Wild Swimming in Scotland
Wild swimming, or open water swimming, in Scotland has become a popular watersport in recent years amongst the Scottish population.
There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch, whilst surrounded by Scotland’s most beautiful backdrops. The vibrant colours and clearness of the waters may seem attractive, but the temperatures are often very low.
Although it may take a while to brave the cold, after the first dip, it is said that open water swimming in Scotland is a spectacular, energising and invigorating activity that has a number of impressive health benefits.
So why not, treat yourself to a retreat at one of our luxurious hotels & inns, go wild swimming Scotland to boost your circulation, improve your immunity and release a rush of endorphins, with an out-of-this-world therapeutic experience.
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.
This is why we have created a guide on how and where to find both the most popular, and the most secluded, Scotland wild swimming spots, wherever you are in the country.
Satisfy your wanderlust, go wild swimming, exploring and so much more when you stay with Crerar Hotels. As well as the beauty that surrounds our hotels and inns, find out why you should choose Crerar Hotels, here.
Wild Swimming Safety
Although it may seem tempting to deep dive into the colourful waters, safety always comes first. Wild swimmers are asked not to go out alone and to stay close to shore, whenever possible. It is recommended to walk in slowly to reduce any chance of shock, wear brightly coloured swimming costumes, caps, or tow floats so you are easily visible to passing boaters, and to never swim under the influence of alcohol.
Read the full list of swimming safety tips here. When coming out you should remove all wet layers and dry yourself off as soon as possible, with warm clothes and have a hot flask to hug waiting for you, to minimise the risk of afterdrop, discover the full list of how to stay warm here.
Please see the full list of useful health and safety websites and information at the bottom of this page.
Wild Swimming Inverness & The Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque locations in the world, and is usually what people imagine when they think of Scotland.
With the unique culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and enchanting castles, it really is the best backdrop to your wild swimming in Scotland. With options to explore the spectacular things to do in Cairngorms, including seeking the Balmoral Pyramids, or strolling along the gorgeous walks and beaches on the North-East coast, it truly is a magical part of Scotland.
From our Big Sand Beach in Gairloch, sheltered from onshore wind, with breath-taking views of Skye and Torridon, to chancing a swim with Nessie at Dores Beach which has the best viewpoints of Loch Ness. There will be somewhere spectacular for you to experience wild swimming in the Highlands.
Dores Beach
Area: Dores, Highland
Postcode: IV2 6TR
Distance from Inverness: 9 miles
Parking: Free parking is available in the nearby village
Rosemarkie Beach
Area: Fortrose, Highland
Postcode: IV10 8UW
Distance from Inverness: 15 miles
Parking: Public car park nearby
Nairn Beach (East)
Area: Nairn
Postcode: IV36 2TE
Distance from Inverness: 17 miles
Parking: Located next to a large public car park
Findhorn Beach
Area: Forres
Postcode: IV36 3YT
Distance from Inverness: 31 miles
Parking: Parking area available near the marina
Loch Morlich
Area: Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland
Postcode: PH22 1QU
Distance from Inverness: 40 miles
Parking: Public car park next to loch
Lossiemouth (East) Beach
Area: Lossiemouth
Postcode: IV31 6JJ
Distance from Inverness: 42 miles
Parking: Public car park next to the beach
Big Sand Beach, Gairloch
Area: Uig
Postcode: IV21 2DL
Distance from Inverness: 74 miles
Parking: Public car park next to the beach
Wild Swimming Aberdeen
Whether it’s 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 Hell’s Lum over Cullykhan Bay, Aberdeenshire is rich with unique rural locations, and beaches to go open water swimming.
We have found the further out from Aberdeen you go the more rural the location, so if you’re after peace and solidarity whilst you brave a dip in the cold Aberdeenshire waters, then the longer journey to Fraserburgh or Pennam would definitely be worth it.
If you’re out adventuring for the day we have also provided a full list of the best walking and hiking spots in Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeen Beach
Area: Aberdeen
Postcode: AB24 5HN
Distance from Aberdeen: 1 mile
Parking: Various public car parks scattered across city
Balmedie Beach
Area: Aberdeen
Postcode: AB23 8XG
Distance from Aberdeen: 8 miles
Parking: Car park, with public toilets, around a 15 minute walk from beach
Stonehaven Beach
Area: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Postcode: AB39 2BU
Distance from Aberdeen: 16 miles
Parking: Public parking available at Market Square Car Park, very close to beach
Cruden Bay
Area: Peterhead
Postcode: AB42 0QH
Distance from Aberdeen: 25 miles
Parking: Public car park next to the beach
Peterhead Lido Beach
Area: Peterhead
Postcode: AB42 2UP
Distance from Aberdeen: 30 miles
Parking: Public car park available around 5 minute walk from the beach
Rosehearty Beach
Area: Rosehearty, Fraserburgh
Postcode: AB43 7JB
Distance from Aberdeen: 43 miles
Parking: Public car park next to the beach
Hell’s Lum
Area: Cullykhan Fort, Pennam
Postcode:
Distance from Aberdeen: 44 miles
Parking: Public car next to Cullykhan Bay
Wild Swimming Edinburgh
Edinburgh is famous for its gorgeous castles, vibrant festivals, romantic architecture and general buzzing atmosphere, but what most visitors don’t know is it’s also a spectacular spot for wild swimming. All within a 30 minute journey by car or bike, you could glide along the colourful waters of the east coast.
There are two main areas to wild swim in Edinburgh. One being the coastal beaches; Wardie Bay and Portobello Beach, where it would be a very rare sight to not see them swarmed with excited locals during the warmer months, the second being a series of reservoirs which have beautiful backdrops overlooking the capital and surrounding areas. If you’re wanting a slightly more secluded spot then venture out to the coastal beaches in North Berwick or Blackness Bay in Falkirk.
Portobello Beach
Area: Portobello, Edinburgh
Postcode: EH15 1DU
Distance from Edinburgh: 3 miles
Parking: Public car park next to the beach
Wardie Bay
Area: Edinburgh
Postcode: EH5 1ER
Distance from Edinburgh: 4 miles
Parking: Public car park at Silverknowes Beach East, short distance from the bay
Harperrig Reservoir
Area: Kirknewton
Postcode: EH27 8DH
Distance from Edinburgh: 4 miles
Parking: Public car park at Harperrig Fishery
Blackness Bay
Area: Falkirk
Postcode: EH49 7NQ
Distance from Edinburgh: 16 miles
Parking: Public car park and street parking available next to the beach
Pettycur Beach
Area: Burntisland
Postcode: KY3 9SB
Distance from Edinburgh: 24 miles
Parking: Ample parking available adjacent to the beach
Yellowcraig Beach
Area: North Berwick
Postcode: EH39
Distance from Edinburgh: 23 miles
Parking: Public car park next to the beach
Seacliff
Area: North Berwick
Postcode: EH39 5PP
Distance from Edinburgh: 30 miles
Parking: Private car park accessible through small car parking fee. The barrier to the car park is coin-operated.
Wild Swimming Glasgow
Escape the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s largest city, to these stunning, secluded loch side locations for your wild swimming Glasgow. Glasgow is surrounded with a stunning array of clear, calming, freshwater lochs with breath-taking views, the ultimate backdrop for wild swimming.
Whether it’s gliding through the vibrant waters of Loch Lomond at Milarrochy Bay or taking a dip with Largs’ picturesque Pencil Monument in the background, there will be a special place for you. During the summer months, Glaswegians go to any lengths to find a sunny spot so it would be rare to find these quiet.
Loch Lomond
Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway
Area: Balloch, Loch Lomond
Postcode: G83 8QX
Distance from Glasgow: 19 miles
Parking: Large free car park directly next to wild swimming spot
Milarrochy Bay
Area: Balmaha, Loch Lomond
Postcode: G63 0AL
Distance from Glasgow: 28 miles
Parking: Large car park, with public toilets, available in Balmaha, beautiful walk along the West Highland Way alongside Loch Lomond towards the bay
Luss Beach
Area: Luss, Loch Lomond
Postcode: G83 8PA
Distance from Glasgow: 32 miles
Parking: Public car parking available at Luss South car park
Lunderston bay
Area: Gourock, Inverclyde
Postcode: PA19 1BB
Distance from Glasgow: 30 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to the beach
Largs (Pencil Beach)
Area: Largs
Postcode: KA30 8JZ
Distance from Glasgow: 31 miles
Parking: Parking available at Largs marina
Irvine Beach
Area: Irvine
Postcode: KA12 8FA
Distance from Glasgow: 32 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to the beach
Prestwick Beach
Area: Prestwick
Postcode: KA9 1QN
Distance from Glasgow: 33 miles
Parking: Public car park in Prestwick centre, 6 minute walk from beach
Seamill Beach
Area: Seamill, West Kilbride
Postcode: KA23 9ND
Distance from Glasgow: 33 miles
Parking: Car park, with direct access to the beach, can be found at the end of Hyndman Road in Seamill
Troon South Beach
Area: Troon
Postcode: KA10 6EH
Distance from Glasgow: 33 miles
Parking: Parking, with toilets can be found near the Council offices on South Beach Road
Wild Swimming Stirling & Trossachs
With just a short journey from Stirling, Trossachs National Park in Stirlingshire holds some of the most picturesque backdrops in the world, surrounded by spectacular mountains and munros, the tranquil beauty of the lochs are truly irresistible.
The still lochs are perfect places for children to paddle, adults to wild swim and the pebbly shore is the ideal setting for a light picnic. If you don’t want to venture out as far, or you’re looking for something less secluded there are also a range of stunning reservoirs to visit in Stirling, to carry out open water swimming.
Cocksburn Reservoir
Area: Stirling
Postcode: FK9 4LX
Distance from Stirling: 4 miles
Parking: Park at Pendreich Car Park, around a 2 mile nature walk to Cockburn Reservoir
North Third Reservoir
Area: Stirling
Postcode: FK7 9PZ
Distance from Stirling: 4 miles
Parking: Parking at North Third Reservoir car park, around an 8 minute walk from swimming spot
Carron Valley Reservoir
Area: Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire
Postcode: FK6 5JL
Distance from Stirling: 9 miles
Parking: Main Car Park available at Denny FK6 5JL, around a 36 minute walk along the reservoir away
Fannyside Loch
Area: Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire
Postcode: FK1 3DY
Distance from Stirling: 15 miles
Parking: Ample road parking available
Lake Of Menteith
Area: Menteith
Postcode: FK8 3RD
Distance from Stirling: 16 miles
Parking: Public car park available, 4 minute walk from beach
Trossachs National Park
Loch Lubnaig
Area: Callander, Trossachs
Postcode: FK17 8HF
Distance from Stirling: 22 miles
Parking: The Cabin at Loch Lubnaig is in the North Car Park, with take-away food and drink, with toilets is open 8.30 am-5.00pm
Loch Ard
Area: Trossachs
Postcode: FK8 3TF
Distance from Stirling: 25 miles
Parking: Available at Loch Ard Forest Car Park, at the start of an 1.5-2 hour long forest walking route, that will pass the loch
Loch Voil
Area: Lochearnhead, Trossachs
Coordinates: 56.3469° N, 4.4264° W
Distance from Stirling: 31 miles
Parking: Around a 35 minute walk from the loch there is the Monachyle Mhor Hotel, Balquhidder, FK19 8PQ, where you can park and get refreshments
Wild Swimming Oban
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 you’re seeking tranquillity or adventure.
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. Take an island day trip, get involved in whale watching and explore the enchanting waterfalls on the Isle of Mull, whilst you’re out seeking the perfect tranquilising wild swim. Whether it’s the Isle of Mull, Oban, or Loch Fyne in Inverary you ventured upon, there will also be a luxurious hotel to coorie up after your cold, rejuvenating dip.
Ganavan Sands
Area: Oban
Postcode: PA34 5TB
Distance from Oban: 8 miles
Parking: Easy access ample roadside parking nearby
Loch Awe
Area: Argyll & Bute
Postcode: PA26 8BJ
Distance from Oban: 35 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to loch
Carsaig Bay
Area: Isle of Mull
Postcode: PA31 8PN
Distance from Oban: 35 miles
Parking: There are 4 or 5 parking spaces available at Carsaig Arches
Fidden Beach
Area: Ross of Mull
Postcode: PA66 6BN
Distance from Oban: 47 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to loch
Glen Fyne
Area: Loch Fyne
Postcode: PA26 8BJ
Distance from Oban: 48 miles
Parking: Car park at Loch Fyne Oyster bar, here there will be a track to a beautiful loch side loch that will take you to the glen
Wild Swimming Perthshire
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. The intimate city is surrounded with natural beauty. From munros, waterfalls, forests, and gardens, to glens, moors and rivers where you can carry out your wild swimming, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
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. Most locations will be quiet, secluded and peaceful.
Loch Leven
Area: Kinross
Postcode: KY13 9EZ
Distance from Perth: 18 miles
Parking: Free public car park available at Loch Leven Larder, which bring you round a 2.5km nature loop, passing the loch
Castlehill Reservoir
Area: Glendevon, Dollar
Postcode: FK14 7JX
Distance from Perth: 24 miles
Parking: large parking layby beside the Castlehill reservoir on the A823
Leven Beach
Area: Leven, Fife
Postcode: KY8 4HY
Distance from Perth: 29 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to beach
Black Sands
Area: Aberdour, Burntisland
Postcode: KY3 0TU
Distance from Perth: 31 miles
Parking: Free large car park, with public toilets, available next to beach
Silver Sands Beach
Area: Aberdour, Burntisland
Postcode: KY3 0RQ
Distance from Perth: 32 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to beach
Harbour Beach Kinghorn
Area: Kinghorn, Fife
Postcode: KY3 9SX
Distance from Perth: 37 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to beach
Wild Swimming Dundee
The Tayside city is a vibrant and compact city that is slowly becoming a modern wonder. With plenty of science museums, historic ships, theatres, art centres and quirky bars, it is the ideal location to stay. Dundee is labelled Scotland’s sunniest city, so makes for the ideal location to ease yourself into the cold Scottish waters to wild swim.
With many gorgeous beaches, all within a 30 minute drive, you will never run out of options to glide through the gorgeous Scottish waters with beautiful backdrops. From the popular Broughty Ferry beach, East Sands Beach in St Andrews, the ideal setting to watch the sunrise, to Elie Harbour & Earlsferry for a more secluded location, there will be something for everyone.
Broughty Ferry Beach
Area: Broughty Ferry, Dundee
Postcode: DD5 2EN
Distance from Dundee: 4 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to beach
Tentsmuir Sands
Area: Tentsmuir
Postcode: KY16 0DR
Distance from Dundee: 11 miles
Parking: Available at Tentsmuir Forest car park, near beach
Carnoustie Beach
Area: Carnoustie
Postcode: DD7 6AR
Distance from Dundee: 12 miles
Parking: Paid high street parking available near beach
West Sands Beach
Area: St Andrews
Postcode: DD11 1QJ
Distance from Dundee: 14 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to beach
East Sands Beach
Area: St Andrews
Postcode: DD11 1QJ
Distance from Dundee: 14 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to beach
West Links Beach
Area: Arbroath
Postcode: DD11 1QJ
Distance from Dundee: 16 miles
Parking: Available at the Arbroath end of the beach
Billow Ness
Area: Anstruther
Postcode: KY10 3DA
Distance from Dundee: 23 miles
Parking: Free parking and toilet facilities nearby
Elie Harbour & Earlsferry
Area: Earlsferry
Postcode: KY9 1EG
Distance from Dundee: 24 miles
Parking: Available next to the beach, off South Street
Seafield Beach
Area: Kirkcaldy
Postcode: KY1 1SJ
Distance from Dundee: 32 miles
Parking: Free large car park next to beach
Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst exploring the best wild swimming Scotland has to offer.
Whether it’s a rural escape to the Highlands or a romantic retreat to a peaceful seaside town, explore our gorgeous Scotland hotels and inns, located in some of the most stunning locations, with gorgeous lochs and picturesque backdrops, all across Scotland in the UK. Explore some of the best minibreaks and staycations in Scotland and book today to start your adventure.
Useful information on the health & safety of Wild Swimming Scotland
To see safety information on wild swimming in reservoirs and wild swimming in rivers, click here.
To see safety information on rip currents when wild swimming in the sea click here.
To see information on water quality click here.
If you are interested in getting started from The Outdoor Swimming Society, then click here.
Reference information for this article and special thank you
This article wouldn’t be possible without the Scottish wild swimming locations map created by Gilian Fyfe. Gilian is currently undertaking an impressive ice swimming challenge in aid of the Islay Dog Rescue, please consider donating to her Jedi Polar Bear Challenge through her Go Fund Me page here.
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