Wild Swimming
Loch Morlich
Loch Morlich is a sandy-shored loch in the Cairngorms National Park with a SEPA-designated bathing water on its eastern side, a watersports centre, and a backdrop of Scots pines rolling up to the Northern Corries. SEPA describes it as a shallow loch, and the gently shelving sandy beach makes it a good first wild swim — but it is mountain water and stays cold well into summer.
Quick facts
- Type
- Loch
- Region
- Cairngorms
- Grid ref
- NH 971 097
- Entry
- Sandy shore
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Midges
- Moderate
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
- Water quality
- SEPA 2026 classification: Excellent
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- blue-green algae in warm, calm weather
- paddlecraft on the loch
Getting there
Forestry and Land Scotland car park at Loch Morlich beach (nearest postcode PH22 1QU), managed with Highland Council; FLS says enforced parking charges apply and there is no overnight parking (11pm–6am). No camping in the car park or on the main beach, and no fires or barbecues. The watersports centre operates on the loch and only non-motorised craft are allowed — give paddleboarders and kayakers space.
Parking postcode: PH22 1QU
Safety
SEPA-designated bathing water, classified Excellent for 2026. SEPA advises against bathing during or 1–2 days after heavy rain, and warns of blue-green algae in warm, calm weather — check the SEPA profile before you go. There is no lifeguard. Cold water shock is a risk even in summer; enter gradually, never swim alone, and avoid diving from the shore. FLS advises wearing a life jacket on the water and not drinking alcohol.
Best for
- families
- first-time wild swimmers
- cold-water training
- open-water swimming events
Nearby
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:34
- Civil dawn
- 06:42
- Civil dusk
- 17:15
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Is Loch Morlich safe to swim in?
- It is one of three SEPA-designated inland bathing waters in Scotland (with Luss Bay and Dores), and SEPA classifies it Excellent for 2026. SEPA advises against bathing during or 1–2 days after heavy rain, and the loch can develop blue-green algae in warm, calm weather. There is no lifeguard, so enter slowly and never swim alone.
- How cold is Loch Morlich?
- Cold — it is a mountain loch, and it stays cold enough in early summer to cause cold water shock. A wetsuit makes longer swims far more comfortable, especially before July.
- Is there parking at Loch Morlich?
- Yes. The Forestry and Land Scotland car park at the beach (nearest postcode PH22 1QU) has enforced parking charges and no overnight parking (11pm–6am). FLS lists toilets open 1 April–31 October. Arrive early on sunny summer days.
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More on Loch Morlich
TripSCOT covers the loch in full — travel context, things to do, where to stay.