Wild Swimming
Loch Tummel
Made famous by Queen Victoria's view from the Queen's View viewpoint, Loch Tummel stretches for about 11km through Highland scenery of pine and birch forest, with Schiehallion's cone to the south-west. The B8019 runs along the north shore and a minor road along the south, with gravel shores along both. The loch is part of a hydroelectric scheme — Clunie Dam holds it at the east end and the Tummel Bridge power station sits at the west — and the water is cold even in August.
Quick facts
- Type
- Loch
- Region
- Perthshire
- Grid ref
- NN 825 600
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Midges
- Moderate
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- Clunie Dam at the east end
- power-station outfall at Tummel Bridge
Getting there
Tummel Bridge village (PH16 5SA) is at the west end; the Queen's View is above the north shore at the east end. Access rights apply throughout. Keep well clear of Clunie Dam at the east end and the power-station outfall at Tummel Bridge.
Parking postcode: PH16 5SA
Safety
Not a designated bathing water. Cold throughout the season. Water levels and flows change with hydro operation and after heavy rain. Stay well clear of Clunie Dam at the east end and the power-station outfall at Tummel Bridge.
Best for
- scenic photography
- Schiehallion combination day
- quiet weekday swim
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:22
- Sunset
- 16:36
- Civil dawn
- 06:42
- Civil dusk
- 17:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Is Loch Tummel safe to swim in?
- With care. The main hazard is the hydroelectric infrastructure — keep well clear of Clunie Dam at the east end and the power-station outfall at Tummel Bridge at the west. The loch is cold year-round.
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More on Loch Tummel
TripSCOT covers the loch in full — travel context, things to do, where to stay.