Wild Swimming in Argyll & the Isles

The marine environment surrounding Argyll & the Isles is of international significance. As such, it is the UK’s first Hope Spot – a beautiful place, treasured by the local community, that is critical to the health of the ocean.

The Gulf Stream brings warmer waters to our shores and swimming in the sea here can be warmer than swimming in fresh water. Plus the salt water makes you more buoyant!

Use our Above and Below wild swimming trail to explore the magical waters of Cuil Bay, Tralee Bay, SAMs Beach, Port Appin and Ganavan Sands.

Ostel Bay Tighnabruaich, Cowal Peninsula

The short walk (15 mins) over the dunes is worth it to experience the jewel in the crown of Argyll’s Secret Coast: a sandy beach with views of Arran that remains relatively shallow for a long way out.

Glenan Bay, Portavadie, Loch Fyne

Accessed via a forest or coastal path, Glenan is a pebbly bay. Continue past the river mouth to Buck Bay (about an hour’s walk) for white sand, rocky outcrops and plenty of driftwood.

Ascog Bay at Stillaig, Portavadie, Loch Fyne

A narrow piece of land separates two shallow and protected bays at Stillaig. Walk over the headland or use the farm track just beyond the entrance to Stillaig Farm to get to Eilean Aoidhe.

Carry Farm, Tighnabruaich, Cowal Peninsula

Carry Farm is easy to reach and great for a quick dip. The shoreline is pebbly, but it gets nice and sandy as you head further out. Walk through Carry Farm to get to the shoreline, and the best bit for swimming is to your left.

Port Bàn, Kilberry | Knapdale

The unspoilt coastline, sandy beaches, and stunning views of Islay and Jura make this a wonderful spot for a calming and restorative swim in the sea. Dolphin pods have been spotted here, so don’t forget your binoculars and camera!

Calgary Bay, Mull

Shallow turquoise water and idyllic white sands in a horseshoe shape offer a little extra shelter for less confident swimmers.
Gulf of Corryvreckan, Sarba / Jura

The world’s third-largest whirlpool is alluring and dramatic. Swimming during a small window of slack water is safe, but most swimmers should only attempt it under professional guidance.

Scalpsie & Ettrick Bays, Bute

On Bute's west coast, Scalpsie is a stunning south-facing bay, while Ettrick has a sheltered sandy beach. Both enjoy impressive views towards the island of Arran.

Isle of Tiree

Tiree is almost ringed with clean golden sands and boasts the most sunshine hours in Scotland, making it a great choice for wild swimming, paddling and picnics.

Islay, Gigha, Iona, Mull, Coll

Suppose pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear water are your thing. In that case, the islands of Islay, Gigha, Iona, Mull and Coll offer an abundance of choice, from the sheltered Sandeels Bay on Iona to the shingle of Kilchiaran Bay on Islay.

Isle of Kerrera (Short ferry ride from Oban)

Kerrera is an exciting and diverse place for a wild swim with beautiful scenery and an interesting coast. There are several bays and coves to walk to and explore around the island, both on the East coast and the West coast. A number of these make fantastic paddle and wild swimming locations. The most well-known and popular of these locations is the bay directly below Gylen Castle. This bay has a pebble beach and a beautiful vista across the water. It can be rocky and seaweed-filled at low tide, but regardless, it is a peaceful swim or bob, depending on your preference! Swimming in this bay with Gylen Castle looming over you on the hill above is magical. In this area (depending on tides), rock pooling and shell collecting could be a great activity for families and groups.

Isle of Luing (Short ferry ride from Seil)

There are a few fantastic and accessible wild swimming locations around the island of Luing. Many visitors enjoy a paddle at Cullipool beach. A little sign for beach access takes you down steep steps and gives access to Cullipool beach – this is on the road into Cullipool before you get to the Atlantic Centre parking.

Ardinamir is down a single-track road with limited parking for two or three cars. This is a great enclosed, protected bay that has a slipway for access into the water and is a nice area for a peaceful swim. You can spot Shuna Island in front of you to the right and the mainland to the left. Please be aware that working boats and fishing vessels dock in this area, too, so please leave access open.

Another great swim site is Blackmill Bay on the island's west side, south of the island. It has stunning views across the ocean and beautiful, clear waters. While swimming, you can see the islands of Lunga and the steep hills of Scarba nearby, but also the Isle of Mull in the distance.

The old pier area in the village of Toberonochy at the South of the island, on the east side, is a great spot for a quick dip, and the clear waters make it necessary on a hot day! This can be found if you drive or walk through the village, and when you reach the end of the road, the pier area is on the left before it turns into a track. There is a small beach area to the right of the old pier, plenty of spots around the pier, and an opposite bay to dip in. The water is very refreshing! 

If you plan to wild swim in these areas, please be sure to check tide times and seek local advice on currents.

The coastline of Argyll is indented with sea lochs providing wonderful, sheltered – albeit tidal - waters for swimming.

Loch Striven offers crystal clear waters, mountain views and warmer temperatures whilst Loch Long is a fjord type sea loch which, as its’ name would suggest, is 20 miles long!

For freshwater loch swimming, Loch Lomond, in the Trossachs National Park, is hard to beat. It’s Scotland’s largest loch, and home to the Great Scottish Swim at Balloch. There are sandy beaches at Inversnaid, stunning views at Milarrochy Bay and waterfalls at the nearby Falls of Falloch.

River Oude, Oban

For an energising river dip, follow the lively River Oude into the lake formed by the Oude Dam. Headcurrents will boost your progress downstream, but beware of hidden rocks in some of the shallow areas.

River Orchy, Nr Dalmally

The Orchy flows down Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. It offers dramatic scenery, a number of waterfalls (best viewed from the land!), and calmer stretches suitable for paddling and swimming.