Cottages Near English Heritage Properties. The next day, a bunch of us set out to ring in the new year in true Scottish fashion: jumping into a freezing cold lake and we drove toGualachulain to jump into Loch Etive. Nearest car park: On-site parking Lots of good entry points around the loch, with shallow water for paddling and deeper parts for more serious swimmers. This area is protected, so no wild camping is allowed, though there is a campsite located on the east side which can be booked in advance. 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. 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. Nearest car park: Little Vantage car park, Unnamed Road, Kirknewton, EH27 8DJ GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 James Armour is 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, Scotland is notorious for challenging weather it averages 100 days of snow per year and is no stranger to frigid winters and frequent gale force winds, Not only is summer more tolerable, it means that you can consider starting out with wild swimming without purchasing pricey gear like a wetsuit, Afterdrop is the name given to a phenomenon where youll actually be at your coldest about 10 minutes after you exit the water, 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, Scotland has an abundance of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. Forget about the Faerie Pools on the Isle of Skye on a sunny day in summer, I bet you they are too crowded for a more or less elegant dip in the water. HP10 9TY. The beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. New York, 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. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! In summer it just comes alive. View Privacy Policy. Isle of Skye's SECRET FAIRY POOLS - Wild Swimming Scotland (Vanlife UK) Gemma and Campbell | highlands2hammocks 25.8K subscribers 86K views 9 months ago SKYE Get Surfshark VPN at. A sunset dip here is unbeatable. Suitable for: Families. The pools are clear and blue, great fun too. is an expert in exploring British waterways for sport. 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. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. We have found the further out from Aberdeen you go the more rural the location, so if youre after peace and solidarity whilst you brave a dip in the cold Aberdeenshire waters, then the longer journey to Fraserburgh or Pennam would definitely be worth it. Reached along a sign-posted path, five minutes walk from road. South facing beach reached by dirt track from Straad. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! Suitable for: Families. Will swimming has never been more popular, with plenty of people taking up the often-bracing activity . Looks onto the Island of Eigg. 1 2 3. Bright turquoise and all shades of blue; white sandy beaches; kids building sand castles exchange the sunbathing sheep for some exotic iguanas all that is missing are the palm trees. In Scotland, all waters are accessible as long as swimmers uphold the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which states that people must respect the interests of others, care for the environment and. Gaelic. 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. Suitable for:Adults. Uncover all you need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming in the UK. The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Read these three tips from Scottish ultra swimmer James Armour before you take the plunge. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. Dipping, Dooking or Swimming in Scotland's Beautiful Waters. The loch is regarded one of the best wild swimming spots in the country, especially because of its sheltered position and clear water. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. 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. And icy-cold it was nevertheless I jumped in three times from different heights and swam a few strokes to cool down. With lots of plunge pools and smooth rocks for lounging on, this is a great place to spend a whole day or night, if youre a keen camper. 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. If youre brave enough, you will be rewarded with a relaxing bath in one of the many pools formed by the river flowing through the valley! Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. 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. 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. It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. GPS coordinates: 56.24785, -4.68796 As well as the beauty that surrounds our hotels and inns, find out why you should choose Crerar Hotels, here. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. A mixture of sand and rock, Seamill Beach can be reached in a train ride from Glasgow. Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). What is wild swimming and why do it? Interesting rock formations. You will receive a verification email shortly. Oh, I need to add that to my list! Located 25 miles off the coast of Land's End, all of Scilly's islands are stunning. Suitable for: Families. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 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. Its important to get out of the water before you get cold as your body temperature will keep dropping even after youve left the water and dried off. 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.. Suitable for: Families. Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. This may be a silly question but what does wild swimming mean? This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. 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. 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. Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin and Glen Affric. Take my FREE Scotland Itinerary Quiz to narrow down where to go. Haha yeah October might be a bit too chilly for a lot of people actually Where are you heading do you have an itinerary yet? To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. . From the B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47 8ST. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. READ MORE:Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. The L-shaped pool is the usual swimming one. 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. Take your pick of incredible wild swimming spots on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. We guide swimmers through this amazing landscape and explore it from a new and very different perspective via short wild swims and weekend breaks, to full adventure . 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! Make sure you have a special base to experience these from by booking one of these Scotland Holiday Cottages! Useful information on the health & safety of Wild Swimming Scotland. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. It was our third day on the West Highland Way and so far the hottest. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can When sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources. 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. 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. From conservation village Ellenabeich, where free car park is signed at N end, cross to island by ferry and walk NW to quarries, 400m. Most locations will be quiet, secluded and peaceful. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. 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. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and . 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. 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to There are also islands within the loch including Innis Chonnell and Innishail. Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? Nearby, the Glenbrittle Campsite & Caf offers a handy WC for you to freshen up in, as well as an array of post-swimming snacks. As long as the conditions are right, anywhere is a fantastic place for wild swimming in Scotland. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. 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. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture! GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 Wild swimming sounds like an exhilarating experience. The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. Wild Swimming - Scotland Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. by Lola Fudger-Galvez 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification, Grey Mares Tail Burn Galloway Forest Park, Clugie Linn Palnure Burn Galloway Forest Park, Lettermay Burn Lochgoilhead Argyll Forest Park, Water of Trool Glen trool Galloway Forest Park. 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. 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. The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ Good plunge pools above falls. I love swimming and I love Scotland. 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. The Tayside city is a vibrant and compact city that is slowly becoming a modern wonder. Its shocking even to me that Ive never been to Loch Ard! 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