Comments have been closed on this article. GPS coordinates: 56.35007, -4.69296 In summer it just comes alive. 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. www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-scotland-book/, 2011 - 2014 Wild Swimming Community Contributors, Captcha VerificationCaptcha Verification Word Verification. Lovers of wide-open spaces will enjoy this beach, which is located near the gorgeous seaside town of Crail. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. 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. Lots of good entry points around the loch, with shallow water for paddling and deeper parts for more serious swimmers. We tried wild swimming at Plodda Falls. Stunning and wild backdrop. 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. 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. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. Wild Swimming - Scotland Lets get that debate started! From the B8009 just SE of Carbost take the turn signed Glenbrittle 400m E of IV47 8ST. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. Edinburgh is famous for its gorgeous castles, vibrant festivals, romantic architecture and general buzzing atmosphere, but what most visitors dont know is its also a spectacular spot for wild swimming. Weve only been to Loch Ard on this list but it was a little chilly for a dip. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. 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. Despite its peaceful surroundings, Glen Etive does have very deep parts in it, meaning you should take extra care here. Wild swimming, sometimes known as outdoor or open water swimming, is an extra special watersport in Scotland. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. Thank you for signing up to Advnture. 1 2 3. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! READ MORE:Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather. Trying to swim in the sea? 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. 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. Please report any comments that break our rules. Loch Lubnaig Loch Lubnaig, which means elbow in Gaelic, near. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. It is a narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba, in Argyll and Bute, off the west coast of mainland Scotland, and contains the third largest natural occurring whirlpool in the world. 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. Nearest car park: Threipmuir Reservoir Car Park, Mansfield Rd, Balerno, EH14 7JT From our Big Sand Beach in Gairloch, sheltered from onshore wind, with breath-taking views of Skye and Torridon, to chancing a swim with Nessie at Dores Beach which has the best viewpoints of Loch Ness. However, I would be concerned about eels, mainly in the lochs. 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. There will also be a weekly Mindful morning swim on a Thursday morning at 0745 at Groyn 5, Portobello Beach, this is proving to be a popular option and booking is required. Though wild swimming requires no memberships, clubs and swimming groups around the UK also saw a surge in interest during the pandemic. If youre out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. This may be a silly question but what does wild swimming mean? Required fields are marked *. 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. Available to pre-order soon. If you want to practice your wild swimming abilities here on a regular basis, its on-site sports centre offers an annual membership. Suitable for: Families. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. 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. Suitable for:Adults. Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. 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. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. Suitable for:Families. Parking: Free parking is available in the nearby village, Parking: Located next to a large public car park, Parking: Parking area available near the marina, Parking: Public car park next to the beach. 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. You will receive a verification email shortly. The waterscape looks so inviting I love your pictures and you sure are an adventurous soul I would love to jump into them. View Privacy Policy. Theres usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams. It came to be in 1860 and had the original use of supplying water to local mills. Secluded place to access shoreline opposite dramatic Urquhart Castle, down through fields. A gently shelving section of river beach, deepening to 4m, with large flat rocks on the nearside. Swimming on Top of the World. A hike along Glen Rosa valley is an easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a sunny day. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. 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. Looks onto the Island of Eigg. Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! Swim in a stunning freshwater loch with promontories and islands just east of Loch Affric. 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. 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. From the car park at Creag Meagaidth reserve at Aberarder on the A86 (approx 4 miles SW of PH20 1BX), head out on well-constructed paths, past a whitewashed farmhouse with picnic tables outside. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. St Andrews sounds lovely though Ive not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time . Take your pick of incredible wild swimming spots on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby. Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. The fast-flowing cascade has weathered away the stone beneath, creating an enticing pool for swimming and diving. Stunning Wild Swimming Locations in Scotland. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Perfect for an afternoon dip. 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. Is th. If you dont want to venture out as far, or youre looking for something less secluded there are also a range of stunning reservoirs to visit in Stirling, to carry out open water swimming. Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. GPS coordinates: 57.25034, -6.25829 Another popular swimming loch in the Trossachs is Loch Lubnaig. With just a short journey from Stirling, Trossachs National Park in Stirlingshire holds some of the most picturesque backdrops in the world, surrounded by spectacular mountains and munros, the tranquil beauty of the lochs are truly irresistible. THENational has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. 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. Not had the best of weather there so far maybe next time adventuring for the day we have provided! An easy alternative to huffing and puffing up Goatfell on a regular basis, its on-site sports offers! Of good entry points around the loch, with something for every kind of swimmer puffing up Goatfell a! Lomond on West Highland Way I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds may a! 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