Swimming Wild in Scotland: A guide to over 100 Scottish river, loch and sea swimming spots
Author: Alice Goodridge
PUBLICATION DATE: 11th May 2023
Swimming Wild in Scotland by Alice Goodridge is an informative and inspiring book for both new and experienced wild swimmers, featuring over 100 of the best wild swimming spots across the Scottish mainland and islands.
Drawing on her vast experience as a long-distance swimmer and open water swimming coach, Alice has hand-picked locations to help you experience Scotland at its wild and rugged best. Scotland has a plethora of choice when it comes to wild swimming – you could take a dip in one of the stunning lochs of the Cairngorms, splash around in the river pools on Arran, step out from a deserted white sand beach on remote Great Bernera, swim right up to a waterfall on the River Pattack, or, for something a little different, swim in flooded quarries on Easdale or delight in the easily accessible tidal pools in Fife.
Alice digs into the detail of what makes a fantastic wild swimming location, sharing her in-depth knowledge of exactly where to get in the water, where to safely swim once you’re in, the best time to swim if tides are a consideration, what to expect underfoot as you get in for your swim, and, just as importantly, you’ll be aware of any potential hazards. Armed with all this essential knowledge, you can relax and enjoy your swim, with all the preparation and research taken care of. This is all backed up by clear Ordnance Survey and custom maps, information on parking and public transport, and details of enticing cafes to enjoy a post-swim hot chocolate.
Flick through this book, drawing inspiration from the stunning photography, as Alice brings each fantastic swimming location to life. Whether you’re an experienced wild swimmer or just dipping your toes in the water for the first time, you’ll find plenty to inspire your next adventure.
Alice Goodridge is an experienced long-distance swimmer and open-water coach with a passion for introducing people to the joys of swimming outdoors and exploring Scotland’s lochs, rivers and coasts. In 2022 she swam the length of Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, Loch Awe, and has numerous other solo marathon and ice swims under her belt. Since moving to the Cairngorms National Park in 2013, Alice has set up several local swimming groups and started her own business, SwimWild, organising wild swimming adventures, events and coaching around Scotland; she is also the creator and event director of the Scottish Winter Swimming Championships. Alice swims all year round, often breaking the ice in order to continue swimming through the winter. She has appeared on the front page of The Times, been featured on the BBC’s Countryfile and regularly writes and provides illustrations for Outdoor Swimmer magazine. Alice is the illustrator of Wild Waters: A wildlife and water lover’s companion to the aquatic world, published in 2021. Swimming Wild in Scotland is her first solo book.
