Jemima Kirkwood
23 August 2024
We are big advocates of wild swimming in Scotland, after all, what better way is there to explore the waters of this beautiful country? Being able to swim in wild places helps you connect with nature on a different level; no phones or tech, just stunning nature to fully immerse yourself in. There are so many beautiful locations to wild swim in, some of which we feature in our guide to wild swimming in Scotland.
Some of you may have heard of the many benefits that cold water swimming offers – not only does it get those endorphins going but it also soothes your muscles and joints, taking away any aches and inflammation, especially if you do it regularly. You will recognise that fuzzy feeling as you warm up after your dip, all wrapped up in your towel and hiding from the cool air outside. It’s just bliss!
We have pulled together this safety guide with help from Swimming Wild in Scotland author, Alice Goodridge, to help you plan your wild swims responsibly and safely when exploring Scotland . To view a selection of our cottages across Scotland, please click on the button below.
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Wild swimming FAQs
We know there are lots of questions when it comes to wild swimming in Scotland, so we have outlined some of the most asked ones for you here. We hope this is helpful to you when planning your wild swimming holiday.
Yes, you can wild swim in Scotland. It is sensible to do it with other people, especially in the wilder and less populated areas. We do not advise you to jump into unknown waters alone.
Wild swimming is legal in Scotland and with the right to roam, you are able to wild swim anywhere unless marked otherwise.
Scottish water is safe to swim in, but like anything when it comes to nature, we need to be respectful of the risks. It is important to be aware of undercurrents and the depth in all bodies of water, fast-flowing water in rivers, and large waves and tidal pulls in the sea.
Open water can be dangerous, even when it doesn’t look it, and this is where some people can get into trouble. Quite often we will jump into water without really thinking about the risks, but very, very cold water can cause cold water shock which is an aggressive reaction to the cold, causing your movement, breathing and heart rate to stop. It is always sensible to ask locals about the water before you get in and stay within your depth in case it is too cold.
Although the water can look still and calm on the surface, there can be strong undercurrents flowing beneath. There can also be large rocks under the water too, so you must be careful if you are jumping in from a boat, or off a cliff edge.
How to wild swim safely
It is imperative to understand the risks that come from swimming in wild water, whether that be fast-flowing currents, tidal pulls, hidden undercurrents, freezing temperatures or unseen rocks. It’s wise to research the area you intend to swim at properly to prepare. Here is some useful advice which will help you make sensible decisions and have the most positive experience dipping your toes into wild water for the first time.
"Never jump or dive straight in. Always enter the water gradually and, most importantly, remember to exhale. Instinct tells us to take a massive breath in and hold it when we first enter cold water, or we may gasp and take lots of shallow breaths in. It’s important that you remember to breathe out.” - Alice Goodridge
Wild swim in groups – don’t swim alone
We strongly believe in safety in numbers. When it comes to anything you are trying for the first time, or any activity that takes you into the wild, it is safer to do it with at least one other person or in a group. Outdoor swimming in a group can be really fun and this way, there are other people on hand to notice if anything happens to you. If you are swimming away from the shore, make sure you give someone the task of leading, and bringing up the rear, this way no one gets left behind.
If you are the only one in your group who wants to swim, then ask someone to always have one eye on you. That way you won’t go unseen if you do get into trouble. Perhaps they could have a float and a rope on standby so you always have something to help you get out if you need it.
Another bonus to swimming with a group is that you can huddle like penguins after whilst you dry off. We have plenty of big group getaways including Scottish castles to stay in if you fancy a really special holiday.
Alice's advice on wild swimming in groups
“Finding a local swimming group near where you live or where you are visiting is a good place to start. These are generally informal groups for making social arrangements to swim.
"The collective local knowledge of these groups is often invaluable. They’ll know the best and safest places to get in the water and have their own routines, which you can learn from. Even if you are not a ‘group’ kind of person, they are a good place to start to help you find one or two other people to share your swims with.”
Wear a wetsuit to help with the cold
Wetsuits help insulate your body when in very cold water, and let’s face it, Scotland’s fresh water is usually very cold. In the winter the water temperature averages 7 degrees, and in the summer, 14 degrees.
Wetsuits can help you retain body heat meaning you can stay in the water for longer. It also helps you avoid hypothermia and cold-water shock, and provides buoyancy for additional confidence in the water.
Quite often the wetsuit can ease that instant bite the water has when you first enter, too.
Pick a warmer time of year to wild swim
The Scots are a particularly hardy bunch when it comes to swimming in Scotland, mainly because we can’t rely on the country to promise warm weather in the summer months. So, we go for it anyway, in all weather!
The warmest time of the year to wild swim in Scotland is through the summer months – after the water has had a chance to warm up slightly through spring. However, the temperatures can stay low all year round.
It can be quite tough getting out of cold water to be met with chilly weather too, (Scotland's famous drizzle never lets us down!) so if you plan to swim in the warmer months, hopefully you'll have a nicer time drying off. Here are some more outdoor activities to try if you're keen to get outside but the weather's slightly too chilly for a swim.
Always come prepared with post-swim equipment
It is always good to be prepared for every eventuality, so here are some things you could take with you to make sure you stay as comfortable as possible before, during and after your swim.
Wild swimming preparation ideas
- A wetsuit and swim shoes
- Goggles for seeing under the water
- A rope for your standby team in case you need help getting out
- A float for extra buoyancy
- A dry towel
- A warm change of clothes; fleece jumpers, wool socks and loose jogging bottoms – clothes that are easy to pull on
- A hat (some people wear one whilst swimming to retain body heat)
- A thermos of hot water, tea or coffee and sugary cake for instant energy
- A portable chair and warm blanket to cover the legs whilst resting
Benefits of wild swimming
There are so many health benefits when it comes to wild swimming, both physically and mentally. There has been an obvious increase in the amount of people undertaking this adventurous sport, and more and more people forming groups to wild swim together safely.
Wild swimming benefits include
- Increase fitness
- Assist with pain management
- Improve circulation
- Give the immune system a boost
- Help with mental health management
- Reduce stress levels
The benefits of wild swimming for Alice
“For me, wild swimming can be quite a mindful experience – like a reset button for the body and soul. Whatever aches and pains I have, however busy my mind may be, when I get into the water all my troubles melt away.
"The initial cold is enough to focus my mind. Concentrating on my breathing while I enter the water helps me to focus completely on the moment – the feel of the cold on my skin, the ripples I create in the water, the unique perspective of being immersed, surrounded by nature.”
Book a wild water swimming holiday in Scotland
If you have been inspired to dip your toes into the wild water of Scotland, check out our range of self-catering cottages in Scotland ranging from fantastic large houses to cosy Scottish bothies in the wilderness.
Cottages in Scotland
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.