Scotland is surging in popularity with Wild Swimming as people seek out new invigorating experiences - and this one has some great mental and physical health benefits too!
Dipping yourself in freezing water will instantly boost circulation, improve immunity and give you an immediate emotional release as the rush of endorphins that follow offer a therapeutic experience for many. Wild swimming instantly connects you with nature and the great outdoors.
So why not incorporate a wild swim into your holiday at Gareloch Cottage? We couldn’t be better located with Gareloch literally across the road from the house. An open sea loch - we’ve often spotted some of our neighbours braving the cold first thing in the morning and taking a dip.
Here’s our quick guide to wild swimming and some nearby locations you may want to explore.
Safety First
Most important of course - wild swimmers are encouraged not to venture out alone and to know their limits. Enter gently, wear footwear and a brightly colour swimming cap. Make sure you have a pile of warm clothes and a flask after getting back on dry land. Wetsuits or at least some neoprene gloves are a good idea.
Where can you go wild swimming near Gareloch Cottage?
Loch Lomond
Perhaps the obvious choice as it’s one of the most well known. Just a short drive from Gareloch Cottage; it’s a popular activity around Loch Lomond. There’s plenty of choices as the largest loch in the national park including:
Milarrochy Bay -a quiet secluded bay which is a popular swimming location
Aldochlay Bay - located on the western shores of Loch Lomond, the swim from Aldochlay Baty to Inchtavannach Island and back is popular with wild swimmers.
Firkin Point - further north on the west, Firking Point is a fabulous spot between Inverbeg and Tarbet with convenient facilities and parking
Luss Beach - this has a great stretch of beach for wild swimming.
Warmest Times to take a dip?
July, August and September. But hey, cold water is invigorating and wild swimmers won’t be put off!
Other locations nearby include:
Helensburgh
The pretty Victorian seaside town of Helensburgh is about 5 miles drive from Gareloch cottage. Some locals swim in the Clyde there.
Rhu in Helensburgh
There’s plenty of sea lochs and fresh water lochs in close proximity so it’s a great location for wild swimming.
Cove and Kilcreggan
Just up the road from Gareloch Cottage - wind around the peninsula and you’ll come across the small village of Kilcreggan first, followed by Cove a little further.
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