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. 2 hours, 56.9593, -4.5677. 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! This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. The Isle of Mull has a plethora of these beaches and one is prettier than the next. 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. 5 mins, 58.1703, -5.3069. 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. 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. 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. 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. Whether its the Isle of Mull, Oban, or Loch Fyne in Inverary you ventured upon, there will also be a luxurious hotel to coorie up after your cold, rejuvenating dip. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. There are also some From the A82 take a narrow single track road. The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. Make sure you check for currents! There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. Next Warrior Water Women retreats coming soon Join us for a retreat in the beautiful Scottish highlands gbsct Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Did you ever see any or have an encounter? 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. 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. This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Take an island day trip, get involved in whale watching and explore the enchanting waterfalls on the Isle of Mull, whilst youre out seeking the perfect tranquilising wild swim. Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. Comments have been closed on this article. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Jump in or take a dook in the pool. 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. Off the A816 S of Oban, follow B844 to Seil and Easdale (PA34 4TB). You can reach the waterfall by venturing a short distance from the hamlet of Inversnaid. There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mares Tail Burn. With the rising popularity, people from all over the country are seeking new secluded and peaceful locations, as the best wild swimming Scotland spots are swarmed by eager individuals. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! Love the waterfalls and wild swimming that Scotland has to offer. A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. 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! Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. Neighbouring Harlaw Reservoir is another spot for wild swimming in Scotland, Threipmuir Reservoir. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. So, you can easily enjoy a relaxing swim here. Park at nearby Loch Morlich and take the 45-minute walk to the lochan. 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Alternatively, you can purchase a one-off day pass. The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin and Glen Affric. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! Its shocking even to me that Ive never been to Loch Ard! A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. There was a problem. If you want to practice your wild swimming abilities here on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership. I live near Loch Ard and its always got someone swimming in it. The large space means there are many opportunities to master open water swimming before trying the harder wild swimming spots in Scotland. Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotlands underrated waterways. Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. Magical old steep-sided slate quarries are now filled with Mediterranean-blue sea water, and offer a more sheltered swim on the beautiful car-free Easdale. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. The Isle of Arran offers many swimming spots, including both river and sea. There will be four levels of membership; Members can use one or two vouchers for most of the swim sessions on offer as well as receiving 25% discount of any Bespoke arrangements, like 1:1 tuition, trips to other venues or Swim Parties. I swam Sunday evening at 5ish just at sunset and enjoyed the quiet dark and the stars coming out. The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. When it comes to spots for open water swimming in Scotland, youll be surprised to find a few surrounding the bustling city of Edinburgh. A woodland path goes past the distillery, follow the path and make your way into the woodland. Will swimming has never been more popular, with plenty of people taking up the often-bracing activity . New York, 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. Loch (/lx/) is the Scottish Gaelic, Scots and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet. 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. Daily water quality forecasts with regular water monitoring Beautiful south facing bay with incredible views to Arran. Looks onto the Island of Eigg. 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. It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. Which is your favourite wild swimming spot in Scotland? Its good fun and basically only way to do it outdoors in Scotland! Was it cold? Ha ha I dont know what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water is warmer then than in the Spring! Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. You might also like: My guide to the Ross of Mull incl. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. So, take 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. This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. GPS coordinates: 55.83343, -3.44521 Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. Drawing on her vast experience as a long-distance swimmer and open water swimming coach, Alice has hand-picked locations to help you experience Scotland at its wild and rugged . *Calls to this number will incur a charge. These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Its a very popular spot for visitors, with the hashtag #lochness being used over 450,000 times on Instagram! With options to explore the spectacular things to do in Cairngorms, including seeking the Balmoral Pyramids, or strolling along the gorgeous walks and beaches on the North-East coast, it truly is a magical part of Scotland. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. Scotland Embued with legend and fairy tales, the famous 'Allt Coir a Mhadaidh' pools and waterfalls are tinged with jade hues due to the volcanic gabbro rocks and the mystical peaks of the Black Cuillin mountains tower . With the unique culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and enchanting castles, it really is the best backdrop to your wild swimming in Scotland. A Gannett Company. 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. 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. The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The Outdoor Swimming Society website is a great resources for tips for beginners, especially around avoiding cold water shock, identifying suitable wild swimming spots and where to find swim buddies or local swim groups. A gentle, but beautiful walk leads to the stunning An Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Loch. 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. Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. With all that water, it makes sense that wild swimming in Scotland has caught on, except for the fact that the country is also notorious for challenging weather it averages 100 days of snow per year and no stranger to frigid winters and frequent gale force winds so we were curious to know if there are any special considerations to be taken when it comes to wild swimming in Scotland. Suitable for: Families. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. I guess I mostly just thought about wilderness and hiking. Available to pre-order soon. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. 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. Please refresh the page and try again. Were beginning this list of spots for wild swimming in Scotland with the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Heres how it works. You can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. The force and currents can be strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but otherwise, its a great spot for a picnic. 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. These are part of Wild Swim Scotlands Membership Programme. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. The barrier to the car park is coin-operated. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. Unleash your inner adventurer at one of these 14 best wild swimming Scotland spots. Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. Waulkmill Bay is one of the more sheltered areas that offer a sandy bottom and stunning swim spot. . The reservoir, despite its natural appearance, is actually man-made. Perfect for an afternoon dip. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. 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