Wild swimming in the Cairngorms: 5 top spots and how to do it

Taking a dip in open waters has never been more popular, and the Cairngorms is one of the most beautiful places to do it. In and around the Cairngorms National Park, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous dipping and swimming spots which feel wonderfully wild, yet are easily accessible, making it one of the best places to be immersed in nature in the UK. 

A few of our favourite places

Here are just a few of our favourite wild swimming locations for you to check out - but make sure you read our tips at the end on how to go about visiting them too. 

1. Loch Morlich 

It’s a real treat to walk across sand into a freshwater loch in the UK. Knowing you’re swimming at the highest beach in all the UK (318m above sea level) makes it even better! Walking distance from Badaguish and Speyside Kitchen, the water is often cold as it’s fed by mountain waters and snow melt, but the backdrop makes the plunge worth it every time. Pine trees unfold up the hillside before petering out to make way for the dramatic northern corries of the Cairngorms, making a swim here breathtaking on all accounts. It can get quite busy in the summer, so if you prefer a quieter swim, remember there are plenty of access points away from the beach too. 

2. The Green Loch

Whilst many walk up to Loch Uaine, the Green Loch, to see this uniquely Alpine scene, not many take the plunge, so you’ll often have these idyllic waters to yourself. There are many fantastical stories which explain its colour, from fairy dust to pixies washing their clothes - but if those aren't enough of an explanation for you, it’s probably more to do with minerals in the water. 20 - 30 minutes from Glenmore village, it’s not a roadside swim, but the walk in makes it feel all the more adventurous. There are good access points from the path and the walk back down will make sure you keep nice and warm even in the winter months.

3. River Feshie

Glen Feshie has to be one of the most beautiful glens in the national park, made all the better by the River Feshie coursing its way through it. There are plenty of gorgeous spots all the way along the glen, but if you’re after a roadside dip, get in at Feshiebridge. This 18th century stone bridge is a marvel in itself. Park nearby and head carefully down the path on the east side of the river - there’s a lovely natural stone platform and you can change under the bridge if it’s raining! Naturally, as this is a river, you’ll need to pay careful attention to river levels and ensure it’s safe before getting in. These waters are clear and wonderfully deep however, and there’s an eddy which forms the perfect space to splash around and enjoy them.

4. Loch an Eilen

‘Eilen’ means island - so no prizes for guessing what’s in the middle of this loch. One of Scotland’s most famous lochs, the beautiful scenery surrounding it is replete with forest trails, endless pines and lofty foothills, and only made more magical by the 14th century castle on the island. This is also handy for swimmers as it marks your best spot for a dip - it can be quite shallow at the section nearest the car park, so we recommend walking further down to where the castle is, which you could even swim out to.

5. Loch Vaa

A local’s secret, Loch Vaa is the one for you if you want to really get away from the tourist hotspots. A short hop over the hill from the road which goes from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, this loch is so well tucked away you wouldn’t believe it’s only a 2 minute walk from your car to a dip. There’s a path all around which gives you plenty of space options to get in, and guarantees you’ll find a secluded space to sit back and enjoy its peaceful scenes. If you’re a hardy ice swimmer, the south side of Loch Vaa is very sheltered from the sun and can be quite dependable if you’re packing a mallet - similarly, head to the north side to enjoy some winter sun. 

How to wild swim safely 

If you’re going on your own or with friends, make sure you’re prepared. Wild swimming is an incredibly rewarding way to experience nature and extremely accessible - you just need to think about a few things to make sure you keep safe. Have a read of this guide by local expert Alice Goodridge on the Visit Cairngorms website for 10 great top tips.

Go with the experts

Alternatively, you can head out with the experts themselves for an incredible guided wild swimming experience.

SwimWild is run by the aforementioned Alice Goodridge and offers a fantastic range of adventures, from fully immersive long weekend retreats to full & half-day guided swims. Locations and itineraries are adapted to suit the group and whatever conditions Scotland is throwing at you - but whatever the weather, you can be sure of a fantastic experience, learning loads and enjoying an immersive taste of the highlands.

Wild Wimmin is a swimming company dedicated to helping women access the outdoors and promotes wellbeing and mental health through wild swimming. They offer retreats and coaching sessions just for women to connect, learn and have a lot of fun. 

Top it all off by staying well fed with some incredible local food

We’ve had the pleasure of catering for both the fantastic companies above, supporting you on your wild swimming adventures! Whilst the cold and the activity can take a lot out of you, we pride ourselves on providing fresh, healthy and hearty packups and dinners which will keep you going. You’ll get anything from hot soup in thermoses to a grain and veggie packed Buddha bowl, accompanied by a variety of homemade sweet treats for that much-needed pick me up. 

Planning a wild swimming adventure soon? Whether you’re a group of mates or running a retreat, contact us and we’ll help fuel your adventure.

Email info@speysidekitchen.co.uk

or call +44 1479 861387 / +44 7925 544473.

Speyside Kitchen: helping busy individuals and groups alike achieve memorable life events by providing first class event planning and catering service that prioritises customer service and customer experience.

Sunset at Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich beach

The Green Loch

In Glen Feshie

Loch an Eilen | Spike // Wikipedia

Loch Vaa | Jeff Collins // Wikipedia

The joy of wild swimming