Isle of Skye

Allt Daraich (Sligachan)

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


Fairy Pools (Allt Coir A Mhadaidh, Glen Brittle)

(A NINE TRUNK location.)

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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
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Loch Coruisk (Cullin Hills)

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
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River Lealt (Portree)

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
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River Sligachan (Sligachan)

Location

Park near the Sligachan Hotel on the A87 and follow the river upstream for c. 30m 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
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River Sligachan (Sligachan)

(A THREE TRUNK location.)

Location

There is a good stretch of the river suitable for swimming close to campsite (and hotel) 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
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River Snizort (Portree)

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
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