"WILD" SWIMMING SEASON 2010
"This summer I went swimming
this summer I might have drowned (in the Fairy Pools on Skye, or in Glen Etive)
but I held my breath
and I kicked my feet
and I moved my arms around
moved my arms around."
(Loudon Wainwright III, Swimming Song)
WHAT THIS PAGE ABOUT DIGGER?
Rather than update the Gazetteers every time I find a NEW "swim" in 2010, I'll put details and photos on this web page.
CLICK HERE for the bare necessities of wild swimming
CLICK HERE to go straight to the Big Gazetteer
"WILD" SWIMMING SEASON 2010
Due to the weather swim season 2010 hasn't started yet but as is"tradition "I hope it will start again at Easter in Scotland.
"WILD" SWIMMING SEASON 2009
As is traditional, my first "new swims"of 2009 took place in Scotland. I'm gradually moving these to the gazateer so they will soon be gone from this page!
River Waveney, near Bungay, Suffolk
(A FOUR TRUNK location referenced in Wild Swimming by Daniel Start)
LOCATION:
- Best parking is just off the first roundabout from south on the A143 as you get to the town of Bungay. If there is room you can park on the side road between Outney Common Caravan Park and the golf club. Or pay to park in the caravan park. Follow the footpath onto Outney Common and after 50m turn right onto a path that crosses the floodplain. Pretty anywhere is swimable but the locals head for a bend 100m west of the footbridge.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Good stretch of deep swimable water with plenty of grass for sunbathing
HAZARDS:
- Its pretty deep in places so don't expect to stand on the bottom for long. However, depending on where you go in the biggest hazard is getting out (always something you should think about!!)
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
River Brathay, between Elter Water and Windermere
(A FIVE TRUNK location)
LOCATION:
- Park in the car park (pay & display I'm afraid) on east side of B5343 0.5km to north of Skelwith Bridge. Cross the road and follow the footpath down to the river and pick your spot.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Good stretch of deep water with its "own car park"
HAZARDS:
- Its pretty deep in places so don't expect to stand on the bottom for long. However, the biggest hazard for those who can swim is crossing the B5343
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Glen Etive, near Glen Coe
(A TEN TRUNK location. It is "simply the best")
LOCATION:
- After about 1km from the Glen Coe turnoff its simply a question of picking your spot as there are loads to choose from, parking and walking the short distance to the river. My favourite was where there were four interlinked pools connected by (at the time of my visit) by small ish waterfalls.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- What can I say. 1. Fantastic setting, 2. Brilliant clear water, 3. Water slides, 4. Deep and extensive water. Simply heaven.
HAZARDS:
- Watch out for people tombstoning!
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Fairy Pools, Allt Coir a Mhadaidh, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye
(A NINE TRUNK location.)
LOCATION:
- Park in the forestry commission car park of same name or the one 1km uphill. Follow the smaller path and you can't miss it.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- As Kate Rew said "the pools are delightful and few are immune to their charms". There are plenty of pools in this area but the "classics" are the two higher pools separated by a rock buttress and underwater arch. Its simply a magical spot.
HAZARDS:
- The underwater arch slopes at a bit of an angle so best to be a bit careful (I kept my glasses on!!).
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
River Sligachan, Isle of Skye
(A THREE TRUNK location.)
LOCATION:
- There is a good stretch of the river suitable for swimming close to the hotel and campsite of the same name. If you park on the campsite its only a 5m walk to the river bank.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Well there is an adjacent campsite and walkers bar so what more could you ask for?
HAZARDS:
- Its not as deep as it looks, this area rarely sees sunshine and mIdges live here!
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Abhainn Chonaig, Kintail
(A THREE TRUNK location.)
LOCATION:
- One of several pools in the Abhainn Chronaig to the east of Morvich, Kintail. Park opposite the Outdoor Centre, cross the road bridge and follow the footpath along the valley for 4km. The pool is difficult to find but is below a small waterfall so the sound of this may guide in in!!
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- This is a good spot for an early morning dip with good views of the hills all around. Its midge-free, but theres not enough room for a proper swim.
HAZARDS:
- Bit of a steep climb down to the spot.
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Abhainn Chonaig, Kintail
(A ONE TRUNK location.)
LOCATION:
- One of several pools in the Abhainn Chronaig to the east of Morvich, Kintail. Park opposite the Outdoor Centre, cross the road bridge and follow the footpath along the valley for 2km. The pool is by the footbridge leading into Dorusduain Wood.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Compared to its neighbour the River Croe this is a disappointing river. However, if you need an early morning dip then this spot will do, but theres not enough room for a proper swim.
HAZARDS:
- Ok, here's the bad news 1. Its next to a footbridge so no skinny dipping please, 2. MIdges live here!
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
River Croe, Kintail
(A FOUR TRUNK location.)
LOCATION:
- One of several swimming spots along the River Croe to the east of Morvich, Kintail. Park opposite the Outdoor Centre, but this time follow the track which starts c. 50m before the centre. Continue for about 2km and the swim should be obvious on your left.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Fantastic views (when clear) and pretty midge free.
HAZARDS:
- Henry reports that the mud was sticky!
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
River Croe, Kintail
(A FIVE TRUNK location.)
LOCATION:
- One of several swimming spots along the River Croe to the east of Morvich, Kintail. Park opposite the Outdoor Centre, but this time follow the track which starts c. 50m before the centre. Continue for about 1km and the swim should be obvious on your left.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Long stretch of deep water, fantastic views including Beinn Bhuidhe (probably) and pretty midge free.
HAZARDS:
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
River Croe, Kintail
(A FOUR TRUNK location, lost points due to midges!)
LOCATION:
- One of several swimming spots along the River Croe to the east of Morvich, Kintail. Park opposite the Outdoor Centre, follow the road for 100m, cross the road bridge and follow the north bank until you find the meander in the river.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Easy access from a shelving sandy bank. Gets very deep in middle. Strange underwater grass to look for.
HAZARDS:
- Other than the surprising depth watch out for midges!!!
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
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