A guide to wild swimming near Glencoe
If there’s one trend that’s been making waves (pun intended!) around the Highlands, it’s wild swimming. Over the past couple of years, more and more of our guests have been embracing their inner mermaids/men and diving into the chilly but magical waters in and around Glencoe.
And honestly? Once you take the plunge, it’s easy to see why!
Not only does wild swimming in these parts offer enthusiasts the chance to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Highland lochs, rivers and seas, there’s also a combination of factors that outdoor swimmers rave about! The connection with nature, the physical and mental health benefits, the sense of adventure, the community and camaraderie swimming outdoors fosters, as well as its role in promoting environmental awareness.
Oh, and when you’re finished your swim in Glencoe, why not heat up in Woodlands Wilderness Sauna?
Please know that wild swimming comes with its risks. Research your spots, know your limits and check out tips from the Outdoor Swimming Society to stay safe. It’s a really great resource for tips and tricks to swim safely outdoors.
Meet Katie: Our resident wild swimmer
As more and more folk embrace this invigorating pastime, we thought we’d send our very own Katie Sharp out to literally test the water and share her thoughts on some of her favourite open water swimming spots in the area. Katie works at Woodlands and when she’s not busy at work, she’s swimming (or running)! You can follow her adventures over on her Instagram page. Katie’s brother, James, has even made a brilliant map of their favourite local spots to help you explore them too!
So here goes! All of the open-water swimming spots listed below have various things in common. They’re located a short drive from RiverBed Luxury Wee Lodges and SeaBed Luxury Lookouts at Woodlands Glencoe, the water is crystal-clear, the views are incredible and they all boast convenient parking / access points.
Loch Leven: backstroke with a view
Just five minutes from Woodlands, Loch Leven is Katie’s pick for a quick and scenic dip. You can enter the water at the bay in front of the Isles of Glencoe Hotel, which offers a good amount of shelter from most wind directions. Once in, float on your back and look up at the towering Pap of Glencoe – it’s the perfect spot to soak in the majestic view.
Another of Katie’s favourite swimming spots on Loch Leven is Bishop’s Bay, which is located just over the Ballachulish Bridge, less that five-minutes from Woodlands. If you’re an early-riser, this is a glorious location to swim whilst watching the sunrise over the mountains. The bay itself is nestled within ancient woodland and your chances of spotting the local wildlife at sunrise are high. Listen and look out for pine martens, deer and owls.
Loch Linnhe: swim, then soak
How about a dip right on your doorstep? Loch Linnhe is a tidal sea loch that stretches out from Woodlands Glencoe itself. Katie loves slipping into its refreshing waters before retreating to the warmth of a private hot tub – contrast therapy, Glencoe style!
The current at the section of Loch Linnhe that is viewed from the Woodlands Estate is particularly strong, so we would advise against entering the loch directly in front of the estate; however, Loch Linnhe stretches all the way from Oban to Fort William, so you can find lots of great entry points along the route. Two of our favourite are – the Old Fort & Cuil Bay.
Take the 20-minute drive to Fort William where you can swim directly below the Old Fort (complete with canons) and get treated to stunning views of the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.
For something truly spectacular, take the 15-minute drive (or hire an e-bike and cycle along the Caledonia Way) before diving in at Cuil Bay as the sun sets. It’s one of Katie personal favourites!
River & Loch Etive – for the adventurers
If wild and remote is your vibe, Glen Etive is calling your name. A 30-minute drive from Woodlands takes you along the famous Skyfall road, where Katie loves exploring the hidden pools of the River Etive. Although the road gets fairly busy with folk trying to recreate the famous James Bond scene in the summer months, the glen feels delightfully isolated.
Prefer lochs to rivers? Keep driving to the end of the road to reach Loch Etive, a tranquil spot surrounded by dramatic mountains. Bonus: there’s a car park for easy access, so you can focus all your energy on braving that first icy splash.
Glencoe – for the river swimmers
We know the Meeting of the Three Waters has been lighting up Instagram and TikTok with its tumbling cascades and shimmering pools; however, before you grab your swimsuit and head there for a splash, this spot is better for a quick photo than an actual swim. The body of water at the top of the waterfall is not a swimming pool, more a dipping pool. Small and shallow, it’s perched precariously at the top of a waterfall. For those new to open water swimming, this is not the place to get started – it’s a bit too dodgy, no matter how tempting it might look on your feed!
But don’t despair! Just five-minutes away, you can park by the Clachaig Inn, and get to some truly spectacular swimming spots. One of our favourites is the glorious Green Pool, where you can enjoy a proper wild swim or even leap in for a thrill. This stretch of the River Coe is brimming with crystal-clear waters and safe, spacious pools perfect for an unforgettable dip (without the risk of drifting over a waterfall).
Camusdarach & Morar: for the road-trippers
If saltwater swimming is more your thing, Katie suggests heading over to Arisaig’s Camusdarach Beach. Take the 90-minute drive along the glorious Road to the Isles and park at Camusdarach Beach carpark. This beach featured in the movie Local Hero and it is pure cinematic perfection, with powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Pro tip: there are eight gorgeous beaches in a row here, all with spectacular views of the Small Isles and Skye, so take your pick and dive into the one that feels most magical.
Loch Morar: deep and dreamy
Just five-minutes from Camusdarach Beach, Loch Morar is the spot where Katie goes for a fresh water reset after her beach adventures. As the UK’s deepest loch, its dark, mysterious waters have an almost otherworldly allure. Look out for the little beaches lining the loch’s edge – they make perfect entry points for a tranquil swim.
A heads-up for summer swimmers
While Glencoe’s rivers and lochs are nothing short of stunning, summer brings a little something extra you might not love: scum! Yep, during those dry months (hard to imagine, we know), the lack of rain means less fresh water flowing off the hills. That can lead to algae and other less-than-appealing stuff building up in the water.
Take Glencoe Lochan, for example. It’s an absolutely beautiful spot, the kind you’d dream about diving into, but because the loch doesn’t flow, the stillness makes it more prone to algae. So, while we’d wholeheartedly recommend a walk around its tranquil shores, a swim? Not so much.
For summer swimming, your best bet is to stick to the sea or tidal lochs. Coastal waters are fresher, cleaner and just as breathtaking (if not more!). Plus, nothing beats the salty embrace of the ocean on a warm day. So pack your towel, head for the coast and enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty, scum-free!
