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)
- Summer water temp
- 9–16°C
- Midges
- High
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- boat traffic
- sudden depth change
- midges May–September
Getting there
Rowardennan car park (G63 0AR, pay and display). The shore is 100m from the car park. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park land — SOAC rights apply. Note: some sections near the hotel are private; stick to the open shore north of the slipway.
Parking postcode: G63 0AR
Safety
Not a designated bathing water. Watch for boat traffic, especially near the ferry crossing on summer Sundays. The loch shelves sharply; waders will reach depth within 3 metres of the shore in places. Acclimatise before full immersion. Midge deterrent essential May–September.
Best for
- open-water training
- West Highland Way stopover dip
- photography
Nearby
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:17
- Sunset
- 21:13
- Civil dawn
- 04:29
- Civil dusk
- 22:01
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 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?
- Typically 9–16°C between June and August. The loch is large and deep, so it heats slowly. July–August gives the warmest conditions; a wetsuit is sensible for June 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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