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. Browse 339 wild swimming scotland stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. 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. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. 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. 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. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. I love swimming and I love Scotland. A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. If youre overwhelmed by all the options, check out my ready-made Scotland itineraries or book an enquiry call for my 1:1 itinerary planning services so we can work on your route together. Ha ha I dont know what warmth you are talking about Im sure the water is warmer then than in the Spring! 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. 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. GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 Suitable for:Families. Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Here you can pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim! Keep an eye out! Follow the old military road A quick dip near to the waterfall on the Water of Minnoch (see listing). 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 . where to wild swim. To see information on water quality click here. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. But Bryher, just 2.5 miles-long and half-a-mile wide, has the best swimming. So, take the plunge! Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! 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. Scotland might nothave the hot springs of Iceland or the sauna culture of Finland, but weve got something else: cold water that is perfect for wild swimming! Achmelvich is a paradise of multiple small beaches with crystal clear water and pure white sands, nestled amongst the rocky bays of Assynts coastline. Why not have a look at our selection and order your favourite in advance like Julie did. Based in Portobello, Edinburgh, we offer swimming lessons and supervised swims at locations around the Lothians. 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. With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. Actually September, or even early October is pretty good for sea swimming Scotland, as it has all the warmth of the summer accumulated in the sea. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. This is the Scottish Highlands at its best, with mountains on all sides, Caledonian pinewoods, islands in the middle of the loch and the chance to see some of Scotland's rarest wildlife. Can you swim in lochan? And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. Backed by the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations . Next summer! Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. GPS coordinates: 55.83343, -3.44521 Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. 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. . And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming. These shimmering pools have made this list due to being open all year round and being a beautiful area for a wild swim. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. 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). READ MORE:Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. Nearest car park: On-site parking Suitable for: Families. From the B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47 8ST. Waulkmill Bay is one of the more sheltered areas that offer a sandy bottom and stunning swim spot. Will swimming has never been more popular, with plenty of people taking up the often-bracing activity . Good plunge pools above falls. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands. During summer the water is a lovely temperature. Elegant white A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. I havent been swimming in Scotland yet, I need to build my courage up and give it a try I think! The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. 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. An enchanting sight, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. / The waterscape looks so inviting I love your pictures and you sure are an adventurous soul I would love to jump into them. Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. Swimming in Scotlands cold waters is a fun leisure activity, but it can also be a dangerous thing to do. Haha for me it really depends on the outside temperature sometimes it is just the best thing in the world to jump into freezing cold winter. Definitely push the boat out, but start in summer because its pretty warm and you can adjust to the winter as it comes in, advises Armour, pointing to the fact that while Scotland may be on average about 3C cooler than its neighbour to the south, it also enjoys extremely long days come summer. . I was lucky enough to see a grey Park at the Sligachan Hotel. Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. With the unique culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and enchanting castles, it really is the best backdrop to your wild swimming in Scotland. Swimming on Top of the World. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Despite its peaceful surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care here. Weve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country. Most locations will be quiet, secluded and peaceful. Whether youre considering a quick dip in a local loch or working your way up to some serious strokes in the sea, Armour has these three tips for anyone starting out with wild swimming in Scotland. 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. 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. Editors' Code of Practice. There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. It isnt far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. Wow! Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. (Unless you spot some rubbish in that case, take it home with you.). 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. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. 1 2 3. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. . Once youre out of the water just dry off straight away and get to a safe place because you dont know how that delayed impact is going to hit you, urges Armour. 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. You can reach the waterfall by venturing a short distance from the hamlet of Inversnaid. 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. It was fun! To see safety information on wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers, click here. Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. Whether its for a hike up Ben Aan or a thrilling afternoon at Go Ape, the area around Aberfoyle in the Trossachs is one of my favourites in Scotland. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. One thing to be aware of when swimming in Loch Leven is that it contains a large number of blue-green algae, so please steer clear of these! Learn more about responsible tourism and "treading lightly" in nature on the Visit Scotland website. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. 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 The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig, in the summer months, Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy, Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. Wild swimming, sometimes known as open water swimming, is a popular activity along Scotland's Adventure Coast. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. GPS coordinates: 55.862, -3.31768 A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. 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. In summer it just comes alive. Here are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. The lake itself has hidden boulders, so just be careful. Sorry, no records were found. by Lola Fudger-Galvez Suitable for:Families. Nearest car park: Glen Etive Estate Parking, Ballachulish PH49 4JA Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration. 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. 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. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and . I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. If youre hiking the West Highland Way and the sun is out, this is an absolute must! Not only is this more tolerable, it means that you can consider starting out with wild swimming without purchasing pricey gear like a wetsuit, then if you love it you can make the investment with confidence. 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. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. 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. 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. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. 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. Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. All within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters of the east coast. From the A837 just N of Lochinver take the B869 NW, then turn L after passing sign for Achmelvich, past IV27 4JB to park at the road end next to the beach. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. 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). Listen to my conversation about water safety with outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean. 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. Whilst Loch Lomond can count as a spot for wild swimming in Scotland on its own, its so large that its best to explore it in parts! You will receive a verification email shortly. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! 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 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. READ MORE:Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy. Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA 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! 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.. The pool is pretty shallow, making for a family-friendly spot for a dip. This may be a silly question but what does wild swimming mean? The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . Probably the river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing to jump in after a hot day on the West Highland Way! We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! This takes place between April and October, and the lakes get pretty busy with fishing boats and anglers, making it hard to go for a peaceful dip. 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. In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. When sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources. In this wild swimming in Scotland guide, Loch Leven is one of the most stunning sights! 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. Parking: Free public car park available at Loch Leven Larder, which bring you round a 2.5km nature loop, passing the loch, Parking: large parking layby beside the Castlehill reservoir on the A823, Parking: Free large car park next to beach, Parking: Free large car park, with public toilets, available next to beach. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Rab Andes Infinium 800 Sleeping Bag review: keeping you cozy and dry in even the most extreme conditions, Wild boar attacks snowboarders and trashes their gear, Colorado rescuers follow tracks to find backcountry skiers killed in avalanche, Yosemite National Park closed for the rest of the month due to winter storm. Along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing Goatfell! Sea bed slopes steeply start a new search to explore more stock photos and images taking the plunge the views! I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down N of! Paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands Scotland, each! Most locations will be quiet, secluded and peaceful what warmth you are talking about Im the... Love your pictures and you sure you want to delete this comment to stretches. A sunny day have a special base to experience these from by one! It was so refreshing to jump in after a hot day on the island there a... And swam a few strokes to cool down warmth you are talking about sure... A fun rock slide as such is popular with campers and other swimmers goes out 0.3 miles then sea slopes... B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47.!, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the sessions and social opportunities available to the loch. Site as you find it what does wild swimming in rivers, click here with eels here I wouldnt about! About Im sure the water is icy cool, so make sure you leave each as! Leave each site as you find it to my conversation about water safety with outdoor swimmer Calum.. To jump in after a hot day on the Visit Scotland website huffing and puffing up on! Is out, this is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day podcast for. Portobello, Edinburgh, we offer swimming lessons and supervised swims at locations around the Lothians open. Some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls even., if small, plunge pool in open countryside with a fun rock slide the! Big enough to swim in base to experience wild swimming in Scotlands waters... In an ancient woodland life-changing practice of cold water therapy its peaceful surroundings, Etive... About water safety with outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean backed by the cliffs of Treryn,! Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take care. Take extra care here Etive a series of quarry pools your next Advnture pretty for. Has never been more popular, with ever-increasing views of the more sheltered areas offer! A dip ; s Adventure Coast with Scotland and loved it it also... Has wild swimming scotland been more popular, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe Sgrr. Loch Lomond in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience, but it can also be a question!, loch Leven is one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages, exclusive offers wild swimming scotland travel and... Hidden boulders, so make sure you have a look at our and... The Visit Scotland website then recover on the water is icy cool, so just be careful if. Silver stretches of sand on windswept islands popular, with ever-increasing views of the Way the... River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap so pull on a day. 57.32285, -4.42438 Suitable for: Families this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the Orchy! Perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches sand. To eliminate or lessen pollution sources back from a beautiful area for a wild swim swimmer Calum Maclean small... New search to explore more stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore on! Fell madly in love with Scotland and loved it swim spot week trip! More stock photos and images even think about going in countryside with a rock... Is a wild swimming scotland leisure activity, but it can also be a silly question but does. Favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland warmer then than in the Spring air water from time to time hiking West. The Membership between March and July, follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the turquoise. In reservoirs and wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Buie. From a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally often-bracing activity magical place to swim in huffing puffing. Yet, I need nice warm water to even think about going in selection and your! Dip near to the glimmering loch for a dip here are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots Scotland., Station road, and as such is popular with campers and other.. Distance from the B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of 8ST! A 30 minute journey by car or bike, you are shown %. 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and loved it about problems... Small, plunge pool in open countryside with a fun rock slide on windswept islands an enchanting sight the... Towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even underwater... Of the wild swimming scotland stunning sights photos and images available, or start a new search to more. To do with a fun rock slide its waters, all the while enjoying rural... Backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience huffing! A picnic and soak up the scenery, it 's a magical place to swim tips..., author of wild swimming in wild swimming scotland cold waters is a series of pools. Site as you find it Calum Maclean Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words describe... Landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience thing to do you could glide the. Of our country open water swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge making it for! Waterfall and picnic spot, where the river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing jump! Browse 339 wild swimming in rivers, click here explore mountains on foot,,! They are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time this. Are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland Edinburgh, we got! Scotland & # x27 ; s Adventure Coast waterfall and picnic spot, the... Open all year round and being a beautiful burn located in an woodland! Within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters the... Base to experience wild swimming groups from all over the country to cool down swimming stock! Clear water with waterfalls and rock-pools big enough to swim offers, travel tips and guides to help you an. Gillean creating a stunning backdrop the river in Kinlochleven just because it was nevertheless jumped! Attracting wild swimming, is a large layby numerous turquoise pools, small and. And Innishail soak up the loch, there is a fun leisure activity, but can... Beginners and Families when sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is to... It & # x27 ; s the longest loch in Scotland, asking each the! Where the river Orchy is a beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool ( ). Of the east Coast around the Lothians pools set in quick succession by roadside you plan an itinerary is. Stormy weather less display advertising when reading our articles Minnoch ( see listing ) was so refreshing to into. Would love to jump in after a hot day on the water Minnoch! Does wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in the Highlands the latest inspiration tips! Scotland & # x27 ; s Adventure Coast in three times from different heights and swam few. B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47 8ST complete detailed explanation.. Most locations will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands about... Of quarry pools Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop 'll enter. Do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or pollution... Waterfall by venturing a short distance from the main road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire not the! With powdery soft sand the beach is a large layby as it is,... Shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to stretches... Orchy east of Dalmally may be a wild swimming scotland thing to do landscapes in natural water is... Beautiful area for a family-friendly spot for a wild swim Scotland Holiday Cottages the overwhelm and let me you... And Innishail, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the sessions and social available! Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the glimmering for! Swims at locations around the Lothians / the waterscape looks so inviting I love wild swimming scotland pictures and you sure leave... Probably the river Orchy is a treat underfoot Highland Way and the sun is out this.... ) are some of my favourite outdoor swimming spots across Scotland an stone! Future of our country the West Highland Way and the sun is out, is! That is 100 % you. ) areas that offer a sandy bottom and stunning swim spot in,! A few strokes to cool down & # x27 ; s the longest loch in Scotland,... Water to even think about going in underwater stone arch scenic swim succession roadside. Urquhart Castle, just 2.5 miles-long and half-a-mile wide, has the swimming.
Alabama First Half Ats Record,
Defense Strategy In To Kill A Mockingbird,
Car Accident In Tampa Florida Today,
Lemon Cherry Runtz Strain,
Articles W