Cairngorms

Falls near Kinlock Laggan

(FIVE TRUNK  location)

Location

The falls are adjacent to the A86 just east of Kinlock Laggan. There is parking to the north and south of the road.

Grid ref

NN tbc

Features

Reasonable sized area for swimming. Along with the waterfall there is a cave which seems to go back quite along way (S. Kirk pers. comm.).

Hazards

None really.

Date of swim

2nd April 2012


Falls of Pattack

(FIVE plus TRUNK  locations)

Location

To east of the northern end of Loch Laggan. Park off A86 and walk up the track which goes past Gallovie (holiday houses for let).  There is a signpost from where you should be able to hear the falls! You have to drop down quite a steep slope to enter the water but I managed (and I’m scared of heights).

Grid ref

NN556/880

Features

A fab waterfall with a large area for swimming and quite strong currents to have fun in.

Hazards

None really, but it is a waterfall so watch out for bits of trees coming over the fall!!

Date of swim

31st  March 2012


Glentromie Lodge pond (nr Kingussie)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Location

This pond is in Glen Tromie, c. 6km SE of Kingussie. Its on the west side of River Tromie but isn’t shown on all maps which I guess means its quite new. It particularly handy if you are staying in Glentromie Lodge (see view in photo below)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Grid ref

NN777/987

Features

Very handy if you are staying in the Lodge, easy access, sheltered and has frogs (see photo below)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
My hand is pointing at a frog. Can you see it?!

Hazards

Frogs!!

Date of swim

4th April 2015


Loch an t-Seilich (nr Kingussie)

SW15 Loch an t-Seilich (Simons photo)
Photo by Simon

Location

You can get to this Loch by following the path up Glen Tromie (starting point c. 4km E of Kingussie). Its off my map but I think its in Glen Feshie.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Grid ref

tbc

Features

Fantastic scenery and if you pick the right spot there is a beach (kinda!)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Hazards

None really but getting in does involve the “comedy walk” on small stones

Date of swim

6th April 2015


Loch Insh (nr Kincraig)

Location

This Loch is just east of the A9 and just south of Kincraig. Access is more restricted than usual for Scotland but there is parking along the c road 1lm south of Kincraig.

Grid ref

NH838/045

Features

Easy access, parking and you can ponder over whether you are swimming in Loch Insh or the River Spey or both.

Hazards

None really, but watch out for Mac Digger.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Date of swim

10th April 2015


Lochan a Choire

(FIVE TRUNK  location)

Location

Park at the Creag Meagaidh nature reserve and simply follow the path till you reach a very vertical cliff face (popular with climbers although quite why they would rather do this than have a swim is baffling!).

Grid ref

NN437/883

Features

What a fabulous spot with excellent views of Creag Meagaidh (weather permitting).

Hazards

None really. Although there is a first aid point nearby so maybe some people cut their legs swimming.

Date of swim

5th April 2012


Lochan Na H-Earba

(FIVE TRUNK  location)

Location

This Lochan is in the valley to the south of Loch Laggan. Park in one of the many places along the A86 and walk (or cycle as we did) in..

Grid ref

NN 465/813

Features

We went in at the very southern end of the Lochan (in an area shown as dry land on the OS map!).  Great views all around.

Hazards

None really.

Date of swim

4th April 2012


Lynn of Pattack

(FIVE TRUNK  location)

Location

To east of the northern end of Loch Laggan. Park off A86 and walk up the track which goes past Gallovie (holiday houses for let).  Keep walking. Past Falls of Pattack. Go over two bridges and you can’t miss the falls on your right.

Grid ref

NN555/874

Features

Another fabulous spot with deep water and (possibly too strong) current.

Hazards

None really. Although the vegetation on the side of the river can be a bit hostile.

Date of swim

6th April 2012


River Pattack (nr Kinlochlaggan)

(FIVE TRUNK  location)

Location

To east of the northern end of Loch Laggan. Park off A86 and walk up the track which goes past Gallovie (holiday houses for let).  Keep walking and there are pools under both wooden bridges.

Grid ref

NN554/888

Features

Reasonable sized area for swimming and nice stones for basking in the sunshine (or snow in the case of when I went in). The bridge offers a good vantage point for the “support team”.

Hazards

None really.

Date of swim

3rd April 2012


River Tromie (nr Kingussie)

Location

Follow the B970 eastwards from Kingussie for 4km and park by the bridge over the river. There is a path from the road leading to pools downstream of the bridge.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Grid ref

NN789/996

Features

Super but small swim spot with fast running water meaning you can just swim against the current (only 1 minute from the road).

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Hazards

None really, although the water was a bit fast in place.

Date of swim

9th April 2015