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. Next Warrior Water Women retreats coming soon Join us for a retreat in the beautiful Scottish highlands gbsct Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. 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? 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. Glen Etive is a winding ravine situated near the picturesque village of Glencoe. 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. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello. Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. However, I would be concerned about eels, mainly in the lochs. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. Its a purpose-built loch with a relatively shallow depth of 1.5 metres, making it ideal for families. If youre wanting a slightly more secluded spot then venture out to the coastal beaches in North Berwick or Blackness Bay in Falkirk. *Calls to this number will incur a charge. Perhaps nowhere was this more visible than in Scotland, which houses 90% of the UKs freshwater in its rivers and lochs in addition to a hefty 7,330 miles of coastline. 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! 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.. 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. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. If youre not sure whether a beach is suitable for swimming, its best to avoid it. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. Then you come out of the water, you feel amazing, you feel alive, you dry yourself off so your skin starts to feel warm and tells your core that youre warming up so the core starts releasing the blood to extremities, explains Armour. 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. To view all the sessions and social opportunities available to the Membership between March and July, follow the link below. The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. I totally dont think of swimming when I think of Scotland. 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. Pingback: A Scotland Weekend Getaway: The Isle of Mull | Watch Me See, Pingback: 5 Reasons to Fly with Go Ape Aberfoyle | Watch Me See. Wild swimming is that like wild camping? St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). So, take the plunge! The Isle of Arran offers many swimming spots, including both river and sea. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. A mixture of sand and rock, Seamill Beach can be reached in a train ride from Glasgow. they seem so serene! You can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. Join my Facebook group to find inspiration for big & small adventures. A true Scottish hidden gem, Inversnaid Waterfall is a magical place for a spot of wild swimming in Scotland! With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. 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. 10 of the best places for wild swimming in Scotland Wild swimming is enjoying a surge in popularity in Scotland as people seek out new experiences and the basic, invigorating joy of. READ MORE:Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy. 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 Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Dipping, Dooking or Swimming in Scotland's Beautiful Waters. Take your pick of incredible wild swimming spots on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. During summer the water is a lovely temperature. . There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. Wild swimming sounds like an exhilarating experience. Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. 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. But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! . Beautiful Loch Lomond is edged with sandy beaches and shallow pebbly shores, making this the perfect place for paddling. 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. With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. Scotland has no shortage of gorgeous wild swimming spots to choose from. . Is th. With 188 mountains in Wales, the country is a hiking haven! . Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Based in Portobello, Edinburgh, we offer swimming lessons and supervised swims at locations around the Lothians. What makes Glen Etive extra special is the loch it feeds into, where a group of adorable seals and otters await! Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who arent really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse. 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. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Popular for wild camping. Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. Nearest car park: Car Park, Stirling, Crianlarich, FK20 8RX The vibrant colours and clearness of the waters may seem attractive, but the temperatures are often very low. The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. Editors' Code of Practice. The Outdoor Swimming Society 's membership grew by. Contact Maree at wildswimscot@gmail.com to request a Membership pack. And if you think thats a mouthful, just wait for how cold the water is! where to wild swim. 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. 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. A couple of benches rest nearby, too, so you can enjoy a post-swim sit-down amongst the woodland surroundings. The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. 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. Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. Image Credits: Nigel Corby CC BY-SA 2.0; Paul McIlroy CC BY-SA 2.0. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Make sure you check for currents! Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ 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. Ganavan Sands is a sandy beach just outside of Oban. 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. Loch Lubnaig Loch Lubnaig, which means elbow in Gaelic, near. 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! 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. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. 20 mins, 56.2939, -5.6595. is an expert in exploring British waterways for sport. It is time to head north once again as we explore our favourite place in Scotland in search of the best wild swimming spot that we can find in Glencoe! 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. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. With the Ayrshire Coastal Path backing the beach, there are excellent views over the Firth of Clyde to the Island 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. 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. Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. Next summer! You can reach the winding reservoir from the nearby car park or via the circular walks that pass by. If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. Dundee is labelled Scotlands sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! 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 beach is popular among local swimmers and booking a session here with a coach is a great introduction to wild swimming in Scotland. Trying to swim in the sea? A Gannett Company. Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can 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. When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. Heres how it works. You can find similar conditions in a beautiful glen much closer to Glasgow (and Edinburgh) on the Isle of Arran! Nearest car park: Loch Leven car park, Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross, KY13 8UF Suitable for:Adults. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim outings and summer missions. With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot. . 20 mins, 57.2496, -6.2547. There are multiple entry points to choose from, however, the best way to access the loch is via Go Country Adventure. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. Listen to the wild swimming story Uisge on my podcast Wild for Scotland. Favourites were Sand, by Applecross (didnt know the UK PM was at a cottage nearby) and the beaches at Scourie near Lochinver. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Reached along a sign-posted path, five minutes walk from road. South facing beach reached by dirt track from Straad. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. Swimming on Top of the World. I went for a swim here with open water swim coach Dan the Merman who offers group and private tuition for beginners and experienced swimmers. Whether its gliding through the vibrant waters of Loch Lomond at Milarrochy Bay or taking a dip with Largs picturesque Pencil Monument in the background, there will be a special place for you. This stunning cascade rests moments away from Loch Lomond and is the perfect spot for diving. BBC Scotland - Jules' and Greg's Wild Swim Home Watch now Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill go wild swimming. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. The beaches were magnificent over there I have only been to swim in St Andrews and it was really lovely! Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. Bring a towel and a flask with a good warm drink for after your swim. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. 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. Weve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. If you want to turn your swim into a watersports affair, the freshwater reservoir is also great for SUPs and kayaking. Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member Afterwards, be sure to head to the close-by St Mocha Coffee Shop in Balmaha for a delicious treat. 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. This spot is backed by the Loch Ard Forest and feels very secluded, though it is often a lively spot during the summer months. Swimming Beautiful location. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Nearest car park: Inversnaid Upper Car Park, Stirling Fk8 3TU One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. I love swimming and I love Scotland. The lake itself has hidden boulders, so just be careful. Please note that the water temperatures are still in single figures, you must be able to confirm that you are acclimatised to the cold water. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Is suitable for swimming, is an easy walk up to receive discounts, offers. Find inspiration for big & small adventures loch it feeds into, where a group of adorable seals otters! There might not be published, then click here as currents and tides which pull... Glencoe Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello I think of swimming when I think of.! 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