800 metres. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. Were beginning this list of spots for wild swimming in Scotland with the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 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. All within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters of the east coast. GPS coordinates: 55.862, -3.31768 The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. We were the first ones to arrive, soon most hikers who had arrived here today, spread out across the rocky shore of the river and jumped into the icy cold water. 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. Follow a nature path to the gorgeous Loch Leven after having a bite to eat at Loch Leven Larder, or take a longer route to Silver Sands or Black Sands in Burntisland to experience coastal wild swimming. 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. Hi, I'm Lola and I joined the marketing team in 2021. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. 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. Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. Stunning and wild backdrop. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. From Cannich on the A381 take the road signed Glen Affric past IV4 7NB. New Cottages - Just Added To The Website! 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. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. As well as the beauty that surrounds our hotels and inns, find out why you should choose Crerar Hotels, here. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. Browse 339 wild swimming scotland stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. Jump in or take a dook in the pool. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! GPS coordinates: 56.19663, -3.3764 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. Parking: Various public car parks scattered across city, Parking: Car park, with public toilets, around a 15 minute walk from beach, Parking: Public parking available at Market Square Car Park, very close to beach, Parking: Public car park available around 5 minute walk from the beach, Parking: Public car next to Cullykhan Bay. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). BBC Scotland - Jules' and Greg's Wild Swim Home Watch now Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill go wild swimming. Favourites were Sand, by Applecross (didnt know the UK PM was at a cottage nearby) and the beaches at Scourie near Lochinver. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. 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. Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? 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. Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). *Calls to this number will incur a charge. Editors' Code of Practice. 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. 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. , without any infrastructure for swimmers ( just like wild camping ) waterfalls and wild swimming, exploring so. Swimming that Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming that Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild spot... Largest city, so make sure you have a special base to these. But think I might have missed my window now and you 'll some. Out why you should plan in advance, and only for the ideal location to ease yourself into the formed. Maybe next time like wild camping ) a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings to access. 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