Is Loch Morlich safe to swim in?

Yes — it is one of only two SEPA-designated freshwater bathing sites in Scotland. Water quality is officially monitored throughout the season. There is no lifeguard, so enter slowly and never swim alone.

How cold is Loch Morlich?

Typically 10–12°C in early summer, peaking around 16–18°C in late July–August. A wetsuit is recommended for swims longer than 20 minutes in June.

Can dogs swim at Loch Morlich?

Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the loch. The designated bathing beach operates a seasonal dog restriction on the sandy section (June–August); use the forest shore sections instead.

Is there parking at Loch Morlich?

Yes. The Glenmore Beach car park (PH22 1QU) has around 100 spaces and charges a small fee May–September. Arrive early in summer — it fills by mid-morning on sunny days.

Wild Swimming

Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich is Scotland's most popular wild swim — a sandy-shored glacial loch in the Cairngorms National Park with a designated SEPA bathing beach, watersports centre, and a backdrop of Scots pines rolling up to the Northern Corries. The water stays around 10–18°C in summer, cold enough to demand respect but warm enough for a proper swim. The shallow sandy entry makes it ideal for first-timers, while open-water swimmers can strike out toward the small island for a decent distance.

Quick facts

Type: Loch
Region: Cairngorms
Grid ref: NH 974 097
Entry: Sandy shore
Depth: Medium (chest-deep)
Summer water temp: 10–18°C
Midges: Moderate
Dogs: Off-lead OK
Water quality: SEPA monitored

Best months

Key hazards

cold water shock
sudden depth change near sandbar edge

Getting there

Large Forestry and Land Scotland car park at Glenmore Beach (PH22 1QU, charges apply May–Sept). The sandy beach is a 2-minute walk from the car park. SOAC access rights apply throughout. The Glenmore Watersports Centre operates on the loch — give paddleboarders space.

Parking postcode: PH22 1QU

Safety

SEPA-designated bathing water; water quality is monitored and results published online. The sandbar drops away sharply beyond wading depth — acclimatise slowly. There is no lifeguard. Cold water shock is a risk even in summer; enter gradually, avoid diving from the shore.

Best for

families
first-time wild swimmers
cold-water training
open-water swimming events

Nearby

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 46mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:08
Sunset: 21:14
Civil dawn: 04:18
Civil dusk: 22:04

NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026

Common questions

Is Loch Morlich safe to swim in?: Yes — it is one of only two SEPA-designated freshwater bathing sites in Scotland. Water quality is officially monitored throughout the season. There is no lifeguard, so enter slowly and never swim alone.
How cold is Loch Morlich?: Typically 10–12°C in early summer, peaking around 16–18°C in late July–August. A wetsuit is recommended for swims longer than 20 minutes in June.
Can dogs swim at Loch Morlich?: Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the loch. The designated bathing beach operates a seasonal dog restriction on the sandy section (June–August); use the forest shore sections instead.
Is there parking at Loch Morlich?: Yes. The Glenmore Beach car park (PH22 1QU) has around 100 spaces and charges a small fee May–September. Arrive early in summer — it fills by mid-morning on sunny days.

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