GPS coordinates: 57.46117, -3.22614 Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. Next Warrior Water Women retreats coming soon Join us for a retreat in the beautiful Scottish highlands gbsct 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. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. For strong swimmers, there is a large rock used for jumping off on the west side. Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. 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!? The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. Sorry, no records were found. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Please adjust your search criteria and try again. The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. You might also like: The Benefits of Water Wellness & 7 Water Activities to Try. Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. 1 2 3. 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. Its sheltered from A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. One of these is the gorgeous Harlaw Reservoir, where wild swims can be enjoyed amidst peaceful surroundings! There was a problem. HP10 9TY. GPS coordinates: 56.56664, -5.05008 Soon youll come across the Linn Falls clearing, and will be met with thunderous sounds of the waterfall! Which is your favourite wild swimming spot in Scotland? inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Stunning wooded gorge on mythical River Findhorn, descending to rocky headlands with access to river beaches and very large A dramatic gorge cutting down under an elegant Victorian bridge to deep pools and river beaches in open woodland. 2 hours, 56.9593, -4.5677. Can you swim in lochan? Dan taught me breathing methods, mindfulness practices as well as swimming techniques. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. Download my FREE Trip Planning Checklist. I love swimming and I love Scotland. 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. Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotlands north-west coast. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. 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. . This willl take you alongside River Etive until you eventually from Fort Augustus, take A82 that goes west of loch ness. Find out more here. Editors' Code of Practice. 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. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. After the success of last years Wild Swim, Galloway Activity Centre is delighted to host the annual Loch Ken Southwesterly facing beach of firm sand. 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. Your email address will not be published. kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#af4d92', 'Y8Y0OQPK');kofiwidget2.draw(); Watch Me See is an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of Booking.com and others and thus I earn from qualifying purchases you make at no extra cost to you. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands. Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member Suitable for:Adults. Perfect for an afternoon dip. Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. However, I would be concerned about eels, mainly in the lochs. A beautiful sandy beach protected from being too exposed by jutting headlands and a curved bay. 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. Paddleboarders can often be seen here. 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. Nearest car park: Kinlochard Car Park, Stirling, FK8 3TW READ MORE:Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. Lots of good entry points around the loch, with shallow water for paddling and deeper parts for more serious swimmers. Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. *Calls to this number will incur a charge. 7 Beautiful Places for Wild Swimming in Scotland. READ MORE:Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Co-author of the new Wild Guide Scotland, Richard Gaston, shares his top 5 Scottish wild swimming locations: The water quality is often exceptional, but temperatures are very low. I live near Loch Ard and its always got someone swimming in it. A Gannett Company. I love these spots though! Useful information on the health & safety of Wild Swimming Scotland. Suitable for:Adults. 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 National has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. Wild swimming Scotland: 10 perfect places to stay for those who love going for an outdoor dip. I remember it like it was yesterday. The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. Suitable for: Families. GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. Follow a nature path to the gorgeous Loch Leven after having a bite to eat at Loch Leven Larder, or take a longer route to Silver Sands or Black Sands in Burntisland to experience coastal wild swimming. If youre new to wild swimming in Scotland, Knockburn Loch is the place to visit! GPS coordinates: 55.87023, -3.30914 Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, A medium-sized beach, with soft sand and clear water. Gaelic. 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: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA 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. When sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources. 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! The vibrant colours and clearness of the waters may seem attractive, but the temperatures are often very low. 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. 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. Cottages Near English Heritage Properties. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! With 3,723KM of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, over 40 freshwater and sea lochs and several easily accessed beaches and rivers, Argyll's west coast waters are a wild swimmer's paradise. Its a wonderful place for a swim, however, due to its depth of 98 feet, it should only be tackled by experienced wild swimmers. The large space means there are many opportunities to master open water swimming before trying the harder wild swimming spots in Scotland. The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. NY 10036. Whether its a family day trip to the Beach Boulevard just outside the centre of Aberdeen, or an adventurous swim through the cracks of a collapsed cave at Hells Lum over Cullykhan Bay, Aberdeenshire is rich with unique rural locations, and beaches to go open water swimming. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. Turn right at a junction and venture downhill to the edge of the river.A footbridge awaits here, cross this to reach the stunning falls! With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. 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