From gliding through the clear waters at Ganavan Sands, a gorgeous white sand beach, to dipping into the vibrant waters of Loch Fyne, with dramatic Scottish landscapes as a backdrop, the little seaside town of Oban is the perfect destination if youre seeking tranquillity or adventure. 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. This swim is very close to the Grey Mares Tail Burn swims. Are you on the phone to our call centre? All opinions are my own. Your Customer ID is: Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 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. 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. 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. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim. Please refresh the page and try again. A beautiful sandy beach protected from being too exposed by jutting headlands and a curved bay. Based in Portobello, Edinburgh, we offer swimming lessons and supervised swims at locations around the Lothians. Wild Swim Scotland Membership Levels Our membership programme will include swim vouchers, which can then be used to book sessions as shown on our events calendar. HP10 9TY. 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. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. An enchanting sight, the waterfall cascades into Loch Lomond. 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. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. 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! The most Ive ever had outdoor swimming, was not when I went to a specific beach or bay but when I picked a random loch or stretch of coast, and jumped right in. Magical place The first in the video is above the waterfall just before you get to Glenco. While swimming here, you can look forward to paddling in the glistening waters while enjoying the sights of the dramatic dam and surrounding farmland. A good path hugs the N side of the Glen, with ever-increasing views of the cliffs ahead. Never heard about any problems with eels here I wouldnt worry about that at all! Britains longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. 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! Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet. In Scotland, there are currently 85 designated bathing waters. Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. The beach stretches for twomiles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. A true Scottish hidden gem, Inversnaid Waterfall is a magical place for a spot of wild swimming in Scotland! Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. Britains longest lake and home to Nessie. I just got back from a 2 week road trip through Scotland and loved it. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and . they seem so serene! Available to pre-order soon. Wild swimming sounds like an exhilarating experience. One of Scotland's most enchanting wild swimming spots, the crystal-clear pools lie at the foot of the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. 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. To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here. That said, after the initial shock of plunging in, wild swimming in Scotland provides an incredibly invigorating and therapeutic experience all set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery; plunge into a deep highland river pool, bathe in calm island seas or enjoy a slow swim across a still, wild loch fringed with ancient Scots pine. As for Higher Glen Etive A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. 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! 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. The surrounding views are just as extraordinary, with the peaks of Bruach na Frthe and Sgrr nan Gillean creating a stunning backdrop. Loch Ard benefits from shallow areas, making it perfect for beginners and families. Suitable for:Adults. 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. Jemma Martin, Wild Swimming Scotland member GPS coordinates: 56.20886, -3.61184 It is popular when in spate Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas, DG7 4NQ. Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration. 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. Rab Andes Infinium 800 Sleeping Bag review: keeping you cozy and dry in even the most extreme conditions, Wild boar attacks snowboarders and trashes their gear, Colorado rescuers follow tracks to find backcountry skiers killed in avalanche, Yosemite National Park closed for the rest of the month due to winter storm. With over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, and endless rivers and lochs, you'll discover there's a lot to appreciate and explore north of the border. 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. 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. Make trip planning easier with my Scotland Resource Library. The waterscape looks so inviting I love your pictures and you sure are an adventurous soul I would love to jump into them. 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. Nearest car park: Conic Hill Car Park, Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. NY 10036. With Scotland's right to roam access, you legally have your pick of swimming spots, as long as you do so responsibly. Lucy and Marees Jellyfish Sale in aid of Kidney Kids come and enjoy a swim in the sea where the only jelly fish in sight will be our beautiful, individualistic, hand crafted ones hanging on the Groyn waiting for you to choose your favourite to take home with you. The popularity of wild swimming has exploded in recent years, with the mental health benefits being increasingly promoted by its advocates. The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland. Check which are open for swimming. Paddleboarders can often be seen here. Suitable for:Adults. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. 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. Suitable for: Families. 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. Nearest car park: Loch Leven car park, Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross, KY13 8UF The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. . Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. I guess I mostly just thought about wilderness and hiking. It was our third day on the West Highland Way and so far the hottest. Save Higher Glen Etive 1 review Pinpoint Add to Favorites Glencoe A great place for teaching kids (or dogs) to swim next to a small, pebbly beach. The scenic water stretches over six kilometres and offers plenty of shallow areas for you to paddle in. 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. Click, best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire. Here you can pick up last-minute swimming gear before venturing southward to the glimmering loch for a scenic swim! Another astounding spot for wild swimming in Scotland is Loch Ard, located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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. 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. The second-longest loch in Scotland is perfect for well-versed swimmers due to its long and deep waters. Thats just a wee bit chilly for this Florida native! Wild Swimming in Argyll and the Isles. Lovely views of the Campsie Hills with Mugdock Visitor Centre providing a station for a tea or coffee after a swim. Interesting rock formations. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Turn right at a junction and venture downhill to the edge of the river.A footbridge awaits here, cross this to reach the stunning falls! Loch Ness is another spot for outdoor swimming in Scotland that you have to try. Nearest car park: Glen Etive Estate Parking, Ballachulish PH49 4JA One of these is the gorgeous Harlaw Reservoir, where wild swims can be enjoyed amidst peaceful surroundings! Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. When plunging into these waters, youll feel like youre in a fairytale, with an array of mountains and natural jacuzzis peppering the landscape. Read our article on wild swimming kit to make sure you have everything you need, pick a beautiful swimming hole and dive in carefully. 1 2 3. There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. Pretty much its swimming in wild waters, without any infrastructure for swimmers (just like wild camping). Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. But they are also incredibly serene and who doesnt need a breath of fresh air water from time to time? We arrived at our hostel in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun was still standing high, burning down. Now many of those once secret spots are meccas for. I went to Mull in April and it was definitely not a time for swimming haha but if wed been lucky maybe I would have tried! Stunning gorge with rapids above and deep pools, Waterfall or Gorge and sandy cove below. 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