Wild Swimming
Easdale Slate Quarry Pool
Easdale Island is the smallest permanently inhabited island in Scotland (7 minutes by ferry from Seil, the "Island Over the Bridge") and its flooded 19th-century slate quarries are one of the most unique swim locations in the UK. The quarry pool is a rectangle of calm, blue-green water surrounded by abandoned slate workings, warm on sunny days thanks to the dark stone absorbing heat. The World Stone Skimming Championships are held here annually on the last Sunday of September. The water is surprisingly warm for Argyll.
Quick facts
- Type
- Quarry Pool
- Region
- Argyll
- Grid ref
- NM 740 169
- Entry
- Rock slab
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Summer water temp
- 10–16°C
- Midges
- Moderate
- Dogs
- On lead only
Key hazards
- deep water immediately from rock edge
- sharp submerged slate
- no exit ladder — entry and exit on rock slabs
Getting there
Park at Ellenabeich (PA34 4RF) on Seil Island, south of Oban. The Easdale ferry (pedestrian and bicycles only, 7 minutes) runs continuously on demand in season. 5-minute walk from the Easdale ferry pier to the quarry. The quarry is on the west side of the island.
Parking postcode: PA34 4RF
Safety
The quarry edges drop vertically into deep water — no gradual entry. Submerged slate can be sharp. The water is dark below 2m. Supervise children closely near the edges.
Best for
- unique industrial quarry swim
- Oban day trip
- World Stone Skimming spectating
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 22:16
- Civil dawn
- 03:30
- Civil dusk
- 23:20
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 June 2026
Common questions
- What are the World Stone Skimming Championships?
- Held annually at Easdale Island on the last Sunday of September. The competition uses Easdale slate as the official skimming stone. Entry is free and open to all. Draws 300–400 participants most years.
More wild swims by email
One email a week — new swim spots, water-quality notes and seasonal conditions. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Share your experience
Been to Easdale Slate Quarry Pool? Help other swimmers plan their visit.
Around Easdale Slate Quarry Pool on the SCOT network
Travel context for the area on TripSCOT.