Wild Swimming
River Findhorn — Randolph's Leap
Randolph's Leap is one of Scotland's most beautiful and most dangerous river gorges — the Findhorn surges through a narrow limestone slot less than 2m wide at its narrowest point before opening into deep emerald pools. In low water, those pools are serene and spectacular. In spate it becomes a white-water canyon. The famous 1829 flood mark stands 19m above normal river level on a riverside tree — context for the power of this place. Swim here only in settled, dry conditions.
Quick facts
- Type
- River
- Region
- Moray
- Grid ref
- NH 999 495
- Entry
- Rock slab
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Summer water temp
- 10–17°C
- Midges
- Moderate
- Dogs
- On lead only
Key hazards
- strong current in gorge
- deep pools with undertow
- very slippery rock
- high flood risk — avoid entirely after rain
Getting there
Small car park on the B9007 near Relugas (IV36 2SN). Short signed path down to the river. The Logie Estate manages the surrounding woodland. SOAC rights apply.
Parking postcode: IV36 2SN
Safety
DO NOT swim in this river after any significant rain. The gorge can rise 5m in under 2 hours during a Moray rainstorm. Check SEPA River Levels (River Findhorn at Shenachie gauge) before visiting. In perfect low water, the pools are deep with some undertow — stay away from the narrow gorge section itself.
Best for
- advanced wild swimmers only
- Moray geology photography
- warm-day gorge experience
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 06:59
- Sunset
- 19:16
- Civil dawn
- 06:20
- Civil dusk
- 19:55
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 September 2026
Common questions
- Why is Randolph's Leap dangerous?
- The Findhorn catchment drains a large area of Moray hills. Heavy rain upstream raises the level dramatically and very rapidly — the 1829 flood reached 19m above normal level. Even in summer, a morning drizzle upstream can make the pools unsafe by afternoon.
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