Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. From conservation village Ellenabeich, where free car park is signed at N end, cross to island by ferry and walk NW to quarries, 400m. Were beginning this list of spots for wild swimming in Scotland with the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. 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. Britains longest lake and home to Nessie. 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. To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. Set amongst the towering cliffs of Creag Meagaidh, this is a seriously impressive place to swim. 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. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. 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. We guide swimmers through this amazing landscape and explore it from a new and very different perspective via short wild swims and weekend breaks, to full adventure . Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! 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. 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. Wild swimming is that like wild camping? Lots of good entry points around the loch, with shallow water for paddling and deeper parts for more serious swimmers. Theres even a cafe on the shore to warm up in, should the water be slightly on the chilly side. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. 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! A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. 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. Here's an interactive map of the 29 cleanest Scottish waters to take a dip in this summer. Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotlands largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. 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!? A great place for teaching kids (or dogs) to swim next to a small, pebbly beach. Its shocking even to me that Ive never been to Loch Ard! Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. 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. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. Pingback: A Scotland Weekend Getaway: The Isle of Mull | Watch Me See, Pingback: 5 Reasons to Fly with Go Ape Aberfoyle | Watch Me See. Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. T&Cs apply. You can find similar conditions in a beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow (and Edinburgh) on the Isle of Arran! So, you can easily enjoy a relaxing swim here. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Oh, I need to add that to my list! This can have symptoms of varying severity from shivering to feeling unwell or even hypothermia. Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 There are two main areas to wild swim in Edinburgh. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. . Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. 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. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. / A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. Can you swim in lochan? 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. 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.. Perhaps nowhere was this more visible than in Scotland, which houses 90% of the UKs freshwater in its rivers and lochs in addition to a hefty 7,330 miles of coastline. we stopped at several to swim on the spur of the moment while walking presenting an interesting logistical challenge regarding nudity. 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. 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. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. Check which are open for swimming. Its really close from Fort Augustus (maybe 5 Loch Ard is a wonderful wild swimming spot. With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot. GPS coordinates: 56.24785, -4.68796 The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. Now many of those once secret spots are meccas for. 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! As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. Make sure you check for currents! 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. The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. Good shout! 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. Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Im aware that I am myself one of these visitors! Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. Sorry, no records were found. Elegant white A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. From Cannich on the A381 take the road signed Glen Affric past IV4 7NB. Enter with caution around the slippery slate. (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. 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. Find out more here. Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. 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. Lets get that debate started! I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Co-author of the new Wild Guide Scotland, Richard Gaston, shares his top 5 Scottish wild swimming locations: The water quality is often exceptional, but temperatures are very low. 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. Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. Nearest car park: On-site parking 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. What makes Glen Etive extra special is the loch it feeds into, where a group of adorable seals and otters await! 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. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. 2 hours, 56.9593, -4.5677. 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