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 Birks of Aberfeldy walk, south of the town, combines well for a Perthshire river day.
Quick facts
- Type
- River
- Region
- Perthshire
- Grid ref
- NN 851 493
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- strong current in main channel
- cold water shock
- boat traffic near town
Getting there
Park in Aberfeldy and walk to the river at Wade's Bridge. Gravel access points below the bridge on the south bank. The Birks of Aberfeldy woodland walk (Burns-associated) is on the Moness Burn, south of the town. Access rights apply.
Safety
Not a designated bathing water. The main channel current is continuous even in low water — never fight it, swim across it. Strong swimmers only in the channel, and children need close supervision even at the margins: this is a big river, and it rises after rain.
Best for
- town + swim combination
- Perthshire road trip
- families (shallow margins)
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:37
- Sunset
- 16:21
- Civil dawn
- 06:55
- Civil dusk
- 17:03
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 November 2026
Common questions
- Is the River Tay at Aberfeldy good for wild swimming?
- Yes, in low summer water — the gravel shores near Wade's Bridge give easy access, and the Perthshire scenery is excellent. The current never stops, so stay out of the main channel unless you are a strong swimmer.
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