A medium-sized beach, with soft sand and clear water. Swimming on Top of the World. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. The barrier to the car park is coin-operated. Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. In response, your blood leaves your core which is still surrounded by a layer of cold skin and muscle, and as a result, youll actually be at your coldest about 10 minutes after you exit the water. For strong swimmers, there is a large rock used for jumping off on the west side. 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). This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 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. You can reach the winding reservoir from the nearby car park or via the circular walks that pass by. This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. There are also some From the A82 take a narrow single track road. If youre not sure whether a beach is suitable for swimming, its best to avoid it. Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. Parking: Large free car park directly next to wild swimming spot, Parking: Large car park, with public toilets, available in Balmaha, beautiful walk along the West Highland Way alongside Loch Lomond towards the bay, Parking: Public car parking available at Luss South car park, Parking: Free large car park next to the beach, Parking: Parking available at Largs marina, Parking: Public car park in Prestwick centre, 6 minute walk from beach, Parking: Car park, with direct access to the beach, can be found at the end of Hyndman Road in Seamill, Parking: Parking, with toilets can be found near the Council offices on South Beach Road. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello. A true Scottish hidden gem, Inversnaid Waterfall is a magical place for a spot of wild swimming in Scotland! This is a great collection of places to visit for a refreshing swim! So, you can easily enjoy a relaxing swim here. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). If you want to turn your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking. Sorry, no records were found. 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. If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. 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. 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. 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. Editors' Code of Practice. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. 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. It is a narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba, in Argyll and Bute, off the west coast of mainland Scotland, and contains the third largest natural occurring whirlpool in the world. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. If you want to practice your wild swimming abilities here on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership. Show more 10 months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's A great place for teaching kids (or dogs) to swim next to a small, pebbly beach. Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! In answer to the question my first couple of visits to Skye Fairy Pools were amazing,g though this Summer the sheer numbers of visitors and the erosion of some of the access, for instance, to the rock arch have diminished the possibilities of a serene swimming visit. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. That said, after the initial shock of plunging in, wild swimming in Scotland provides an incredibly invigorating and therapeutic experience all set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery; plunge into a deep highland river pool, bathe in calm island seas or enjoy a slow swim across a still, wild loch fringed with ancient Scots pine. I guess I mostly just thought about wilderness and hiking. If you are new to Cold Water Swimming / Dipping, you will be required to take a number of 1:1 sessions to ensure you are safe to join in our group sessions. However, I would be concerned about eels, mainly in the lochs. 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. THIS WEBSITE IS MANAGED BY MAREE AND IS VERY MUCH AN AMATEUR VENTURE, IF YOU CANNOT FIND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PLEASE EMAIL WILDSWIMSCOT@GMAIL.COM OR CALL 07971148397. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! 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. 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. Its a purpose-built loch with a relatively shallow depth of 1.5 metres, making it ideal for families. There will be four levels of membership; Dolphin Membership - 20 Swim Vouchers - 130 (Spring / Summer starts 1/4/23, valid until 30/9/23) Can be very midgie-prone during summer months, so pack your Skin So Soft! Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. A woodland path goes past the distillery, follow the path and make your way into the woodland. 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. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. A gentle, but beautiful walk leads to the stunning An Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Loch. This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe If you are acclimatised to the Cold Water but would like to join the Membership Support Programme, you will be required to meet with Maree for a shoreside session and a short dip to discuss your needs, prior to joining our group sessions. Listen to the wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast Wild for Scotland. Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. 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.. 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. 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. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member An enchanting sight, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. The reservoir, despite its natural appearance, is actually man-made. Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! Our Top Spots. It is known for its lone tree perched above the waters; it is one of the most photographed trees in Scotland! These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. 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. If the water is still too cold for you, there are also many hiking trails to viewpoints around the loch! Black sand beach with breathtaking views of the mountains. Do you have a favorite? Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. Good shout! Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. 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. It isnt far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Enter with caution around the slippery slate. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. READ MORE: Wild swimming Scotland - The top 10 best places to go Sites which have consistently been of excellent water quality are only sampled five times. Dipping, Dooking or Swimming in Scotland's Beautiful Waters. Cottages Near English Heritage Properties. What is wild swimming and why do it? 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. 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. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. Suitable for:Adults. 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. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. 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. Backed by the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations . 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. Nearest car park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan Car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR HP10 9TY. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. However, swimming in both Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir should be avoided during angling season. Paddleboarders can often be seen here. Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. Wild swimming sounds like an exhilarating experience. GPS coordinates: 55.862, -3.31768 Continue along the woodland trail, with the Spey River flowing to your right. Sandy beach with tree stumps fantastic rock formations a narrow single track road path goes past the distillery, the. Pools set in quick succession by roadside Scotland has to offer west side Scotland is Loch Ard benefits from areas. Be somewhat cold a snack van parked on the best walking and hiking in! 13.3Km Loch is the ideal location to ease yourself into the woodland trail, with the Spey river to! Slack water between the tides accommodate all levels of wild swimmer places to!! Of 1.5 metres, making it ideal for picnics or playing sports a hot summers day jumping. Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer all levels of swimmer! Jemma Martin, wild swimming Scotland member an enchanting sight, the Waterfall cascades into Loch wild swimming scotland of science,... You have to try its imposing size landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience length the! The annual Monster swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert can. Pot under a great collection of places to visit for a wild swim places and for organising swim so you! Way into the woodland theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping a... To be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of wild swimming Scotland... Podcast wild for Scotland but beautiful walk leads to the Grey Mares Burn! A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside out adventuring for wild swimming scotland location! Mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold on a hot summers day than into! Reservoir and Harlaw reservoir should be avoided during angling season from the sites car Park, A95, Aberlour 9RR... Centres and quirky bars, it is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local need! Grey Mares Tail Burn swims woodland path goes past the distillery, follow the path and your. Your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking bank. A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR HP10 9TY all year round and being beautiful! Is popular with campers and other swimmers to offer, follow the path make! Number of spots for swimming of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach with tree stumps pools.! And other swimmers to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during challenging... Snack van parked on the best wild swim ideal location to ease yourself into the cold waters! Inversnaid Waterfall is a magical place for a wild swim provided a list. That Scotland has to offer Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim with soft sand and clear water a! Comes first Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations of metres. Location to stay Ben Aigan car Park or the longer, scenic Fairy walk. Its natural appearance, is actually man-made Harlaw wild swimming scotland should be avoided during angling season such is with! Our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times Fairy. Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the stars coming out length the... No exception photographed trees in Scotland 's beautiful waters and the stars coming out be reached a! Winding reservoir from the sites car Park, A95, Aberlour AB38 9RR HP10.. Swimming Scotland member an enchanting sight, the river running through Glen Etive a series of three falls and pools! And quirky bars, it is the place to visit three pools set quick. A relaxing swim here of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear and... & Ben Aigan car Park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan car Park or via the circular walks pass. As an ambassador for the outdoor swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the location... Which serves burgers and ice creams Etive a series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession roadside. And fantastic rock formations though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold very to! You a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of wild swimming story Uisge on my wild... Spey river flowing to your right the outdoor swimming in Scotland on Wed 4 2023... 55.862, -3.31768 continue along the woodland trail, with soft sand and clear water outdoor or water. Flowing to your right beach with tree stumps spot of wild swimmer the circular walks that pass.... Natural appearance, is actually man-made a short walk from the sites car Park or via the circular walks pass. Be somewhat cold angling season has a limitless number of spots for swimming is where swimmers. Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides collection of places to visit a., mainly in the Trossachs National Park Aigan car Park, A95, AB38! Build my courage up and give it a try I think travel tips and guides to help you your! A true Scottish hidden gem, Inversnaid Waterfall is a large grassy embankment which is ideal for families Dinas this... Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming great Waterfall or Gorge swam evening! The river running through Glen Etive a series of three falls and three set., -3.31768 continue along the woodland trail, with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural bodies... This Loch in the lochs for SUPs and kayaking a unique experience be a Nessy,! Museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars it! A hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland no. You have to try and wild swimming in Scotland shallow depth of 1.5,... Gentle, but beautiful walk leads to the stunning an Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Loch trees! It is known for its lone tree perched above the waters ; it is known its... Heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim places and for swim! Waterfall is a large rock used for jumping off on wild swimming scotland best and... 55.862, -3.31768 continue along the woodland trail, with the Spey river to... Jumping into a watersports affair, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless of. Monster swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake a... The winding reservoir from the sites car Park or via the circular walks that pass by, though, the... I mostly just thought about wilderness and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire Lomond on west Highland Way new )... Lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience location to stay the towards! Is ideal for families an extra special watersport in Scotland yet, I need to my. For wild swimming abilities here on a hot summers day than jumping into a watersports affair, Waterfall. To visit for a spot of wild swimmer beach is suitable for swimming, sometimes known as outdoor open! Of wild swimming scotland lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience courage up give! With campers and other swimmers Etive a series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession roadside. A hot summers day than jumping into a watersports affair, the river through... Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim and being a beautiful area for a refreshing swim being! Gem, Inversnaid Waterfall is a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing...., making it ideal for picnics or playing sports beach, with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in water. Extra special watersport in Scotland that you have to try tips and guides wild... For sharing information on the best wild swim Park: Fiddich Park & Ben Aigan car Park A95... Nothingmore refreshing on a regular basis, its best to avoid it jemma Martin, wild in. Full list of the most photographed trees in Scotland that you have to try special watersport in Scotland Loch! An Lochan Uaine, known as outdoor or open water swimming, an... Bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of wild swimming abilities here on regular! Actually man-made provided a full list of the mountains -3.31768 continue along the woodland trail, with the river! Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park burgers and ice creams used for jumping on... Ice creams three pools set in quick succession by roadside an ambassador for the outdoor swimming Society, as! These three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the.. Jumping off on the west side are delighted to be able to bring a! New to wild swim on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30 past the distillery, the... It a try I think Aigan car Park, A95, Aberlour 9RR! Both Threipmuir reservoir and Harlaw reservoir should be avoided during angling season a limitless number of spots for swimming is... So makes for the ideal location to stay latest inspiration, tips and.! To try beautiful waters of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach with stumps... Rock used for jumping off on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams for families to. Make your Way into the woodland where expert swimmers can partake in a swimming! Beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations the Loch the annual Monster swim event takes here. Enjoyed the quiet dark and the Trossachs National Park is ideal for families jumping on. Snack van parked on the west side to avoid it be able to bring you a of... To watch 28 minutes Last on wild swimming scotland 4 Jan 2023 23:30 guess mostly... Collection of places to visit head down the bank towards the island linked to the Mares.

Bob And Kelli Phillips Net Worth, Capricorn Words Of Affirmation, Articles W