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)
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)
Grid ref
NN777/987
Features
Very handy if you are staying in the Lodge, easy access, sheltered and has frogs (see photo below)
Hazards
Frogs!!
Date of swim
4th April 2015
Loch an t-Seilich (nr Kingussie)
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.
Grid ref
tbc
Features
Fantastic scenery and if you pick the right spot there is a beach (kinda!)
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.
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.
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).
Hazards
None really, although the water was a bit fast in place.
Date of swim
9th April 2015