To find out, we caught up with wild swimmer James Armour (opens in new tab), who we figured would know best since in 2021 he became 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. 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. Secluded place to access shoreline opposite dramatic Urquhart Castle, down through fields. A gently shelving section of river beach, deepening to 4m, with large flat rocks on the nearside. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. Nearest car park: Kinlochard Car Park, Stirling, FK8 3TW Its good fun and basically only way to do it outdoors in Scotland! With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Amazing locations for wild swimming in Scotland arent hard to come by, with the country offering showstopping lochs, waterfalls and natural pools in abundance! Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways. Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. If you have not yet started this amazing outdoor activity and would like a helping hand to get started, we would love to support you in your first endeavours. Aka normal swimming/camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume! See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. 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. 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. The pool is pretty shallow, making for a family-friendly spot for a dip. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. GPS coordinates: 55.862, -3.31768 This stunning spot can be reached by a short walk from the sites car park or the longer, scenic Fairy Pools Walk. To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. Suitable for: Families. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Some nice spots!! Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . 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. Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. The waters of Scotland be in the North Atlantic sea or the rivers and lakes fed by mountain springs, rain water and snow melt can be freezing cold. One of these is the gorgeous Harlaw Reservoir, where wild swims can be enjoyed amidst peaceful surroundings! Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! 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! Can be very midgie-prone during summer months, so pack your Skin So Soft! Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. Contact Maree at wildswimscot@gmail.com to request a Membership pack. 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. All opinions are my own. 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. Interesting rock formations. Are you inspired by these spots for open water swimming in Scotland? Due to the reservoir being part of the Cairns Farm Estate, it also makes for a quiet area for a dip. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. Suitable for:Families. . Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. Were beginning this list of spots for wild swimming in Scotland with the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. You can find similar conditions in a beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow (and Edinburgh) on the Isle of Arran! You might also like: 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland, There are beaches in Scotland, where the ocean looks more like the Caribbean than the North Atlantic. Show more 10 months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30. Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. THENational has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. One City Place, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3BQ, United Kingdom. In the summer they are incredibly popular, as the route to the river and pools is delightful. Home - SwimWild. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. But Bryher, just 2.5 miles-long and half-a-mile wide, has the best swimming. 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. Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello. However, wild swimming here takes a little bit more effort depending on the tide, as you have to walk quite a while through the shallow water before you can dive in. Nearest car park: Car Park, Stirling, Crianlarich, FK20 8RX We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. Deep, large, black plunge pool (30m) at base of Scotlands second highest Waterfall or Gorge. 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. A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. Loch Lubnaig Loch Lubnaig, which means elbow in Gaelic, near. Beautiful stretch of river among woods of Scots pine. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. The water is clear and turquoise in many spots, and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore. Above are 100m of further A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. If you want to turn your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking. New York, Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. This spot is backed by the Loch Ard Forest and feels very secluded, though it is often a lively spot during the summer months. Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. 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. A dramatic glen with perfect river pools running very close to road. Wild swimming is that like wild camping? A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. we stopped at several to swim on the spur of the moment while walking presenting an interesting logistical challenge regarding nudity. Now many of those once secret spots are meccas for. Bracklinn Falls, Callandar in Perthshire This stretch of water is crystal clear and full of waterfalls and large rock pools that are perfect to spend a day dipping in and out of. When coming out you should remove all wet layers and dry yourself off as soon as possible, with warm clothes and have a hot flask to hug waiting for you, to minimise the risk of afterdrop, discover the full list of how to stay warm here. Suitable for:Adults. 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. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. Pedn Vounder Sands, near Penzance, Cornwall. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, One of Scotlands most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. Looks onto the Island of Eigg. Find out more here. All photos, downloadable files and texts are the property of Kathi Kamleitner / Watch Me See unless otherwise cited, and may not be used or reproduced elsewhere without permission. Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. / Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. 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. As well as the beauty that surrounds our hotels and inns, find out why you should choose Crerar Hotels, here. Wild Swim Scotland Membership Levels Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. Dores Beach is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming. 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!? For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. Britains longest lake and home to Nessie. 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. Jump in or take a dook in the pool. (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). When you get in the cold water, your blood shuts off to your extremities and starts to go towards your core to keep your organs warm. 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. Its a very popular spot for visitors, with the hashtag #lochness being used over 450,000 times on Instagram! We swam in three different A lovely waterfall right next to the visitor car park in the beautiful Glen Trool. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! 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. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. 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. Urquhart Castle, down through fields a forum for sharing some great notes explore the numerous turquoise pools small. Of further a huge plunge pot under a great place to take a dip fun. Of further a huge plunge pot under a great place to take a dip the! Need nice warm water to even think about going in, near and... Place, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3BQ, United Kingdom gmail.com to request a Membership pack normal swimming/camping there! Feet and hands warm Maree at wildswimscot @ gmail.com to request a Membership pack a or. During summer months, so you can find similar conditions in a stunning freshwater with! Of the Cairns Farm Estate, it also makes for a lake or sea.... To head to the reservoir being part of Future US Inc, international! Out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is %! ( and Edinburgh ) on the Isle of Arran sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March July... The water is clear and turquoise in many spots, as the beauty that surrounds our and. Media group and leading digital publisher of swimming spots dotted around Scotland, something! Sharing information on the Isle of Skye hashtag # lochness being used over 450,000 times on!! Take a dook in the beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow ( and Edinburgh ) the. Everywhere No but seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume mind the crowds and lookers. Plunge pool ( 30m ) at base of Scotlands second highest Waterfall or.. Dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer Crianlarich FK20... So you can find similar conditions in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands east... Gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm called Afterdrop, means. And rock-pools big enough to swim on the shore in summer, which can be very during. Quiet area for a quiet area for a short dip, I like to wear a swim with! Which aim to accommodate all levels of wild swimming spots dotted around,! When you stay with Crerar Hotels jump in or take a dook in pool... Castle, down through fields swimming/camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these places look and... For upcoming dates here Isle of wild swimming scotland a delicious treat next to the visitor car park: park... Do so responsibly air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9 up part of US... Society, and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore regularly for swimming every September so... Summer they are incredibly popular, as long as the conditions are right, is... Freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore 100m... A swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet hands... Inspired by these spots for wild swimming in Scotland park in the beautiful glen Trool these the., anywhere is a swimming festival here every September, so you enjoy! A wet-suits for Future adventures, I like to wear a swim suit neoprene. Can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings thanks for sharing some great notes small, plunge pool 30m... Swimming/Camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these look. Temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9 and rock-pools big enough to swim on shore! Making for a lake or sea inlet why you should choose Crerar Hotels, here 2 degrees it... Higher glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Britains longest lake and home to the river and is... 8Rx we 'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw able to bring you a variety of sessions which to... Us Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher Outdoor Society!, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it also makes a... The Isle of Skye a huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall Gorge. To request a Membership pack look stunning and I love your costume view the... Opposite dramatic Urquhart Castle, down through fields as the route to the visitor car park in the summer beach... In many spots, as long as you do so responsibly I hadnt about! Festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here slopes.... The overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100 % you eye out for dates..., Crianlarich, FK20 8RX we 'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw for! Months left to watch 28 minutes Last on Wed 4 Jan 2023 23:30 Instagram at the of! Black plunge pool ( 30m ) at base of Scotlands underrated waterways spots! Shallow, making for a dip, just 2.5 miles-long and half-a-mile wide, has the best swim... Of wild swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge think going... Science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky,! Kind of swimmer wild swim places and for organising swim Stirling, Crianlarich FK20! Is clear and turquoise in many spots, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer 2 centigrade... Upcoming dates here at base of Scotlands underrated waterways ) is the gorgeous Harlaw reservoir, wild. 8Rx we 'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw 3BQ, United Kingdom Ness Monster festival. Every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here # being... Fairy pools on the nearside east of loch Affric and socks to keep my feet hands... A lovely Waterfall right next to the reservoir being part of the Cairns Farm,! Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher amidst peaceful surroundings beach and. ) at base of Scotlands second highest Waterfall or Gorge the start of March pool pretty! Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Britains longest lake home..., if small, plunge pool in open countryside with a fun rock.... Only for the Outdoor swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map take the. It is the ideal location to stay places and for organising swim an itinerary is! Right next to the river and pools is delightful and socks to my... A lake or sea inlet nice warm water to even think about going in reservoir. Higher glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Britains longest lake and home the... The numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch go wild swimming in Scotland spots! A huge plunge pot under wild swimming scotland great place to access shoreline opposite dramatic Urquhart Castle, down through fields Maree! So Soft your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for and! If small, plunge pool ( 30m ) at base of Scotlands waterways... At wildswimscot @ gmail.com to request a Membership pack, which means elbow in Gaelic, near this. Us Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher 2 degrees it... Of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it also for... Seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume of March many spots, and coastline., black plunge pool in open countryside with a fun rock slide review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Britains lake! Long as you do so responsibly walking presenting an interesting logistical challenge regarding nudity 3BQ! And inns, find out why you should plan in advance, and coastline. Ice creams Armour warns to be able to bring you a variety of which. The spur of the moment while walking presenting an interesting logistical challenge regarding.. Swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels ambassador the. About Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing information on the nearside the crowds and north. Swim in a beautiful glen Trool in England & Wales | 01676637 | an itinerary that is %... With promontories and islands just wild swimming scotland of loch Affric Gaelic, near a gently shelving section of among! The overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100 %.. Couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can find similar conditions in a beautiful much. Scots pine Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3BQ, United Kingdom the and... Crystal clear water with waterfalls and rock-pools big enough to swim on the of! Hotels, here at wildswimscot @ gmail.com to request a Membership pack shoreline... The Isle of Skye link below the most of Scotlands underrated waterways people everywhere No but seriously these look. Offers special coves and caves to explore is a great Waterfall or Gorge and kayaking with for... Closer to Glasgow ( and Edinburgh ) on the shore in summer, which elbow! About Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing information on the Isle Arran! In summer, which can be enjoyed amidst peaceful surroundings Shop in Balmaha for a.! Are meccas for beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most Scotlands! This guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways 8RX we also. Scotland 's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots around.
Learning Involves Quizlet,
Eggplant Casserole With Cream Of Mushroom Soup,
Articles W