All rights reserved. The sun is out, it's hot and the water looks ever so tempting. Rights to swim in rivers and lakes in Scotland The legal situation in Scotland is now very different for people wishing to swim in Scotland’s inland waters. We cannot recommend using your kayak or SUP on Glencorse, Loganlea, Threipmuir, Harlaw or Clubbiedean during the summer months when it is busy, as there is a high chance you may disturb anglers on these heavily-used fisheries. Natural Feature. Lochs, rivers, reservoirs, I’m not fussy, just need somewhere to cool off. Scotland’s reservoirs are regulated under the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). The west end of the reservoir is often reserved for shore fishing, but the water is plenty big enough for swimmers and anglers alike. News; UK; Can I swim in rivers, lakes and reservoirs? The 2011 Act employs a proportionate and risk based regulatory regime based on the consequences of an uncontrolled release of water on downstream receptors. The following reservoirs form the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain. A beautiful wild swimming spot near Edinburgh. There are more than 31,000 lochs or lakes in Scotland in a variety of sizes. Sign up to our monthly six-two digest for the latest stories, trends and travel goodness, straight to your inbox. The following dangers exist to those entering the water: If you do choose to swim in a reservoir here is some advice to keep safe: Access to the reservoir structures such as towers and metal walkways is prohibited – do not ignore the locked gates or signage. Inspirational stories from around the world, Getting real on the topics you care about, The places and experiences that fuel our wanderlust, Tips and tricks to bring your travel A game, The latest in sustainability and green inventions, All the travel questions you need answered, Foodie inspiration for your next adventure. So any ideas of where to swim, ideally somewhere on the edge of the Pentlands or closer into town? And they’re everywhere. As for any swim, ensure you can get in and out easily and beware steep banks in reservoirs, especially when you’re cold (remember you lose strength and fine motor coordination with cold incapacitation, even in summer). There might also be sudden changes of depth. In this short video, Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, explains the risks of drowning in reservoirs. Posted 11 years ago The name alone should tip you off to the fact that these pools are a particularly … *LIMITED TOILET FACILITIES* Never dive or jump in – there is bigger risk of cold water shock or injury from hidden objects underwater. Explore and contribute to the UK wild swimming map. Wild swimming takes some pluck. Gladhouse Reservoir, formerly known as Moorfoot Loch, is a reservoir in Midlothian, Scotland, five miles (8 km) south of Penicuik.It is the most southerly reservoir in Midlothian, as well as being the largest area of freshwater in the Lothians.It is used to supply Edinburgh with drinking water. There’s nothing like a quick sub-zero dip to clear a hangover. Just a 40 minute drive from the city centre you’ll find the Threipmuir Reservoir, nestled within the Pentland Hills National Park. Usually this does not include swimmers. Never swim alone, and always supervise children in the water, Do not swim under the influence of alcohol. We want people to enjoy Scotland's beautiful reservoirs and to be aware of the dangers of entering the water. Faerie Pools, Skye. The name "Yarrow" may derive from the Celtic word garw meaning "rough" or possibly share a derivation with the English name "Jarrow".. Sure it’s no Mediterranean coastline, but what the Scottish lack in sunshine they make up for in true Scot spirit and of course some seriously beautiful outdoor swimming spots. You can unsubscribe at any time, We will not send you spam we promise! The land owners either side of the river officially own half the riverbed. © Pentland Hills. They do require a little bit of walking to get to, around a 40 minute walk from the car park located in Glen Brittle. Witnesses said Ben, who played with Everton Boys football club, and friends had been swimming off a locked pier. Reservoir Safety Video. Ⓒ Copyright 2018 Contiki. Recently (2020) there has been increased pressure on Threipmuir Reservoir by swimmers, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. However, access rights exist for boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Unlike most bodies of Scottish water, this particular reservoir is completely unique; it contains large amounts of peat, so the water is often unseasonably warm (in the summer the calm blue waters have been known to hit 22C). Group 8@1,5x Your breathing shallows as you gasp for air, while your body feels like it’s suffering from an all over ice-cream headache. The oldest heated swimming pool in Scotland – and it uses salt water taken from the River Clyde, cleaned and maintained at a temperature of 29C. King George's Reservoir , London Borough of Enfield (also known as King George V Reservoir) William Girling Reservoir , London Borough of Enfield All rights reserved. If you are tempted to swim in reservoirs we urge you to remain cautious as they can be very dangerous locations to swim. True, this experience isn't for everyone, but for some it’s a feeling they crave, and thrive off. Read on for the best places for paddling and wild swimming Scotland. In some other European countries, including Scotland and most of Scandinavia, there is an explicit (statutory) legal right to swim or navigate in all water bodies, related to the public rights to roam. In the sunnier summer months the beach is regularly packed with families and tourists alike, but year round you’ll find wild swimming enthusiasts braving the cold on the hunt for an outdoors thrill. Design: HTML5 UP. Only goodness. If you witness someone in trouble in the water, contact the emergency services immediately on 999. A little corner of the internet dedicated to delivering you the travel inspiration goods on the daily. Created with Sketch. Arisaig, Lochaber. Click on the expand button (top left corner of map) to view the wild swim map in full […] Remember that swimming in open water can be dangerous, particularly for children, and that the water might be used for public water supply. Please also make yourself familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which in relation to open water swimming states: Access rights extend to swimming (subject to any local byelaws). Loch Ard, Trossachs. The Reservoirs (Scotland) Regulations 2016 make provision in relation to part 1 of the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act. Some key requirements of the Act include: Name: Drumbowie Reservoir, Falkirk Place type: Inland Water Location: Grid Ref: NS 7905 8111 • X/Y co-ords: 279057, 681112 • Lat/Long: 56.00759888,-3.94124488 The Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011 sets out a new regulatory regime for the safe construction and operation of reservoirs in Scotland.. The map has been created from selected places from the Wild Swimming books plus hundreds of additional entries and photos contributed by the wonderful wild swimmers of the UK. Arisaig Coast, Looking to Rùm | © Gordon Watt/Flickr. Since 1837 it has been partially submerged by the reservoir, and is completely inaccessible. No companies have permission to run commercial courses, or hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, on any reservoir in the Regional Park. Swimming Reservoirs in the Pentlands are either owned and run by Scottish Water, City of Edinburgh Council or are privately owned. The Faerie pools are a well known location for wild swimming on the Isle of Skye. Often dressed in fancy dress, most swimmers only last one quick plunge before making a hasty retreat to the pub, but the truly dedicated stay out swimming for around half an hour. Care for the interests of other users and for the natural heritage of rivers and lochs by: not intentionally or recklessly disturbing birds and other animals; not polluting … Access safely from a shallow area – do not enter by, or swim near, the reservoir structures, including the dam wall, towers or spillways. They’re rugged, scenic and starkly beautiful. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Early spring wild swimming in threipmuir reservoir in Edinburgh, Scotland. If you can stand the cold, the beautiful Fairy Pools are a must … Some have legendary monsters swimming in them. If you are tempted to swim in reservoirs we urge you to remain cautious as they can be very dangerous locations to swim. But once you have found your deserted pool, disrobed and plunged in…well, it’s rather a lot of fun. The lochs provide good fishing for anglers and great opportunities for hikers, not to … Our advice? Stanely Castle is located in the waters of Stanely Reservoir, to the south of Paisley, Scotland, at the foot of the Gleniffer Braes.It was probably built in the early 15th century, on an island within a marsh. All across the country you’ll find lochs, reservoirs and pools just ripe for a quick wild dip, and in and around the capital city is no different. Ready to discover one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets? The Loony Dook dash takes place every New Year’s Day, as revellers brave the freezing cold waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry as part of the annual Hogmanay celebrations. Travel to … SwimTrek is the world's leading provider of swimming holidays, with swim tours in some of the best open water swimming locations around the world. POWERED BY. 48 hours on the clock, Edinburgh what you got? Deep and therefore very cold water – cold water can send your body into shock in seconds, Hidden structures or pipework underwater can cause injury or trap you, Steep, slippery banks can make it difficult to get back out of the water (especially when you are cold), Remote locations with poor phone coverage or difficult access for emergency services. The Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District is home to some of the most beautiful pools, water and views. Explore the world with There are other risks to be aware of at reservoirs and responsible access actions we should be taking: Please don’t put yourself or others at risk, stay safe and respect others. Lifestyle Taking the plunge into winter wild swimming at Wardie Bay Every day scores of people of all ages are plunging into the Scotland’s coastal waters for the thrills of wild swimming. Cookies help us deliver our services. A little too early for non-wet suit swimming. Local enthusiasts ensured that Sparth Reservoir, just off the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, was saved for swimming after a campaign lasting six years. It’s one of the most famous wild swimming spots near Edinburgh. Wear a brightly-coloured cap or tow float so that boaters can easily see you - Anglers at Glencorse and Threipmuir use boats with engines, Anglers - Keep yourself and your dog clear of anglers fishing from the bank and in boats, beware of danger from back casting and hooks, Blue-green algae blooms - avoid contact and keep your dog out of the water when blue-green algal blooms are present, Deep mud – when the water level drops areas of deep mud can become exposed. It may be difficult to swim or use a watercraft on these busy waters without disturbing the anglers - therefore not exercising your access rights responsibly. Wild swimming is a trend that has grown in popularity in recent years, in part thanks to the post 2012 boom in triathlons, as well as a general increased interest in outdoors events that push the human body to the absolute limits. Wild swimming laws in lockdown explained – and how to stay safe in the UK heatwave Swimming … *Government regulations: no travelling out of your LA area for exercise (5 miles over-the-border exception). Other reservoirs are fished less intensively and can offer more space for shared access, however you should always respect other users and avoid them if possible. Access rights extend to rivers, lochs and reservoirs (but never go close to spillways or water intakes). There are throw-lines at all reservoirs, and Natural Heritage Officers also carry them. All across the country you’ll find lochs, reservoirs and pools just ripe for a quick wild dip, and in and around the capital city is no different. These are our top picks for wild swimming spots near Edinburgh…. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland. However, swimming in reservoirs and open water can be deadly. Unsurprisingly, the reservoir is popular with wild swimmers and triathletes alike, who are drawn to the area for its outstanding natural beauty. Be aware there is no vehicular access to reservoirs in the Regional Park: you face a walk or portage of some distance in all cases. Need another reason to visit Scotland? For some, the idea of plunging head first into a near-freezing outdoor lake screams total hell. The following dangers exist to those entering the water: Research the reservoir to make sure access rights apply, and there are no byelaws prohibiting swimming. Reservoirs are privately owned, but in England there is a duty on the owners to provide access for recreational use. Sure it’s no Mediterranean coastline, but what the Scottish lack in sunshine they make up for in true Scot spirit and of course some seriously beautiful outdoor swimming spots. The castle is now a ruin. 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