Is swimming in Loch Lomond legal?

Yes. Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you have a statutory right to swim in Loch Lomond — there is no trespass issue. Some areas near private jetties or marinas should be avoided, but the open shore at Rowardennan is freely accessible.

How cold is Loch Lomond in summer?

Cold. The loch is large and deep, so it heats slowly and stays cold well into summer; July and August are the least cold months. A wetsuit is sensible for longer swims.

Are there midges at Loch Lomond?

Yes — this is one of Scotland's midge hotspots May through September. Bring repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and swim in the breeze if possible. The midges make a fast entry and exit tempting.

Photo: Didier Silberstein / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Wild Swimming

Loch Lomond — Rowardennan

The Rowardennan shore on the east bank of Loch Lomond offers a classic wild swim on Scotland's most iconic loch — pebble-and-grass entry, views south down the loch toward Balloch, and the wooded slopes of Ben Lomond rising behind. This is a working stretch of the West Highland Way so expect company on summer weekends, but the loch is vast and uncrowded by any serious standard. The water is cold, dark-tannic, and beautiful.

Quick facts

Type: Loch
Region: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Grid ref: NS 360 984
Entry: Gravel / pebble
Depth: Deep (over head near entry)
Midges: High
Dogs: Off-lead OK

Best months

Key hazards

cold water shock
boat traffic
sudden depth change
midges May–September

Getting there

Rowardennan car park at the end of the east-shore road; the shore is a short walk away. Access rights apply to responsible swimming. Rowardennan is inside the East Loch Lomond camping management zone, which runs about 2.5 km north beyond Ptarmigan Lodge — camping there needs a permit 1 March–30 September. The zones govern camping, not swimming.

Safety

Not a designated bathing water (the nearest is Luss Bay, on the west shore). Watch for boat traffic, including the passenger ferry. The loch deepens quickly off this shore, so acclimatise before full immersion and do not swim out alone. Midge deterrent essential in summer.

Best for

open-water training
West Highland Way stopover dip
photography

Nearby

Current conditions

Daylight Today

10h 38mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 07:23
Sunset: 16:41
Civil dawn: 06:43
Civil dusk: 17:21

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026

Common questions

Is swimming in Loch Lomond legal?: Yes. Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you have a statutory right to swim in Loch Lomond — there is no trespass issue. Some areas near private jetties or marinas should be avoided, but the open shore at Rowardennan is freely accessible.
How cold is Loch Lomond in summer?: Cold. The loch is large and deep, so it heats slowly and stays cold well into summer; July and August are the least cold months. A wetsuit is sensible for longer swims.
Are there midges at Loch Lomond?: Yes — this is one of Scotland's midge hotspots May through September. Bring repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and swim in the breeze if possible. The midges make a fast entry and exit tempting.

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