Swimming permitted1 miRiver Spey
Aviemore
The River Spey is a natural river through the Cairngorms and is used for wild swimming and watersports.
Wild swimming in Cairngorms
18 places to swim in Cairngorms, each checked for public access. Open a spot for its season, booking rules and how to get there.
18 spots listed11 lakes and tarns5 waterfall pools2 rivers
18 spots in Cairngorms
Swimming permitted1 mi
Open to swim2 miLoch Pityoulish
Pityoulish Estate, Aviemore
Loch Pityoulish is a natural loch near Aviemore where swimming and bathing are described as possible.
Yes, public bathing5 miLoch Morlich
Glenmore Forest Park, Aviemore
Loch Morlich is a freshwater loch and designated bathing water near Aviemore.
Swimming permitted6 miLoch Insh
Tom Dubh
Loch Insh is a natural loch with a watersports centre and swimming is practised there.
Open to swim8 miLoch Coire an Lochain
Aviemore
Loch Coire an Lochain is a high mountain loch below Braeriach in the Cairngorms.
Wild swimming possible10 miLoch Avon
Aviemore
Loch Avon is a remote freshwater loch with shingle beaches in the Cairngorm Mountains.
Wild swimming possible10 miLoch Etchachan
Aviemore
Loch Etchachan is a remote, high freshwater loch in the Cairngorms National Park.
Swimming possible18 miLinn of Dee
Mar Lodge Estate, Aviemore
River gorge and downstream pools on the River Dee near Mar Lodge Estate.
Wild swimming recorded18 miLoch an t-Seilich
Glen Tromie, Kingussie
Loch an t-Seilich is a natural loch reached by a path from Glen Tromie.
Swimming possible19 miLinn of Quoich
Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar
Waterfall and rocky gorge on the River Quoich, including the natural Punch Bowl.
Swimming permitted21 mi
Swimming possible24 miFalls of Garbh Allt
Invercauld Estate, Braemar
Falls of Garbh Allt has several natural pools below waterfalls near Braemar.
Swimming permitted24 mi
Swimming possible26 miRiver Pattack
Falls of Pattack, Kingussie
River pools and waterfall pools on the River Pattack are accessible from the A86 and used for wild swimming.
Swimming possible28 miDubh Loch
Glen Muick, Ballater
Dubh Loch is a small upland freshwater loch within the Balmoral Estate, near Ballater.
Wild swimming reported29 miFalls of Bruar
Circular Island
A series of waterfalls and deep natural pools on Bruar Water in a wooded gorge.
Cold dip possible30 miFalls of the Glasallt
Glen Muick, Ballater
The Falls of the Glasallt are a waterfall near the head of Loch Muick in Aberdeenshire.
Swimming possible31 miLoch Muick
Glen Muick, Ballater
Loch Muick is an upland freshwater loch at the head of Glen Muick on the Balmoral Estate.