Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. Browse 339 wild swimming scotland stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The water is clear and turquoise in many spots, and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. The vibrant colours and clearness of the waters may seem attractive, but the temperatures are often very low. Contact Maree at wildswimscot@gmail.com to request a Membership pack. If you dont mind the crowds and on lookers it is a great place to take a dip. The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. Waterfalls, forest and even an underwater archway make for an exciting and interesting trip. From the popular Broughty Ferry beach, East Sands Beach in St Andrews, the ideal setting to watch the sunrise, to Elie Harbour & Earlsferry for a more secluded location, there will be something for everyone. However, swimming in both Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir should be avoided during angling season. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. Tide goes out 0.2 miles. There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. Good pub nearby in the grandeur of A long river canyon with high cliffs and deep water. 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. 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. The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. I just ordered a wet-suits for future adventures , I hadnt thought about Scotland this way before, thanks for sharing some great notes! Located in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire is home to a gorgeous palace, ancient residence of Scottish monarchs and is easily accessible from all major cities. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. A dramatic glen with perfect river pools running very close to road. The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . Just not on New Years Day , Your email address will not be published. Outdoor Activities. Perfect for an afternoon dip. What is e-biking, and is it right for you? Paddleboarders can often be seen here. Park at nearby Loch Morlich and take the 45-minute walk to the lochan. GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 I totally dont think of swimming when I think of Scotland. One of the most enticing beaches in the north of the country and theres a fair amount of competition. These are beautiful spots! And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming. Surrounded by the Ochil Hills in Perthshire is this amazing Scotland wild swimming spot of Castlehill Reservoir. Find out more here. 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. 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. 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. If you do decide to keep diving in once winter arrives, make sure to read our article on how to choose a wetsuit. Good shout! 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. Waulkmill Bay is one of the more sheltered areas that offer a sandy bottom and stunning swim spot. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. Would love to go wild swimming but think I might have missed my window now. Suitable for:Adults. Oh brrrrr I can imagine! Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin and Glen Affric. A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. During summer the water is a lovely temperature. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. 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 beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. Suitable for: Families. Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swimming Scotland has to offer. 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. There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotlands largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. 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. Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. When sites do not meet the desired standard, investigative work is undertaken to eliminate or lessen pollution sources. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. If you are acclimatised to the Cold Water but would like to join the Membership Support Programme, you will be required to meet with Maree for a shoreside session and a short dip to discuss your needs, prior to joining our group sessions. The L-shaped pool is the usual swimming one. 20 mins, 56.2939, -5.6595. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond . I hope youll have an epic trip to Scotland. 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. 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. The water is clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream. Considering trying wild swimming in Scotland? Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. But Bryher, just 2.5 miles-long and half-a-mile wide, has the best swimming. Based in Portobello, Edinburgh, we offer swimming lessons and supervised swims at locations around the Lothians. Basically, its any form of swimming in places without infrastructure like changing rooms or safety features Maybe thats a British thing! When it comes to places with amazing waterfalls, Scotland is hard to beat! For people who love outdoor swimming and wild swimming in Scotland. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. One notable swimming group is the Loch Leven (Glencoe) Open Water Swimmers; if youre a beginner, why not join them for a swim? Nearest car park: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. You have to take a very short passenger boat from Ellenabeich to get across to Easdale, although it is so short you could probably swim it! Can you swim in lochan? 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. Swimming on Top of the World. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ GPS coordinates: 56.09933, -4.56248 New Cottages - Just Added To The Website! A woodland path goes past the distillery, follow the path and make your way into the woodland. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. Other pretty spots for wild swimming on Mull are the beaches in Fidden & Loch Buie on the Ross of Mull peninsula. Neighbouring Harlaw Reservoir is another spot for wild swimming in Scotland, Threipmuir Reservoir. Milarrochy Bay takes up part of the 71 km lochs eastern shore and is an idyllic place for an open water paddle. Suitable for: Families. 1. In 2013, I fell madly in love with Scotland and made it my home. If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here. The conversation will go back to what it should be about people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Enter with caution around the slippery slate. Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). In the summer they are incredibly popular, as the route to the river and pools is delightful. You will receive a verification email shortly. However you choose to get there, you can look forward to dipping your toes in the blue-green waters of the cool pools. On Watch Me See I share travel guides, itineraries and tons of practical tips for visiting Scotland. With the Ayrshire Coastal Path backing the beach, there are excellent views over the Firth of Clyde to the Island of Arran. One being the coastal beaches; Wardie Bay and Portobello Beach, where it would be a very rare sight to not see them swarmed with excited locals during the warmer months, the second being a series of reservoirs which have beautiful backdrops overlooking the capital and surrounding areas. GPS coordinates: 56.19663, -3.3764 Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. The still lochs are perfect places for children to paddle, adults to wild swim and the pebbly shore is the ideal setting for a light picnic. Near Goat Fell, the highest mountain on Arran, on a good day the views are wonderful. Click, best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. With many gorgeous beaches, all within a 30 minute drive, you will never run out of options to glide through the gorgeous Scottish waters with beautiful backdrops. 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. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach with tree stumps. Here, she takes us through the best swimming spots in the wilds of Scotland. 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. Lots of good entry points around the loch, with shallow water for paddling and deeper parts for more serious swimmers. 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. Roughly a quarter of the way up the loch, there is a large layby. www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. 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. Even this morning with the air temp at 2 degrees centigrade it had several hardy souls before 9. You can reach the winding reservoir from the nearby car park or via the circular walks that pass by. We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . 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. Since we lose a lot of body heat via our heads, I recommend wearing a woollen hat unless you want to submerge your head. Suitable for:Families. 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? Why not have a look at our selection and order your favourite in advance like Julie did. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! Beautiful stretch of river among woods of Scots pine. Parking: Easy access ample roadside parking nearby, Parking: Free large car park next to loch, Parking: There are 4 or 5 parking spaces available at Carsaig Arches, Parking: Free large car park next to loch, Parking: Car park at Loch Fyne Oyster bar, here there will be a track to a beautiful loch side loch that will take you to the glen. When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. 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 This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. Im a writer, blogger and podcaster based in Glasgow. Soon youll come across the Linn Falls clearing, and will be met with thunderous sounds of the waterfall! Cross the road and then the stony bridge. To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. Looks absolutely beautiful, and Id love to visit, but I wont be jumping in those cold waters! But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. is an expert in exploring British waterways for sport. Stunning gorge with rapids above and deep pools, Waterfall or Gorge and sandy cove below. 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! 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. In summer it just comes alive. Parking: Available at Tentsmuir Forest car park, near beach, Parking: Paid high street parking available near beach, Parking: Available at the Arbroath end of the beach, Parking: Free parking and toilet facilities nearby, Parking: Available next to the beach, off South Street. Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. So, take the plunge! These water bodies are gorgeous and so inviting headed there in October but likely no wild swimming for me. Nearest car park: Car Park, Stirling, Crianlarich, FK20 8RX The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. If you want to practice your wild swimming abilities here on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership. 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. Wild Swimming - Scotland *Calls to this number will incur a charge. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT This 13.3km loch is surprisingly safe, despite its imposing size. For a short dip, I like to wear a swim suit with neoprene gloves and socks to keep my feet and hands warm. Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking. It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. Sunday 26th March 1000 Groyn 5, Portobello. 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! A sunset dip here is unbeatable. 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