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 slot gorge cut through schist bedrock before opening into deep pools. In low water, those pools are serene and spectacular. In spate it becomes a white-water canyon. Flood stones mark the catastrophic flood of 4 August 1829, when NatureScot's site citation records the river rising 16m above its normal level — 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)
- 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, with a short path down to the river. Access rights apply.
Safety
DO NOT swim in this river after any significant rain. The river rises very quickly after rain upstream, sometimes before it reaches you. Check SEPA river levels for the Findhorn before visiting. Even in low water the pools are deep with 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
- 07:40
- Sunset
- 16:17
- Civil dawn
- 06:57
- Civil dusk
- 16:59
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 November 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 — in the 1829 flood the river rose 16m above its normal level. Even in summer, a morning drizzle upstream can make the pools unsafe by afternoon.
More wild swims by email
One email a week — new swim spots, water-quality notes and seasonal conditions. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Share your experience
Been to River Findhorn — Randolph's Leap? Help other swimmers plan their visit.