Wild Swimming
Loch Rannoch
Rannoch is one of Scotland's wildest lochs — a 16km stretch of deep, peat-black water on the edge of the Rannoch Moor, backed by the Black Wood of Rannoch (ancient Caledonian pinewoods) on the south shore. The sense of isolation is profound. This is serious cold-water swimming territory, at its best in July–August. The gravel entry near Rannoch Station or the south shore road gives 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)
- Summer water temp
- 8–15°C
- 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
B846 south shore road offers numerous informal pull-offs. Kinloch Rannoch village (PH17 2QE) has the main car park and amenities. Rannoch Station at the western end is accessible only by rail (ScotRail West Highland Line) or a 5km walk from the loch.
Parking postcode: PH17 2QE
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
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:13
- Civil dawn
- 03:18
- Civil dusk
- 23:19
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 June 2026
Common questions
- Can you reach Loch Rannoch by train?
- Yes — Rannoch Station on the Glasgow–Fort William West Highland Line sits at the western end of the loch. It is one of the most dramatic rail arrivals in the UK and a perfect way to access a swim in true wilderness.
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More on Loch Rannoch
TripSCOT covers the loch in full — travel context, things to do, where to stay.