Fitness
10 stunning wild river swimming spots in Scotland
Beat the summer time beach crowds and head north with this guide to making the most of Scotland’s underrated waterways.
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.
And as an ambassador for the Outdoor Swimming Society, and crowdsourced swim map Wildswim.com, Ella Foote, AKA Ellachloeswimsis an expert in exploring British waterways for sport. Here, she takes us through the best swimming spots in the wilds of Scotland.
1. Glen Rosa Water, Isle of Arran
Glen Rosa Water, Isle of Arran
© Getty
The Isle of Arran offers many swimming spots, including both river and sea. But Glen Rosa and the emerald green pools are something else. The glen is fairly low-lying so it makes for an easy walk up to the waterfalls. Near Goat Fell, the highest mountain on Arran, on a good day the views are wonderful. The water is cold, but exactly what you need after the walk. Take a picnic and soak up the scenery, it's a magical place to swim.
2. An Lochan Uaine, Glenmore Forest Park
A gentle, but beautiful walk leads to the stunning An Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Loch. 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.
3. Fairy Pools, Skye
The name alone should tip you off to the fact that these pools are a particularly beautiful spot to dip your toe. Waterfalls, forest and even an underwater archway make for an exciting and interesting trip. Be warned, though, that the pure mountain water filling the pools can be somewhat cold…
4. Strathmashie, River Pattack
This is a large pool beneath a waterfall on the River Pattack, in the depths of the forest, accessible by an enjoyable beach walk. The force and currents can be strong after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, but otherwise, it’s a great spot for a picnic. It isn’t far from the main road, and as such is popular with campers and other swimmers. In summer it just comes alive.
5. Dores Beach, Loch Ness
Britain’s longest lake and home to the Loch Ness Monster. There are plenty of entry and exit points around the Loch. Dores Beach is a good spot and local swimmers meet here regularly for swimming. I swam from Urquhart Castle, just outside the grounds. It was a bit of a scramble to the shoreline, but a much more secluded experience.
6. River Oude, Oban
Lively currents will give you a boost as you head downstream
© Ella Foote
Swim down the River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam and you'll uncover some prime space. The water is clear and will give you a boost with lively currents you head downstream. The lake itself has hidden boulders, so just be careful.
7. Easdale Island, Quarry Pools
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! Once on the island there is a series of quarry pools. Check which are open for swimming. The pools are clear and blue, great fun too. Enter with caution around the slippery slate.
8. The Gulf of Corryvreckan
This is one you should plan in advance, and only for the more courageous and strong swimmer. You can swim across the 1km Gulf of Corryvreckan in slack water between the tides. 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. Keep an eye out!
9. Waulkmill Bay, Orkney
Orkney is a veritable sweet shop for swimmers. The archipelago is pretty flat, so you can see water for miles when travelling around. The water is clear and turquoise in many spots, and the coastline offers special coves and caves to explore. Waulkmill Bay is one of the more sheltered areas that offer a sandy bottom and stunning swim spot.
10. Loch Morlich, Aviemore
There might not be a Nessy here, but this loch in the heart of the Cairngorms mountains offers a fantastic wild swim. Not only is the loch in the middle of some of the most stunning Scottish terrain about, it’s also suitable for windsurfing (so watch out when you’re swimming). There’s even a cafe on the shore to warm up in, should the water be slightly on the chilly side.
