(Not ideal for children unless supervised.) 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. T&Cs apply. . One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. Nearest car park: Kinlochard Car Park, Stirling, FK8 3TW Further upstream, Loch Affric is also a good location for a swim, with the whole glen providing opportunities . Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. Nearest car park: Little Vantage car park, Unnamed Road, Kirknewton, EH27 8DJ Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. There was a problem. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. 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. Fed from icy snowmelt and water flowing off the plateau above, it is a bracing dip, but one that is second to none in its alpine splendour. 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. View Privacy Policy. Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! Suitable for: Families. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Beautiful stretch of river among woods of Scots pine. This is a great collection of places to visit for a refreshing swim! Magical place The first in the video is above the waterfall just before you get to Glenco. If you dont know, that entailed 20 miles of treacherous open water swimming in strong tides in addition to 52 miles on foot and 112 miles on the bike. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. It was fun! Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. 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. Its a purpose-built loch with a relatively shallow depth of 1.5 metres, making it ideal for families. This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 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. 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). 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. Its shocking even to me that Ive never been to Loch Ard! Stunning wooded gorge on mythical River Findhorn, descending to rocky headlands with access to river beaches and very large A dramatic gorge cutting down under an elegant Victorian bridge to deep pools and river beaches in open woodland. 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. These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond . GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 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. Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. 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. Click, best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. 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. 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. 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. GPS coordinates: 57.46117, -3.22614 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. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. The barrier to the car park is coin-operated. It isnt far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. 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. BBC Scotland - Jules' and Greg's Wild Swim Home Watch now Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill go wild swimming. Lively currents will give you a boost as you head downstream. Read our article on wild swimming kit to make sure you have everything you need, pick a beautiful swimming hole and dive in carefully. 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. 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. 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). Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. Dipping, Dooking or Swimming in Scotland's Beautiful Waters. Can you swim in lochan? Cottages Near English Heritage Properties. 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. Lovely views of the Campsie Hills with Mugdock Visitor Centre providing a station for a tea or coffee after a swim. This can have symptoms of varying severity from shivering to feeling unwell or even hypothermia. Its a very popular spot for visitors, with the hashtag #lochness being used over 450,000 times on Instagram! These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. If youre hiking the West Highland Way and the sun is out, this is an absolute must! Whether its a family day trip to the Beach Boulevard just outside the centre of Aberdeen, or an adventurous swim through the cracks of a collapsed cave at Hells Lum over Cullykhan Bay, Aberdeenshire is rich with unique rural locations, and beaches to go open water swimming. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland. Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. Take my FREE Scotland Itinerary Quiz to narrow down where to go. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. 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. 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). You can park at the same place Loch Goil is just west of Loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! Good shout! SwimWild is all about having fun and building confidence and skills in open water in breathtakingly beautiful parts of Scotland's Highlands & Islands. 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. Next Warrior Water Women retreats coming soon Join us for a retreat in the beautiful Scottish highlands gbsct There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. In drier months, the current is lazy in this section of the River Forth and shallow enough for kids to paddle bring swimming shoes though, as the river bottom is rocky. Editors' Code of Practice. Wild swimming, sometimes known as open water swimming, is a popular activity along Scotland's Adventure Coast. 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. Despite being only a few hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it's an incredibly beautiful place, surrounded by lush . 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 Swimming Beautiful location. 10 of the best places for wild swimming in Scotland Wild swimming is enjoying a surge in popularity in Scotland as people seek out new experiences and the basic, invigorating joy of. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. The loch is also not as deep as many surrounding waters, and therefore slightly warmer than other places nearby. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. Tide goes out 0.2 miles. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. 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. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. Enter with caution around the slippery slate. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. After a steep climb up the Devils Staircase and a long descent to Kinlochleven, we were exhausted and sweaty and really needed something to cool us down. During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. Wild swimming is that like wild camping? A beautiful sandy beach protected from being too exposed by jutting headlands and a curved bay. The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA I went for a swim here with open water swim coach Dan the Merman who offers group and private tuition for beginners and experienced swimmers. Check which are open for swimming. Wild Swimming - Scotland With just a short journey from Stirling, Trossachs National Park in Stirlingshire holds some of the most picturesque backdrops in the world, surrounded by spectacular mountains and munros, the tranquil beauty of the lochs are truly irresistible. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Wild Swimming - Scotland Oh, I need to add that to my list! A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . 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. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. The Tayside city is a vibrant and compact city that is slowly becoming a modern wonder. HP10 9TY. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. 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. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. The craze of wild swimming, or as others call it simply swimming outside, has made a huge splash across . There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mares Tail Burn. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? This may be a silly question but what does wild swimming mean? 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. Suitable for:Adults. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. . GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. One City Place, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3BQ, United Kingdom. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming. With lots of plunge pools and smooth rocks for lounging on, this is a great place to spend a whole day or night, if youre a keen camper. 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. Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[3]='ADDRESS';ftypes[3]='address';fnames[4]='PHONE';ftypes[4]='phone';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Dolphin Membership 20 Swim Vouchers 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23), Seal Membership 15 Swim Vouchers 105 (Spring /Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23), Otter Membership 10 Swim Vouchers 75 (Winter Valid 1/1/23 16/04/22 and Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/09/23), Water Vole Membership 5 Swim Vouchers 50 (Winter Valid 1/1/23 16/04/22 and Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/09/23), Open Water Swim Coaching provision for all levels, Fully qualified STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach, Completed the most recent Coaching through the Winter CPD , 1:1, 1:2 or group sessions (Covid 19 risk assessment completed). 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'S beautiful waters inner adventurer at one of the country and theres a fair amount of competition place Goil. 55 And Over Communities In Nj New Construction, Lakeland Flying Tigers, David Tennant Wife Died, Trinity Primary School Staff, What Your Birth Month Says About You November, Articles W