Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. Suitable for: Families. Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. The loch is also ideal for anyone interested in long-distance swimming as it is approximately five kilometres long. With over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, and endless rivers and lochs, youll discover theres a lot to appreciate and explore north of the border. Nearest car park: Little Vantage car park, Unnamed Road, Kirknewton, EH27 8DJ All photos, downloadable files and texts are the property of Kathi Kamleitner / Watch Me See unless otherwise cited, and may not be used or reproduced elsewhere without permission. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population. 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. From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands. Gaelic for 'small green loch', the waters offer a perfect spot for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. Take my FREE Scotland Itinerary Quiz to narrow down where to go. When it comes to places with amazing waterfalls, Scotland is hard to beat! 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. Higher Glen Etive, Glencoe Probably the river in Kinlochleven just because it was so refreshing to jump in after a hot day on the West Highland Way! Wow! 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. You can park at the same place Loch Goil is just west of Loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow. GPS coordinates: 57.01214, -2.49052 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! Thanks for sharing so many of your favourite spots!! Readers can receive a 20% discount and free P&P with code calmac at Wild Things Publishing. But there is nothing better than a jump in some fresh cold water after a long day of hiking and these spots look perfect! Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. where to wild swim. We were the first ones to arrive, soon most hikers who had arrived here today, spread out across the rocky shore of the river and jumped into the icy cold water. The answer, according to Armour, is to not delay in getting your wet gear off and getting warm, no matter how amazing you feel in the moment. This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. To see information on water quality click here. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. Listen to my conversation about water safety with outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean. 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. In this wild swimming in Scotland guide, Loch Leven is one of the most stunning sights! Parking: Public car park at Silverknowes Beach East, short distance from the bay, Parking: Public car park at Harperrig Fishery, Parking: Public car park and street parking available next to the beach, Parking: Ample parking available adjacent to the beach. Gaelic. 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. If youre hiking the West Highland Way and the sun is out, this is an absolute must! GPS coordinates:56.18556, -4.47453 5 mins, 57.2832, -4.9280. There are two main areas to wild swim in Edinburgh. Nearest car park: Castlehill Reservoir Parking, A823, Dollar, FK14 7LA I totally dont think of swimming when I think of Scotland. Whether its a family day trip to the Beach Boulevard just outside the centre of Aberdeen, or an adventurous swim through the cracks of a collapsed cave at Hells Lum over Cullykhan Bay, Aberdeenshire is rich with unique rural locations, and beaches to go open water swimming. Are you inspired by these spots for open water swimming in Scotland? The annual Monster Swim event takes place here during the summer and is where expert swimmers can partake in a five-kilometre swimming race. Near Goat Fell, the highest mountain on Arran, on a good day the views are wonderful. Bespoke swims are also available at locations in other areas including The Trossachs, Isle of Bute on the West Coast and Aviemore in the Cairngorm National Park. THE National has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer. In the New Forest National Park, 566 km2 of picturesque woodlands, quaint villages, and a 40-mile coastline await. See Facebook and Instagram at the start of March. Its shallow parts provide a great place for beginners to paddle the day away. Stunning and wild backdrop. 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. Oh brrrrr I can imagine! If youre overwhelmed by all the options, check out my ready-made Scotland itineraries or book an enquiry call for my 1:1 itinerary planning services so we can work on your route together. What is e-biking, and is it right for you? 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. 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. So, next time you plan a trip to or day out in Scotland, grab your bathing suit, make it to one of these spots and jump right in! Good shout! I was lucky enough to see a grey Park at the Sligachan Hotel. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland's most beautiful backdrops. However, I would be concerned about eels, mainly in the lochs. Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotlands largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. Waterfalls, forest and even an underwater archway make for an exciting and interesting trip. Black sand beach with breathtaking views of the mountains. Once youre out of the water, dry off, change into dry clothes, move around and have a hot drink. Keep an eye out! 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. Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, shares his tips for taking the plunge . Cross the road and then the stony bridge. 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. Suitable for: Families. GPS coordinates: 57.32285, -4.42438 With ease of access to nearby islands, and beaches, there are endless opportunities to explore Scotland in all its glory and wild swim in Scotland. I need nice warm water to even think about going in. The cascade will come into view and youll be in awe; it has to be amidst the most beautiful of the UK waterfalls. 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. Ganavan Sands is on the Above & Below Wild Swimming Trail, full of great locations on the Scottish west coast to try outdoor swimming! View Privacy Policy. Another great Scottish swimming area for families, Threipmuir Reservoir isnt too deep and is also unusually warm due to having large amounts of peat. A beautiful sandy beach protected from being too exposed by jutting headlands and a curved bay. 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. We are delighted to be able to bring you a variety of sessions which aim to accommodate all levels of Wild Swimmer. A well-frequented lochan located a five-minute stroll from Mugdock Park, Drumbrock Loch, or Abies is the perfect place to wild swim during both winter and summer. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The water is icy cool, so pull on a wetsuit and swim out to the kelp forests which sway just beneath the surface. Follow the stream towards the mountain and explore the numerous turquoise pools, small waterfalls and even an underwater stone arch. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can Why Sign up to receive discounts, exclusive offers, travel tips and guides. 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. Our Top Spots. 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. We managed to beat the hiking crowds and had the pool to ourselves for quite a while , Wow, those are some cool swimming spots! 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. Following the advice of the receptionist, we therefore put on our bathing suits and made our way to the blue bridge across river behind the hostel. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold. Suitable for:Families. Nearest car park: Harlaw Car Park, Balerno, EH14 7AS Lovers of wide-open spaces will enjoy this beach, which is located near the gorgeous seaside town of Crail. It isnt far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. 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! Annual Monster swim event takes place here during the summer and is it right for you UK waterfalls mins 57.2832... 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