Wild Swimming
Loch Rannoch
Rannoch is one of Scotland's wildest lochs — a stretch of about 15km of deep, peat-black water east of Rannoch Moor, backed by the Black Wood of Rannoch (ancient Caledonian pinewood) on the south shore. The sense of isolation is profound. This is serious cold-water swimming territory, at its best in July–August. Gravel shores along both lochside roads give access to some of Scotland's most atmospheric water.
Quick facts
- Type
- Loch
- Region
- Perthshire
- Grid ref
- NN 662 586
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Midges
- High
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- very cold water
- cold water shock
- remote — no mobile signal in places
- midges May–September
Getting there
The B846 runs along the north shore and a minor road along the south shore past the Black Wood, both with informal pull-offs — park considerately and never in passing places. Kinloch Rannoch village at the east end has amenities. Rannoch Station on the West Highland Line is about 9km beyond the west end of the loch, at the end of the B846.
Safety
Remote location — carry a fully charged phone (signal is poor along most of the south shore). Water temperature stays low all season. Midge protection is essential May–September. Do not swim alone.
Best for
- wild and remote experience
- cold-water training
- ScotRail + swim adventure
Nearby
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:38
- Civil dawn
- 06:43
- Civil dusk
- 17:18
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Can you reach Loch Rannoch by train?
- Partly. Rannoch Station on the Glasgow–Fort William West Highland Line is about 9km west of the loch, at the end of the B846, so you need a long walk or a bike from the platform to the water. It is one of the most dramatic rail arrivals in the UK.
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More on Loch Rannoch
TripSCOT covers the loch in full — travel context, things to do, where to stay.