5 Scottish Swim spots

Loch Morlich, Cairngorms

Surrounded by pine forests and

overlooked by the Cairngorms, Loch Morlich is a truly beautiful swim spot. It has a golden sandy beach and the water, although stained brown from the peat, is beautifully clean and clear. There can’t be many more scenic swims than this.

Gullane, East Lothian

This stunning wide, sandy beach is a real favourite. It stretches for miles and there is always room to have a spot all to yourself, even on busy days. There are sand dunes, a cave

and lots of rockpools to explore, and the coastal path links it to other beaches along the coastline. The

water is beautifully clear and sea birds wheel overhead.

Pittenweem tidal pool, Fife

One of several tidal pools along the Fife coast, which also include Cellardyke and St Monans. Recently redeveloped, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy the beautiful coastline, a leading whale and dolphin spotting location. The views are stunning, and the potential to spot a whale while you swim gives an extra thrill!

Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig

The glistening white sand beach was made famous by the film, Local Hero. Camusdarach is an idyll with the clearest of waters – a grand place for night swims, sunrise dips, snorkelling and even jumps into the water from rocks.

Easdale Island quarry pools, Oban

Easdale Island was the centre of the Scottish slate industry for almost three centuries. What was a disaster for the locals in 1881 – a storm flooded the quarries – is now a swimmer’s heaven. There are several pools, our favourite being on the east of the island – a still, dark pond of aquamarine, surrounded by walls of slate, shallow on entry but shelves off quickly.