Wild Swimming
River Tay — Aberfeldy
The River Tay at Aberfeldy runs wide and clear over a mix of gravel beds and rock outcrops, with Wade's Bridge (1733) framing the classic downstream view. The gravel banks on the south shore near the town provide the most accessible swim entry. The Tay here is gentler than its gorge sections but the current is always present — swim across-current rather than against it. The Old Mill and Glen Lyon road combine well for a Perthshire river day.
Quick facts
- Type
- River
- Region
- Perthshire
- Grid ref
- NN 856 491
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Summer water temp
- 10–17°C
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- strong current in main channel
- cold water shock
- boat traffic near town
Getting there
Wade's Bridge car park (PH15 2DL) in Aberfeldy town centre. Gravel access points below the bridge on the south bank. The north bank has the Birks of Aberfeldy woodland walk (Burns-associated). SOAC rights apply.
Parking postcode: PH15 2DL
Safety
The main channel current is continuous even in low water — never fight it, swim across it. Strong swimmers only in the channel; families should stick to shallow gravel margins.
Best for
- town + swim combination
- Perthshire road trip
- families (shallow margins)
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:18
- Civil dusk
- 23:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 June 2026
Common questions
- Is the River Tay at Aberfeldy good for wild swimming?
- Yes — the gravel shores near Wade's Bridge give easy access in most summer conditions. The Tay is one of Scotland's warmer rivers by July (up to 17°C) and the Perthshire scenery is excellent.
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