Scottish lochs named UK's top two spots for a wild swim this summer

Daily Record

3 hours ago

Two iconic locations are top of the list when it comes to wild swimming spots.
Scotland has made a splash in a new study celebrating the UK's most picturesque wild swimming spots, claiming not just the top two spots, but several other entries in the top 12.
The rankings, compiled by football ticket marketplace LiveFootballTickets, looked at the number of Instagram hashtags linked to each location.
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And at number one, with a staggering 623,000 hashtags, is the iconic Loch Lomond, widely recognised as a symbol of Scotland itself, Scottish Daily Express reports.
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Just 45 minutes from Glasgow, Loch Lomond is the largest body of freshwater in Great Britain by surface area, covering 71 square kilometres.
Its shimmering waters are flanked by deep forests, cascading waterfalls and majestic mountains. It's no surprise it has inspired centuries of songs, poems and stories.
In second place, and no stranger to fame, is Loch Ness, racking up 556,000 hashtags. While many flock to the loch hoping for a glimpse of the legendary Nessie, others are drawn by its tranquil beauty.
Just half an hour from Inverness, Loch Ness remains one of the most iconic destinations in the Highlands.
It is also the largest body of water in Great Britain by volume, containing 7,452 million cubic metres of water - more than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined.
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The list reveals that Scotland dominates the wild swimming scene, with multiple scenic spots featured throughout.
Glen Etive claims sixth place with 55,500 hashtags. The remote Highland glen, known for its breathtaking scenery, famously appeared in the James Bond film Skyfall. Its River Etive winds into Loch Etive, offering a wild and cinematic spot for a refreshing dip.
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In joint tenth place is the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, with 28,300 hashtags. These natural pools near Glenbrittle are renowned for their crystal-clear, and icy, waters. Though most visitors come for photos, many do brave a swim in the famously brisk pools.
Loch Katrine, steeped in Scottish history and literary legend, rounds out the top 12 with 25,800 hashtags. A popular day-trip from Glasgow and Stirling, it's long been associated with figures such as Walter Scott and Rob Roy.
Since 1859, it has also served as Glasgow's main drinking water reservoir.
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The top 12 wild swimming spots based on Instagram hashtags:
Loch Lomond – 623,000 hashtags
Loch Ness – 556,000 hashtags
Pen-y-Fan, Brecon Beacons – 192,000 hashtags
Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire – 93,300 hashtags
Fairy Glen, Lake District – 61,400 hashtags
Glen Etive – 55,500 hashtags
Overbeck Bridge, Wastwater – 49,400 hashtags
Symonds Yat, Wye Valley – 35,700 hashtags
Eskdale, Lake District – 28,700 hashtags
Fairy Pools, Skye – 28,300 hashtags
Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia – 28,300 hashtags
Loch Katrine – 25,800 hashtags
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A spokesperson for LiveFootballTickets said: "With the UK's first heatwave for the summer expected to bring temperatures of above 30°C, people are bound to be looking for ways to escape the heat, so, how about a refreshing dip in cool water?"
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In a separate recent study, a spot in Scotland was also named the best place in the UK for wild swimming overall, thanks in part to its wealth of natural beauty and clean, cold waters.
The west coast region of Argyll and Bute was singled out as a standout spot. The resort town of Oban in particular offers easy access to stunning swim locations like Ganavan Sands and the River Oude. Just a short ferry away, the Isle of Kerrera also boasts several inviting bays and coves.
Fort William, in the heart of the Highlands, was highlighted too. Experts noted that the average water temperature in the area hovers around 12.57°C, which they described as 'optimal for swimming'.