How to Embrace Scottish Wild Swimming

With that kind of experience, it’s only natural that Sifleet has become a professional open water swimming coach. Nowadays, she owns and runs Inchbaggers, a wild swimming coaching business located in Loch Lomond, Scotland (part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first national park.) She shares her extensive knowledge with those who want to complete some of the most challenging swims in the world through Inchebaggers, but also with beginners who have little to no experience about wild swimming — and even nervous swimmers.

“It is a sport for all ages, all sizes, all levels of ability,” she explains in an email.

Loch Lomond, just one hour and 15 minutes by train from Glasgow, or 50 minutes by car, is an ideal spot for wild swimmers. There are about 20 islands of varying sizes in the loch, allowing swimmers to set ever-increasing goals in their long-distance swimming ambitions.

“I escort swimmers with a kayak or boat to swim anywhere from 200 meters [656 feet] around Swan Island, all the way up to across the loch [3.5 miles], and the whole length of the loch [21.6 miles],” she says. “I take so much joy in seeing swimmers achieve their aims. That great big smile at the end of a swim where they have had to work but have done more than they ever dreamed of doing.”

In short, if you want to embrace wild swimming in Scotland, Sifleet is your woman no matter your skill level or experience. I talked to her to get the lowdown on everything first-time wild swimmers need to know before they get in Scottish waters.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Matador Network: What advice do you give to people swimming in Scotland’s waters for the first time?

Chris Sifleet: Sign up for an introduction to open-water swimming course with a trained professional. The course should cover safety, equipment, where to swim, and give you an introductory swim. Scottish waters are cold and there are hidden currents. If you can’t find a course, then join a group. Never swim alone.

Introduction to open water swimming courses are available through Inchbaggers. Some dates are on the website, however, if no dates fit, I can be flexible around bookings. I also run a Sunday morning group at 9 AM at Luss Beach for £5 [$6].

What equipment and preparation do people need to start wild swimming in Scotland?

Swimming as a pair in Cullykhan Bay, Scotland. Photo: Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

A bathing suit or a wetsuit (optional depending on time of year and water temperature), a silicon hat, goggles, and water shoes, but most importantly a tow float so they are seen in the water. There should be a whistle on the tow float. For getting out, have a dryrobe-type coat, changing robe, layers, socks, gloves, and hat. Don’t forget warm drinks and cake! Bring along a great sense of humor and adventurous spirit.

What are the potential dangers of wild swimming?

Hypothermia is a big danger, so are hidden currents, and sudden drops entering the water. Wild swimmers need to do a lot of research before going in the water. Always swim parallel to the shore and swim with a group or a more experienced swimmer. If in doubt, stay out! Never swim in thunder and lightning.

Cold water shock is a real thing. Never jump into cold water without acclimatising first. It can bring in a cardiac episode.

The symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, feeling confused or feeling sleepy, and feeling very cozy in the water. The remedy is to get out and get warm as soon as possible. However, swimmers shouldn’t get to that stage.

What is your advice on entering cold water? Do you have a strategy to get in more easily?

The best thing to do is to join a group or get specific lessons — there is confidence in experienced swimmers. Get in the water slowly — don’t jump in! Breathe deeply and control your breathing. Enter steadily and get swimming right away. Keep moving. If you swim head-up breaststroke, you can chat and keep swimming!

When should swimmers use a wetsuit?

Wild Swimmers in Cullykhan bay, Scotland. Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

It depends on body composition — some people get cold quicker than others. However, when the water temperature is in the single figures, a wetsuit should be considered. The wetsuit, if possible, should be stroke specific; for example you’ll need a wetsuit with less buoyancy in the legs for breaststroke.

What are some safe and scenic spots for first-time wild swimmers in Scotland?

Luss beach at Loch Lomond, which is a long beach gently shelving, Milarrochy Bay at Loch Lomond, which is a pebbly beach gently shelving, but also the rocky beach at Ben Lomond car park for great views (but not so great for midges). Farther north, you have the beautiful beach at Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park.