Wild Swimming
Loch Laggan
Loch Laggan fills a long Highland glen in the watershed between Lochaber and Badenoch, best known as the filming location for the BBC Monarch of the Glen TV series (Ardverikie House stands on its south shore). The combination of Highland grandeur, a Corbett backdrop (Beinn Teallach), and easy A86 access makes this one of the more underrated wild swims in Scotland. A gravel beach near Aberarder is the classic swim entry.
Quick facts
- Type
- Loch
- Region
- Lochaber
- Grid ref
- NN 483 873
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Summer water temp
- 8–14°C
- Midges
- High
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- hydro-scheme level changes
- remote eastern sections have no mobile signal
Getting there
Aberarder car park (PH20 1BX) on the A86, managed by NatureScot. 5-minute walk to the shore. The "Blue Lagoon Aberarder" is not a loch feature — it refers to an old quarry pool further up the hill (a different swim). SOAC rights apply on the loch shore.
Parking postcode: PH20 1BX
Safety
Hydro-scheme reservoir — level can drop significantly in dry periods, exposing gravel shelves. Water is cold. Signal is poor east of Ardverikie.
Best for
- Monarch of the Glen fans
- Beinn Teallach combination
- peaceful Highland afternoon
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:16
- Civil dawn
- 03:16
- Civil dusk
- 23:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 June 2026
Common questions
- Is Loch Laggan the Monarch of the Glen loch?
- Yes — Ardverikie House (Glenbogle in the series) stands on the south shore. The loch and surrounding estate are exactly as the show depicts.
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More on Loch Laggan
TripSCOT covers the loch in full — travel context, things to do, where to stay.