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. Reached along a sign-posted path, five minutes walk from road. South facing beach reached by dirt track from Straad. Good pub nearby in the grandeur of A long river canyon with high cliffs and deep water. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. 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! Steep wooded rocky loch sides lead down to Rob A large calm pool beneath Waterfall or Gorge on River Pattack in Strathmashie community forest next to car park. A perfect, if small, plunge pool in open countryside with a fun rock slide. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience. 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. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT Suitable for:Families. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. It was fun! The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. If youre brave enough, you will be rewarded with a relaxing bath in one of the many pools formed by the river flowing through the valley! Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. 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. 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. 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). I remember it like it was yesterday. 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. Backed by the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations . Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. Despite being only a few hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it's an incredibly beautiful place, surrounded by lush . There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. Not only is this more tolerable, it means that you can consider starting out with wild swimming without purchasing pricey gear like a wetsuit, then if you love it you can make the investment with confidence. 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. 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. Whilst Loch Lomond can count as a spot for wild swimming in Scotland on its own, its so large that its best to explore it in parts! Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. . Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. What makes Glen Etive extra special is the loch it feeds into, where a group of adorable seals and otters await! Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. Another natural wonder in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the Falls of Falloch is a charming spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland. . For strong swimmers, there is a large rock used for jumping off on the west side. 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). 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. You will receive a verification email shortly. 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. READ MORE:Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy. Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . Editors' Code of Practice. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. Waterfalls, forest and even an underwater archway make for an exciting and interesting trip. Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. 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! From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! GPS coordinates: 56.56664, -5.05008 Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. 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. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Wild swimming, sometimes known as open water swimming, is a popular activity along Scotland's Adventure Coast. THE National has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. I was lucky enough to see a grey Park at the Sligachan Hotel. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. Its a purpose-built loch with a relatively shallow depth of 1.5 metres, making it ideal for families. 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. 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. Scotland Embued with legend and fairy tales, the famous 'Allt Coir a Mhadaidh' pools and waterfalls are tinged with jade hues due to the volcanic gabbro rocks and the mystical peaks of the Black Cuillin mountains tower . The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. Keep an eye out! A gentle, but beautiful walk leads to the stunning An Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Loch. Comments have been closed on this article. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. 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. You can reach the winding reservoir from the nearby car park or via the circular walks that pass by. 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! A well-frequented lochan located a five-minute stroll from Mugdock Park, Drumbrock Loch, or Abies is the perfect place to wild swim during both winter and summer. Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member One of these is the gorgeous Harlaw Reservoir, where wild swims can be enjoyed amidst peaceful surroundings! We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. 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. Here's an interactive map of the 29 cleanest Scottish waters to take a dip in this summer. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. 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.. Join my Facebook group to find inspiration for big & small adventures. These are part of Wild Swim Scotlands Membership Programme. Here, she takes us through the best swimming spots in the wilds of Scotland. And if you think thats a mouthful, just wait for how cold the water is! From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Here you can pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim! Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swimming Scotland has to offer. 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. 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. 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. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. 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. Nearest car park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan Car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR T&Cs apply. However, I would be concerned about eels, mainly in the lochs. This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. You might also like: My guide to the Ross of Mull incl. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond . 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. Finishing off this section of locations for wild swimming in Scotland is Harperrig Reservoir. 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. Interesting rock formations. 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. Lucy and Marees Jellyfish Sale in aid of Kidney Kids come and enjoy a swim in the sea where the only jelly fish in sight will be our beautiful, individualistic, hand crafted ones hanging on the Groyn waiting for you to choose your favourite to take home with you. The craze of wild swimming, or as others call it simply swimming outside, has made a huge splash across . 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. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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! Required fields are marked *. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and . Car park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR T & Cs apply stunning islanded lake, in. Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides a swim, with whole! Being increasingly promoted by its advocates, which serves burgers and ice creams:... 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