Dive right in! Scotland’s best wild swimming locations

Dive right in!

Thinking of trying a wild dip? We asked some seasoned wild swimmers for their insider tips on Scotland’s best locations to take the plunge

Extracted from The Art of Wild Swimming: Scotland, by Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan Published by Black & White Publishing. Out now.

PORTOBELLO BEACH, EDINBURGH

“My local beach, Portobello, is where I was taken for my first open water swim. ‘Porty’, as it’s affectionately known, isn’t the world’s most spectacular beach, but it wins the hearts of all who swim there. You can see across to Fife and the islands in the Forth. It’s not often affected by dangerous waves or currents as it’s quite sheltered. Sometimes you can see porpoises and even a whale in the Forth. My main warning is to look out for seagulls trying to steal your chips.” Alex Sehgal, PhD researcher

BROADSANDS BAY, YELLOWCRAIG BEACH, EAST LOTHIAN

“This long, open stretch of beach is down a single-track road from the village of Dirleton. Walk from the car park along a clearly marked path which brings you out almost directly opposite the small island of Fidra with its lighthouse. As you walk round to your right it opens out into a huge stretch of clear sand and a view of the islands of Craiglieth, the Lamb and the Bass Rock.” Lil Vischer, Artist

LOCH ARKAIG, SPEAN BRIDGE, LOCHABER

“At 12 miles long, scenic Loch Arkaig is reached by a single-track, nothrough road. The easiest entry point is the slipway near the head of the loch, though it can be difficult to park as it is used by fishermen who need space for launching boats. A swim across the loch, to the buoy and back, is about 520 metres and a swim up the water and round the islands – one of which used to host a chapel dedicated to St Columba – is two kilometres. Jacobite gold is reputed to be hidden somewhere around Loch Arkaig.” Morag Hughes, Retired

GANAVAN SANDS, OBAN

“Ganavan Sands is Oban’s main beach and is quite large and sandy with views over to the Isle of Mull and the Morvern Hills. The water is normally quite calm and safe to swim in, all year round. If you carry on past the beach and walk up onto the headland you get great views, up the Sound of Mull and then Tralee Bay, Connel Bridge and Ben Cruachan.” Lucy Hamilton, Website Designer

MARBLE POOLS, NEAR LOCH SLAPIN, SKYE

“From the parking area near the head of Loch Slapin, follow the nearest stream uphill for about 10 to 15 minutes until you reach a series of three magnificent, pale green rock pools that look like marble. The first, which is the biggest and has a small waterfall, is a good place to get changed. Then, instead of getting in, carry along the stream until you reach a plunge pool and enter there. Wade up the stream to a gorge and keep going through the channel in the rock to reach another waterfall, which looks like something from the Goonies. It’s possible to climb up behind the waterfall. Once you’ve visited the gorge you can ‘do’ the next two plunge pools on the way back.” Matt Rhodes, Tour Guide

LOCH FASKALLY AT THE LADY’S DELL, PITLOCHRY

“An easily accessible swimming spot within the town beside the popular visitor attraction of Pitlochry Dam. It’s within easy walking distance of the railway station and you can park at the visitor centre. From there, cross the grassy area known as the Lady’s Dell to the loch and arrive at an easy and safe beach entry point overlooked by trees. Currently there is a handily positioned buoy which I use as a distance marker. Spot leaping salmon making their way upstream or admire the resident herons and ducks.” Mhairi Hastie Smith, PE teacher

LOCH MORLICH, GLENMORE FOREST PARK, AVIEMORE

“Loch Morlich lies in the shadow of the majestic Cairngorms mountains, with the ski resort rising directly up from the beautiful Glenmore forest which surrounds it. Its big draw is the large, sandy beach and on warm summer days you will find it busy with families. Entry to the loch is over clean, soft sand. You could be forgiven for thinking you are in a seaside resort and not freshwater in the Scottish Highlands.” Alison Freshwater, Lawyer