THE National has compiled a list of wild swimming spots dotted around Scotland, with something for every kind of swimmer.
From shallow rivers perfect for children and pets to paddle in, to silver stretches of sand on windswept islands.
Nature is for everybody to enjoy, so make sure you leave each site as you find it. (Unless you spot some rubbish – in that case, take it home with you.)
1. Drumbrock Loch, Mugdock Park
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. Lots of good entry points around the loch, with shallow water for paddling and deeper parts for more serious swimmers. Paddleboarders can often be seen here. Lovely views of the Campsie Hills with Mugdock Visitor Centre providing a station for a tea or coffee after a swim.
2. Loch Chon, Aberfoyle
Located in The Trossachs, this loch is large enough to kayak, canoe and fish on, with plenty of access points for swimming. For strong swimmers, there is a large rock used for jumping off on the west side. 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.
READ MORE: Wild swimming in Scotland: The life-changing practice of cold water therapy
3. Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig
A beautiful sandy beach protected from being too exposed by jutting headlands and a curved bay. Looks onto the Island of Eigg.
4. Glen Etive pools, Glencoe
Along its length, the river running through Glen Etive has a limitless number of spots for swimming. With lots of plunge pools and smooth rocks for lounging on, this is a great place to spend a whole day or night, if you’re a keen camper. Can be very midgie-prone during summer months, so pack your Skin So Soft!
5. Seamill Beach, West Kilbride
A mixture of sand and rock, Seamill Beach can be reached in a train ride from Glasgow. With the Ayrshire Coastal Path backing the beach, there are excellent views over the Firth of Clyde to the Island of Arran.
6. Kingsbarns Beach, St Andrews
Lovers of wide-open spaces will enjoy this beach, which is located near the gorgeous seaside town of Crail. The beach stretches for two miles, with rocky outcrops that make a suitable place to rockpool during low tide. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes which are ideal to picknick on. 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.
READ MORE: Storm Corrie: Top 10 Scots words to describe stormy weather
7. Ganavan Sands, Oban
A pleasant half-hour walk from the seaside town of Oban. Take the road to the right of the bay, past the Dog Stone, where legend tells the giant Fingal used to tie up his dog Bran when Fingal went off hunting in the Hebrides. A medium-sized beach, with soft sand and clear water. There’s usually a snack van parked on the shore in summer, which serves burgers and ice creams.
8. Falls of Falloch, Crianlarich
A very short walk to this popular waterfall and picnic spot, where the River Falloch falls in a single 10m leap. Jump in or take a dook in the pool. (Not ideal for children unless supervised.) During summer the water is a lovely temperature.
9. Lemahamish, Aberfoyle
A great place for teaching kids (or dogs) to swim next to a small, pebbly beach. In drier months, the current is lazy in this section of the River Forth and shallow enough for kids to paddle – bring swimming shoes though, as the river bottom is rocky. Next to a large grassy embankment which is ideal for picnics or playing sports. This spot is backed by the Loch Ard Forest and feels very secluded, though it is often a lively spot during the summer months
10. Bousd Beach, Island of Coll
Looking west onto the Island of Barra, this beach offers the signature Caribbean-blue waters of Scotland’s north-west coast. With powdery soft sand the beach is a treat underfoot.
Learn more about responsible tourism and "treading lightly" in nature on the Visit Scotland website.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
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. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
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. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel