Coire Fhionn Lochan
Location
Park off the A841 and do the c. 2km walk in past the wonderfully named Mid Thundergay.
Grid ref
NR903/459
Features
With a lovely beach and plenty of open water this is probably the best wild swimming spot on Arran.
Hazards
None. Unless you count being too nice to leave!
Date of swim
3rd July 2015
Gleann Eason Biorach
Location
Walk in from Lochranza (you could park in the distillery although they don’t really like that unless you promise to buy a bottle of Whiskey!)
Grid ref
NR948/483
Features
I think this is the only swimming spot in this valley and I had previously visited when “young” on a geology trip from school. Its got fairly easy access and fresh water!
Hazards
None but the obvious.
Date of swim
4th July 2015
Glen Catacol
Location
Either walk in from Catacol Bay or Mid Thundergay and walk in along the reasonably well used track/paths. There are plenty of lovely pools along the river.
Grid ref
NR920/480
Features
This valley is lovely and there are lots of pools in the river. Unfortunately, when I visited (July) most were only really big enough for “bathing” not proper swimming, but they are still good spots.
Hazards
Don’t dive in!
Date of swim
3rd July 2015
Iorsa Water
Location
This river is in a pleasant valley which ultimately stretches from the west to the north coast of Arran. We parked c. 6km south of Pirnmill near Dougarie Lodge and followed the footpath which runs along the valley bottom except where it takes a detour near the Lodge. There are quite a few person-made pools (presumably for fishing), but a few of these are suitable for swimming
Grid ref
NR896/380
Features
Easy access, deep and shallow water.
Hazards
Inevitably due to the adjacent grassland quite a few insects will descend on you when you come out of the water.
Date of swim
30th June 2015
Loch Iorsa
Location
This Loch is on the west side of the island c. 6km south of Pirnmill and c. 3km from the coast. Its a pleasant valley walk in once you have gone on the annoying footpath diversion around posh people who live in Dougarie Lodge and presumably don’t like people walking past their house.
Grid ref
NR913/378
Features
Lovely view, easy access and plenty of deep water.
Hazards
None really.
Date of swim
30th June 2015
Un-named Lochan on Meall Bhig
Location
Park off the A841 and do the c. 2km walk in past the wonderfully named Mid Thundergay.
Grid ref
NR908/467
Features
Ok while it looks lovely this isn’t a great “swim” as it was too shallow when I visited. I’m told there is a better Lochan up there but couldn’t find it!
Hazards
Watch out for adders (ask Ruth what it feels like to accidentally stand on one!).
Date of swim
3rd July 2015