T&Cs apply. Wild swimming sounds like an exhilarating experience. We can coordinate day trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands and Central Scotland. Do you have a favorite? Uncover all you need to know about wild swimming safety by reading our guide to wild swimming in the UK. 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. And finally, more important than whether you decide to take a wetsuit or a pair of water shoes, Armour advises you to always take a friend with you when you go wild swimming. Wild Swimming - Scotland A forum for sharing information on the best wild swim places and for organising swim. Suitable for:Families. 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. 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 . Discover the best wild swim locations in Scotland, whether a river swim, a lake or even a waterfall. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Read our article on wild swimming kit to make sure you have everything you need, pick a beautiful swimming hole and dive in carefully. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. Suitable for:Families. So why not, treat yourself to a retreat at one of our luxurious hotels & inns, go wild swimming Scotland to boost your circulation, improve your immunity and release a rush of endorphins, with an out-of-this-world therapeutic experience. Aka normal swimming/camping before there were tons of people everywhere No but seriously these places look stunning and I love your costume! Swimming with the backdrop of such lovely landscapes in natural water bodies is definitely a unique experience. St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . Suitable for:Families. Make sure you check for currents! 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. One of these is the gorgeous Harlaw Reservoir, where wild swims can be enjoyed amidst peaceful surroundings! The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. Next summer! Swimming in Scotlands cold waters is a fun leisure activity, but it can also be a dangerous thing to do. From conservation village Ellenabeich, where free car park is signed at N end, cross to island by ferry and walk NW to quarries, 400m. Nowadays, experienced swimmers can brave its waters, all the while enjoying the rural scenery and distant sight of Cairns Castle. Editors' Code of Practice. The Linn Falls are situated a stones throw away from Aberlour and are a great place for open water swimming in Scotland. 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. You can park at the same place Loch Goil is just west of Loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow. 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. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. One of Scotlands most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. There are also variables such as currents and tides which can pull you under and away from shore. The swimming spot can be reached by a short walk that begins at the nearby car park and takes you through trees, where you can enjoy glimpses of the River Falloch. With the Pentland Hills Regional Park offering a gorgeous backdrop, you can look forward to swimming amidst spectacular sights. 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. Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member This spot is backed by the Loch Ard Forest and feels very secluded, though it is often a lively spot during the summer months. The biggest fear to worry about here is the fear of cold water . The loch is equally as popular as it is iconic, attracting wild swimming groups from all over the country. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? 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. It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience. Readers can receive a 20% discount and free P&P with code calmac at Wild Things Publishing. SwimWild is all about having fun and building confidence and skills in open water in breathtakingly beautiful parts of Scotland's Highlands & Islands. 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. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure. 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. 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. Nearest car park: Parking layby Loch Ness, A82, Inverness IV63 6XR It's the longest loch in Scotland at 25 miles. 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. The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. 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! I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. 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. 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. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. 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. Despite being only a few hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it's an incredibly beautiful place, surrounded by lush . Your email address will not be published. I live near Loch Ard and its always got someone swimming in it. In English English and Hiberno-English, the anglicised spelling lough is commonly found in place names; in Lowland Scots and Scottish English, the spelling "loch" is always used. Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming. Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! From the B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47 8ST. And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map. The Tayside city is a vibrant and compact city that is slowly becoming a modern wonder. All within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters of the east coast. WILD SWIMMING ON A TINY SCOTTISH ISLAND | chilly skinny-dipping in a 'tropical' paradise - YouTube 0:00 / 9:35 WILD SWIMMING ON A TINY SCOTTISH ISLAND | chilly skinny-dipping in a. Speaking of cold, Armour warns to be aware of a phenomenon called Afterdrop, which can be dangerous for wild swimmers. With the rising popularity, people from all over the country are seeking new secluded and peaceful locations, as the best wild swimming Scotland spots are swarmed by eager individuals. New Cottages - Just Added To The Website! She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing. contact the editor here. 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. 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 . Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. Theres nothingmore refreshing on a hot summers day than jumping into a lake, river or even the sea and Scotland is no exception. Can be very midgie-prone during summer months, so pack your Skin So Soft! 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. Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. Expert Answers: 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. You can reach these gorgeous cascades and their pools by walking from the village towards Aberlour Distillery. The Isle of Arran offers many swimming spots, including both river and sea. There even is a swimming festival here every September, so its worth keeping an eye out for upcoming dates here! The pools are clear and blue, great fun too. Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. 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. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and . 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. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Was it cold? We'll also enter you into monthly Prize draw. Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe GPS coordinates: 55.83343, -3.44521 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 You into monthly Prize draw we have got the complete detailed explanation and swimming festival every. Health and safety websites and information at the same place Loch Goil is west... Prize draw, and crowdsourced swim map dunes which are ideal to picknick on the summer is. 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