Scotland
Scotland is fantastic for “wild” swimming because there is water everywhere and hardly anybody around to try to stop you. Heaven.
Abhainn Thrail (near Torridon)
Location
Park where the A896 crosses this river to the south of Torridon and walk north up the rough track adjacent to the river. The “swim” is on your left just before the only house up the track (a holiday home).
Grid Ref
NG 910/550
Features
Excellent views with lovely hills as a backdrop. Also handy if you are staying in the holiday home 10 metres away.
Hazards
Big pebbles which make walking difficult.
Date of Last Swim
1st April 2005
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
NG998/217
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 Last Swim
8th July 2009
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
NG983/223
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 Last Swim
8th July 2009
Abhainn Dhsseig (Ben More, Isle of Mull)
Location
There are several small watefalls and pools on the north-west side of Ben More. Park in the allocated parking on the side of the B8073 and follow the Abhainn Dhisseig to find them.
Grid Ref
NG 505/346
Features
Fantastically clear water and very refreshing after climbing Ben More. Good view over Loch Na Keal.
Hazards
No real hazards but these pools are far too small for a big swim.
Date of Last Swim
18th April 2006
Allt Caire Roill (Ben Damph, near Torridon)
Location
Park in the pub car park by the Loch Torridon Hotel and follow the sign posted path to Ben Damph. Once out of the wood keep to the path on the left next to the river.
Grid Ref
NG 885/532
Features
Series of small pools below several waterfalls which provide a nice backdrop. Lovely clear water.
Hazards
A bit nippy and some tree trunks underwater.
Date of Last Swim
15th April 2008
Allt Daraich (Isle of Skye)
Location
The Allt Daraich is one of many streams joining the River Sligachan just before it enters Lock Sligachan. Park near the Sligachan Hotel on the A87 and follow the path up past the narrow gorge where the best pools can be found.
Grid Ref
NG 493/294
Features
Easy access, perfectly clear water and just about big enough to swim in!!!
Hazards
Easy to slip on rocks so watch out.
Date of Last Swim
1st April 2007
Beasdale Burn (near Beasdale)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
Somewhere between Fort William and Arisaig, near the coast. I know you won’t believe me but it has its own train station!!! Walk up about a km from the A830 and you will find the best pools.
Grid Ref
NM 724/846
Features
Excellent stretch of fairly isolated warm water close to where it enters the sea. The latter affects the depth, although there are always places deep enough for a proper swim. Very tame birds in the adjacent bushes can be viewed if you are quiet.
Hazards
Some people might find the water too warm!!!!! We did have a possible sighting of a crocodile, but it turned out to be a tree branch in the water.
Date of Last Swim
30th March 2007
Eas Fors (Isle of Mull)
Location
On west side of Isle of Mull adjacent to Ulva. Plenty of parking on side of B8073 by the bridge which carries the stream. Walk back to SE for 100m and there is a place in the cliff that you can climb down.
Grid Ref
NG 443/422
Features
Excellent powerfull waterfall with good view of Ulva from the lower and upper pools.
Hazards
“Nice and refreshing swim” aka bl**dy cold! Other than the cold the climb down from the road is the biggest hazard!!!
Date of Last Swim
19th April 2006
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
NG435/255
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 Last Swim
9th July 2009
Fingals Cave (Isle of Staffa)
Location
Located on the south-east tip of Staffa. Need boat to get to it. Takes about an hour on the boat from the Sound of Ulva.
Grid Ref
NG 325/350
Features
Fantastic clear water, interesting basalt columns, easy access etc
Hazards
Watch out for tourist boats that tend to go as far into the cave as they can!
Date of Last Swim
21st April 2006
Glen Coe
Location
Park in one of the two main car parks on the south side of the A82. Follow the good path across the river and up to the “Hidden Valley” on the other side of Glen Coe itself. There are several spots with just about enough water in to bath in.
Grid Ref
TBC
Features
Fantastic clear and refreshing (see below) water, with views across the Glen to Jimmie Savalls house (so I’m told).
Hazards
For refreshing read bl**dy cold and unfortunately you can’t really swim properly to warm up.
Date of Last Swim
7th April 2007
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
TBC
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 Last Swim
11th July 2009
Loch Nam Ban Mora (Isle of Eigg)
Location
Located just NW of the Sgurr which is the most prominant hill on Eigg. Most paths from Galmisdale (village where the ferry arrives) lead to the Sgurr.
Grid Ref
NM 455/852
Features
Fantastic clear and refreshing water, with views to the Sgurr one way and the hills of Rum in the other. Add to that the artificial island created in the Iron Age and what a place for a swim……
Hazards
In the summer its best not to hang around too long while getting change because of the MIDGES!!!
Date of Last Swim
14th August 2007
Loch Ba (Isle of Mull)
Location
On west side of Isle of Mull. Park on side of B8035 just before bridge by Knock Farm. Walk over bridge and take the track that runs to the south of the Loch. I went in in-between a floating fish farm and Rubha Gainmhich.
Grid Ref
NG 568/373
Features
Fantastic scenery all around you. Good clean and deep water.
Hazards
Suprising amount of vehicle movement along the track; perhaps they were trying to stop people swim!
Date of Last Swim
20th April 2006
Loch Na H-Oidhche (near Shieldaig Forest)
Location
Rather surprisingly Shieldaig Forest is one of those forests with no trees. Equally surprising its not particulary near Shieldaig!!
Grid Ref
NG 888/667
Features
This is a pretty remote Loch so there will be plenty of room in the water for you!! And you get fantastic views of the mountains all around.
Hazards
In places it surprisingly shallow
Date of Last Swim
17th April 2008
Loch Coruisk (Isle of Skye)
This photo is an example of self-photography, CLICK HERE to find out more
Location
The Loch is on the south side of the Cuillin Hills. You can get a boat to it from Elgol or for the purists walk down the valley from Sligachan c. 7miles. There are a few small beaches on the south-east side of the Lock which make for easier access.
Grid Ref
NG 492/201
Features
The setting is fabulous with the Cuillin Hills all around you. What more do you want?
Hazards
None really, although you do have to remember to leave enough time for the walk out (or make sure you are booked on the return boat).
Date of Last Swim
2nd April 2007
Loch Damb (near Shieldaig)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
Park pretty well anywhere between Shieldaig and Annat on the A896. The easiest walk-in is from Balgy where there is a path part of the way.
Grid Ref
NG 849/532
Features
Wonderful shingly beaches at the north end which provide easy access and a nice comfortably place to sleep (midges permitting).
Hazards
None really
Date of Last Swim
16th April 2008
Loch Dughaill (near Shieldaig)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
Adjacent to the A896 about 2km south of Shieldaig. Theres plenty of parking between the road and the Loch.
Grid Ref
NG 825/515
Features
Easy access and one of those “swims” where once you get in you are soon out of your depth so there is not going back!
Hazards
As stated above it gets deep quite quickly, but I suppose I should mention the cold.
Date of Last Swim
30th March 2005
near Lochwinnoch
(As a “cold plunge” this is a FIVE TRUNK location, but for swimming don’t bother)
(The classic River Swimmers pose that lead to quite a trend)
Location
Somewhere near Lochwinnoch (maybe 20km south of Glasgow).
Grid Ref
TBC
Features
Arrh the photograph that sporned a “world famous” t-shirt and a thousand (ish) imitations.
Hazards
Now this really should be called the Red River, thankfully not like the famous one in Cornwall caused by metal in the water, but in this case Peat.
Date of Last Swim
TBC
Loch Shieldaig (near Shieldaig)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
On a penisula that separates Loch Shieldaig from Loch Torridon. Simply follow the footpath out of Shieldaig past the school and pick you spot.
Grid Ref
NG 813/557
Features
Simply beautiful (on the right day!!)
Hazards
None really
Date of Last Swim
20th April 2008
Loch Tuath (Isle of Ulva)
(OK this is actually a sea lock but itsa FIVE TRUNK location)
This photo is an example of self-photography, CLICK HERE to find out more
Location
A sea loch between Ulva and Mull. There are loads of places to swim but I went in near Torr Ardalum on Ulva. Parking is not an issue as you can only get a foot ferry (operated by Donald between 9am and 5pm) to the island.
Grid Ref
NN405/404
Features
Lots of little islands to swim round.
Hazards
Theres a fair bit of seaweed near the shore and you do have to watch out for the odd boat.
Date of Last Swim
21st April 2006
Loch Voil (West Coast of Scotland)
(A much bigger “cold plunge”, but this is definately a FOUR TRUNK location)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
4.5km west of Balquhidder (yes such a place does exist)
Grid Ref
NN 485/197
Features
Easy access, surprisingly “not too cold” for the time of year, excellent views all round.
Hazards
Watch out for Ghosts (Rob Roys grave is in Balquhidder)
Date of Last Swim
Late October 2002
Upper Loch Torridon (West Coast of Scotland)
(A definite FIVE TRUNK location)
Location
You can access Loch Torridon pretty well from anyway. This spot is near the Falls of Balgy where a river enters the Loch.
Grid Ref
NG 847/547
Features
Superb view of the (often snow covered) mountains all around the Loch.
Hazards
Quite refreshing!!!!
Date of Last Swim
14th April 2008
River Damh (near Balgy)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
The river flows from Loch Damh into Upper Loch Torridon. Its extremely handy if you are staying in Balgy Lodge because the river is at the bottom of the garden.
Grid Ref
NG 846/544
Features
Its bl**dy handy if you happen to be staying in Balgy Lodge. Not just that there is a good sized pool just below some shallow waterfalls. Add to that the ability to swim into Loch Torridon and you are in swimmers heaven.
Hazards
The only real downside is that the pool is in shade in the evening (when this photo was taken!!)
Date of Last Swim
18th April 2008
River Lealt (Isle of Skye)
Location
Park in the layby (really a car park) possibly labelled Inver Tote on the A855 maybe 20km north of Portree. Walk to the view point overlooking the sea and drop down to the sea.
Grid Ref
NG 530/604
Features
This is one of those great places where you can swim along a river and into the sea or from the sea and into a river. Infact it was such an excellent day you could look across to the mainland possibly around Torridon (see below).
Hazards
The sea had a bit of a current so watch out and the river probably gets quite low at low tide.
Date of Last Swim
4th April 2007
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
NG975/205
Features
Long stretch of deep water, fantastic views including Beinn Bhuidhe (probably) and pretty midge free.
Hazards
Nothing but the obvious
Date of Last Swim
7th July 2009
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
NG980/198
Features
Fantastic views (when clear) and pretty midge free.
Hazards
Henry reports that the mud was sticky!
Date of Last Swim
6th July 2009
River Croe (near 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
NG969/208
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 Last Swim
5th July 2009
River Sligachan (Isle of Skye)
Location
Park near the Sligachan Hotel on the A87 and follow the river for 20m and you will find pools.
Grid Ref
NG 487/297
Features
Its handy for the hotel which does allow walkers/climbers and we now know wild swimmers in, even when the legendary Shamos bar for then next door is shut.
Hazards
It started to get dark but I think that was more about the time I went in. I’m looking grumpy in the photo because the “support team” are on the Whiskey, even a young child called Ben!!!
Date of Last Swim
6th April 2007
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
NG487/302
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 Last Swim
8th July 2009
River Snizort (Isle of Skye)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
About 6km west of Portree on the B885. Park where the road crosses the river and head 100m south for this pool, although I’m sure there are others.
Grid Ref
NG 421/440
Features
The pool is quite sufficient for a reasonable swim, but to be honest just to be able to say that you have had a swim in a river by the name of Snizort made it all worthwhile.
Hazards
Nothing specific.
Date of Last Swim
6th April 2007
Scout’s Pool (Keltie Water, near Callendar, Stirling)
Location
You need to follow the minor road from Callendar (west of Stirling) past to golf course up to the point it is gated. Park on side of road and follow the track over a stream and turn left. Then pick your pool because there are several excellent swims. This one is probably called the Scout’s Pool.
Grid Ref
640100 (on OS Sheet 57)
Features
Excellent sized pool with relatively easy access.
Hazards
None really (except the cold)
Date of Last Swim
21st April 2008