Wild Swim Atlas

Lakes and tarns in Scottish Highlands

5 lakes and tarns you can swim in across Scottish Highlands, each checked for public access.

5 spots listed5 lakes and tarns

5 spots in Scottish Highlands

Public bathing water

Dores Beach

Lake
Dores, Dores

Dores is a gravel and sandy beach on the north-east shore of Loch Ness beside Dores village.

Open swimming

Loch Awe

Lake
Eilean an Tighe

Loch Awe is a long, deep and cold freshwater loch with open swims and sheltered bays.

Swimming possible

Loch Lochy

Lake
Fort William

Loch Lochy is a deep freshwater loch in the Great Glen with no established swimming spots.

Open to swim

Loch Morar

Lake
Eilean Dhughaill Mhic Raonuill

Loch Morar is a deep freshwater loch with beaches and accessible entry points for swimming.

Public swimming possible

Loch Ness

Lake
Inverfarigaig

Loch Ness is a large, deep freshwater loch used for wild swimming.