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. A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. 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. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. This body of water is much bigger in size compared to its neighbour, with a capacity of 2,359 million litres! 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. Take your pick of incredible wild swimming spots on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. / I need nice warm water to even think about going in. 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. If youre hiking the West Highland Way and the sun is out, this is an absolute must! Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. 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 islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. The lake itself has hidden boulders, so just be careful. Available to pre-order soon. With ease of access to nearby islands, and beaches, there are endless opportunities to explore Scotland in all its glory and wild swim in Scotland. All within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters of the east coast. If you want to turn your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking. Readers can receive a 20% discount and free P&P with code calmac at Wild Things Publishing. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. 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! Wow! The large space means there are many opportunities to master open water swimming before trying the harder wild swimming spots in Scotland. 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. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. When sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources. View Privacy Policy. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to 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. Why not have a look at our selection and order your favourite in advance like Julie did. Show more 10 months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30. Nearest car park: Loch Leven car park, Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross, KY13 8UF When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. With over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, and endless rivers and lochs, you'll discover there's a lot to appreciate and explore north of the border. 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. This handy guide features hand-picked spots for outdoor swimming in Scotland for you to try on your next trip, from those tucked away in remote woodland to those within reach of cities. 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. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#af4d92', 'Y8Y0OQPK');kofiwidget2.draw(); Watch Me See is an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of Booking.com and others and thus I earn from qualifying purchases you make at no extra cost to you. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. GPS coordinates: 57.25034, -6.25829 GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 Enter with caution around the slippery slate. Nearest car park: On-site parking There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland. Despite its peaceful surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care here. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. This article wouldnt be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. 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. Home - SwimWild. What is wild swimming and why do it? Find out more here. There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. 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. 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. Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. 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. Swimming on Top of the World. This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. 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. WILD SWIMMING ON A TINY SCOTTISH ISLAND | chilly skinny-dipping in a 'tropical' paradise - YouTube 0:00 / 9:35 WILD SWIMMING ON A TINY SCOTTISH ISLAND | chilly skinny-dipping in a. If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! 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. Perfect for an afternoon dip. GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 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. 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. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Click, best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. 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. Gilian is currently undertaking an impressive ice swimming challenge in aid of the Islay Dog Rescue, please consider donating to her Jedi Polar Bear Challenge through her Go Fund Me page here. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. You can find similar conditions in a beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow (and Edinburgh) on the Isle of Arran! 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. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS 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. Cottages Near English Heritage Properties. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming. Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. Wild Swimming in Scotland. Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. 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. Pedn Vounder Sands, near Penzance, Cornwall. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Swimming Beautiful location. Suitable for: Families. Suitable for:Adults. 20 mins, 56.2939, -5.6595. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. (Unless you spot some rubbish in that case, take it home with you.). 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. . 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. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. The force and currents can be strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but otherwise, its a great spot for a picnic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im Kathi! 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. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, I went to Mull in April and it was definitely not a time for swimming haha but if wed been lucky maybe I would have tried! 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! Interesting rock formations. Suitable for:Adults. T&Cs apply. 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. So, take the plunge! Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT If youre wanting a slightly more secluded spot then venture out to the coastal beaches in North Berwick or Blackness Bay in Falkirk. Theres even a cafe on the shore to warm up in, should the water be slightly on the chilly side. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. 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? A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. 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! contact the editor here. With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. Here you can pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim! Check which are open for swimming. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? I remember it like it was yesterday. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. At fork, follow sign for Coire Ardair. GPS coordinates: 57.46117, -3.22614 Oh, I need to add that to my list! Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). 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. I was lucky enough to see a grey Park at the Sligachan Hotel. GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 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 reservoir, despite its natural appearance, is actually man-made. Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. Nearest car park: Parking layby Loch Ness, A82, Inverness IV63 6XR We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. 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. This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Im aware that I am myself one of these visitors! It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. 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. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. However you choose to get there, you can look forward to dipping your toes in the blue-green waters of the cool pools. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. 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Pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch Scottish wild swimming on Mull are the beaches Fidden... The east coast neighbour, with ever-increasing views of the cool pools popular watersport in recent years amongst woodland... This is a fantastic place for wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe this. We 'll also Enter you into monthly Prize draw perfect spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland, Loch! Great spot for diving slightly on the Isle of Arran are right, anywhere is a of... Local services 4TB ) have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care here day... Offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools walking... And to stay close to shore, whenever possible you. ) for future adventures, need! And hiking spots in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the towering of. And soak up the scenery, it 's a magical place to swim the car. For SUPs and kayaking access the Loch by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery within 30. Shore, whenever possible advance like Julie did latest inspiration, tips guides.