Our luxury holidays parks in Scotland have appealed to wild swimmers for many years thanks to their fabulous locations and high end accommodation. With wild swimming in Scotland on the increase, as it is across the rest of the UK, we love watching happy, glowing faces emerge from our local waters before warming up in our hot tubs or in front of a hearty breakfast. But what exactly is it that makes wild swimming so appealing and why should you give it a go when you next stay with us?
What is wild swimming?
To put it simply, wild swimming means to swim, or dip, outside, in a natural body of water such as the sea, a river, a lake or loch. Although not always possible due to water temperatures, the idea is to ditch the wetsuit, entering the water with your costume to feel the open water against your skin. This allows your body to connect with the natural elements, immersing yourself into the invigorating water totally freed of any barriers.
Once submerged swimmers soon notice a feeling of euphoria, an overwhelming elation whilst ridding themselves of aches and pains. Proven to alleviate symptoms of depression as well as boosting the immune system, the health and psychological benefits of wild swimming are unmatched. And whilst the first few dips to newbies may feel daunting, it doesn’t take long for the body to adapt, building a cold water tolerance which allows for more time spent in the water.
Providing the ultimate way to de-stress, wild swimming acts as a form of meditation, firmly holding swimmers in the moment, focusing minds on their physical sensations thus removing them far away from any worries and concerns. It also offers a wonderful way to explore the countryside, uncovering the landscape from a whole new perspective. For more information about wild swimming have a read of this BBC Countryfile feature which depicts the discipline in more detail.
The best wild swimming in Scotland
Wild swimming in Scotland should be top of any wild swimmer’s bucket list thanks to its fantastic selection of swim spots. Guests staying with us at Largo Leisure are able to easily
access many of these, however those holidaying at Loch Tay or Sauchope Links can stroll from their front door straight into refreshing waters.
Loch Tay
Loch Tay Highland Lodges literally hug the shores of the majestic Loch Tay where the deep waters beckon. A 23km in length, wild swimming at Loch Tay is perfect whether you’re a beginner or experienced open water swimmer. With the impressive Ben Lawer’s mountain range as your backdrop, wild swimming in Scotland doesn’t get more dramatically beautiful. Warm up after at The Boathouse restaurant or back at your accommodation in front of a roaring fire or plunging into a bubbling hot tub.
Sauchope Links
For a saltier option, head to Fife where the pastime is fondly known as ‘going for a dook!’. Leaving layers behind on the beach, entering the refreshing sea is a wonderful way to engage with the environment, feeling the soothing rhythm of the ocean as it laps around you. There are an abundance of places to swim close to Sauchope Links including Kingsbarns Beach which placed on The National’s top 10 wild swimming lists. From tidal pools to sandy beaches, hidden coves to secluded spots, the Fife coastline is a wild swimmers dream.
So join us for a holiday wild swimming in Scotland, it’s the perfect digital detox and we believe, the antidote to busy modern lives.
Safety note - Before swimming in the sea, it is essential to check tides and currents, along with the usual wild swimming in Scotland safety tips such as swimming with a brightly coloured buoyancy aid, ensuring you are adequately prepared and understand your entry and exit points. Please always take care when swimming in open water, do your research and make sure someone on land always knows of your plans. Take a read of the Water Scotland Safety Code here
Published 12/09/2023, 14:39