"WILD" SWIMMING SEASON 2008
"This summer (or even Easter) I went swimming
this summer I might have drowned (but not in the pools above Torridon, west coast of Scotland)
but I held my breath
and I kicked my feet
and I moved my arms around
moved my arms around."
(Loudon Wainwright III, Swimming Song)
WHAT THIS PAGE ABOUT DIGGER?
Rather than update the Gazetteers every time I find a NEW "swim" in 2008, I'll put details and photos on this web page.
CLICK HERE for the bare necessities of wild swimming
CLICK HERE to go straight to the Gazetteer
THE GAZETTEER
Rydal Water (The Lakes)
LOCATION:
- Situated c. 1km east of Grasmere so park where you can!! The southeast side of the lake is accessable from a footpath that in places actually follows the waters edge.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Easy access, quite shallow (so relatively warm) and two islands to swim round (thats one I'm pointing at in the photo)
HAZARDS:
- If you go in near the trees watch out for twigs in the lake bed. However, the biggest hazard is two swans that patrol the lake as if they own it!!
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Arnside (The Lakes)
LOCATION:
- This is situated 0.5km to north of Tarn Hows. Follow the Cumbrian Way footpath and you shouldn't be able to miss it.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Easy access from the point the footpath meets the dam. Lovely and very quiet setting given its so near to Tarn Hows.
HAZARDS:
- Its not actually that deep and usually contains alot of weeds.
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Loughrigg Tarn (The Lakes)
LOCATION:
- Located c. 2km west of Ambleside. Take a minor road from Skelwith Bridge and park where you can once you can see the Tarn.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Easy and shallow access from pretty well anywhere on the east side of the Tarn. Despite being close to Ambleside it doesn't get too busy (for the Lakes that is!!)
HAZARDS:
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Scout's Pool, Keltie Water (nr Callendar, Stirling)
LOCATION:
- You need to follow the minor road from Callendar (west of Stirling) past to golf course up to the point it is gated. Park on side of road and follow the track over a stream and turn left. Then pick your pool because there are several excellent swims. This one is probably called the Scout's Pool.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Excellent sized pool with relatively easy access.
HAZARDS:
- None really (except the cold)
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
River Damh (nr Balgy, Scotland)
LOCATION:
- The beach in the photo above is situated on the penisula separating Loch Shieldaig from Loch Torridon. To get there simply follow the path from Shieldaig village which heads northwards from the school.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
HAZARDS:
- None really (except the cold)
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
River Damh (nr Balgy, Scotland)
LOCATION:
- The river flows from Loch Damh into Upper Loch Torridon. Its extremely handy if you are staying in Balgy Lodge because the river is at the bottom of the garden.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Its bl**dy handy if you happen to be staying in Balgy Lodge. Not just that there is a good sized pool just below some shallow waterfalls. Add to that the ability to swim into Loch Torridon and you are in swimmers heaven.
HAZARDS:
- The only real downside is that the pool is in shade in the evening (when this photo was taken!!)
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Loch na h- Oidhche (nr Shieldaig forest, Scotland)
LOCATION:
- Be aware that Shieldaig Forest isn't a forest anymore (and isn't really near Shieldaig!!). Further info TBC
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- This is a pretty remote loch (so never gets busy with swimmers!!) with fantastic views of mountains all around.
HAZARDS:
- In places its not as deep as you may think.
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Loch Damh (nr Shieldaig, Scotland)
LOCATION:
- You can park pretty well anywhere on the A896 between Sheildaig and Annat. Easiest walk in is from Balgy.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- There are beaches at the north end which are excellent gentle slope for entering the Loch and sleeping on (in non midge season).
HAZARDS:
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Alit Caire Roill (nr Annat, Scotland)
LOCATION:
- Park in the pub car park by the Loch Torridon Hotel and follow the sign posted path to Ben Damph. Once out of the wood keep to the path on the left next to the river.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Series of fantastically clear pools below small waterfalls. And great views of Beinn Alligin too!!!
HAZARDS:
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Upper Loch Torridon (west coast of Scotland)
LOCATION:
- You can access Loch Torridon pretty well from anyway. This spot is near the Falls of Balgy where a river enters the Loch.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Superb view of the mountains all around the Loch.
HAZARDS:
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
Cemlyn Bay (Anglesey)
(Ok, I know its not a River or Lake, but I was on Anglesey and getting desperate for my first outdoor swim of the year....)
LOCATION:
- Located on the N side of island. There are two car parks on either side of the bay.
GRID REF:
FEATURES:
- Easy access. I had hoped the water would be warm because of the proximity of Wylfa Nuclear Power Station!!
HAZARDS:
- Wylfa Nuclear Power Station
DATE OF MOST RECENT VISIT:
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