Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming, also known as wild swimming, is on the rise in Scotland. People are turning to the lochs and seas to revitalise themselves and get a full-body cardiovascular workout outdoors.
People across Scotland are finding new friends and building strong connections. If you are Stirling based, the Trossachs Swimming group meet multiple times a week and swim at Venachar Lochside. If you’re willing to travel, the men’s charity Edinburgh Blue Balls is great fun!
Open Water Swimming in Scotland
Scotland has the most stunning views and clean water. Many of the lochs are home to fish, birds, and other wildlife so if you take the proper precautions, open water swimming can be a really enjoyable and safe experience.
Experienced open-water swimmers choose to finish their winter swims with a sauna session. Venachar Lochside offers a membership with unlimited visits for £50 per month.
Where can I open water swim in Scotland?
You can open water swim at Loch Venachar. It is the closest loch to Stirling and is where many experience local swimmers go.
Loch Venachar has:
Free parking (limited but Venachar Lochside also has spaces for customers).
Abundant local wildlife and beautiful scenery.
An electric sauna for just £15 per session.
A local restaurant called Venachar Lochside.
Loch Venachar can be a whole day out with a swim, visit to the sauna, and meal at Venachar Lochside.
Open Water Swimming Benefits
Wild swimming in the summer can build social bonds, keep you fit, fill your lungs with fresh air, and support joint mobility.
In winter, combining a swim with a sauna can create amazing hot and cold therapy, completely revitalising you. To avoid hypothermia, wrap up warm immediately after swimming or book into Venachar Lochside’s sauna.
Staying safe wild swimming at Loch Venachar
Make sure to use a high visibility buoyancy aid, always swim in groups, and know your limits. Do not swim further than you’re confident you can return from comfortably.
When cold water swimming, always acclimatise to the water by getting your feet wet, your hands wet, then go in slowly. Make sure to warm up after a swim straight away. Venachar Lochside has a sauna which can help avoid hypothermia.
The Venachar Lochside Experience
Turn your open water swimming experience into a day out.
Drink coffee, swim, use the sauna, take a cold plunge, and enjoy delicious food.
Getting married?
We are also a stunning, unique wedding venue with the best views in Scotland.
Get married overlooking the stunning loch, with the best team, eating the most delicious food!