Taking the plunge this summer!
Hey, Kat here! Some of you may know by now I am an absolute water baby as well as a mermaid. Well the schools are now out and summer is, kind of? Here. This week's Monday Musing is all about diving into the beautiful waters we have around us. Cold water has so many incredible benefits for our body and mind but also it’s a great way to enjoy the nature that’s on our doorstep. Here’s some of our top swim spots, how accessible they are and the pro’s and con’s.
First things first, safety.
We’ve previously covered this topic in MM where Lyndsey has shared her journey with cold water but also her tips, so please go ahead and read this article here for some safety tips as well as reading up on the RLSS website if you want additional information. Respecting the water is so so important and basic open water education is essential to stay safe. Please remember any activities are taken at your own risk.
Alongside those tips I always recommend downloading “What3words” for any hiking/swimming or outdoor activities where you may need to give an emergency service your location without notable markers. This incredible app can pinpoint your location with just 3 words and is used by emergency responders.
The great wetsuit taboo!
Wetsuits seem to have become a bad word in the wild water world but i just want to say, it is OK if you want to wear a wetsuit! There are some great options on the market for all body shapes now which is really refreshing after years of poorly fitting “unisex” options. Lomo are a scottish based brand and have an amazing selection and size range fitting up to a UK 32, you can even email them your measurements and they’ll send the best size option for you. A nice 2.5-5mm wetsuit will really help take the edge off and allow you stay in longer but do not skip the acclimatisation routine.
If you want to skip the suit but have a little help, neoprene gloves and socks are a must. I like 1.5mm gloves so i still have plenty of dexterity but I don't get claw hands when it’s really freezing.
Location, Location, Location…
So! You want to know where to go? Well, here are some of my go-to spots along with some things to think about when visiting these places.
Ballast Bank
The Ballast Bank Bathers is a small local group run by Paul, a very knowledgeable sailor and keen swimmer. Paul gives regular updates on swims, weather conditions, and whether it’s suitable to swim that day. High winds can make this spot inaccessible and unsafe so always check. It has a nice shallow pebble entry and a lvery welcoming community of swimmers, so you’ll never be short of a buddy! Often someone brings cake after, and I’ve had some of my favorite summer dips with this group. Ballast Bank isn’t the most accessible and does requires a walk down a narrow path and a small climb down some rocks, so this may not be suitable for everyone. If you are able to make the walk and climb though it’s a fantastic spot.
Barassie Beach
With stunning views over to Arran, this beach is just around the corner from Ballast Bank and also has its own swim community, the Barassie Sea Swimmers. This is a fantastic beach for swimming or paddling with a very shallow and gradual slope in. At high tide it’s usually around 3.5m in depth and you have to walk out quite a distance to reach that. I recommend stopping when you reach about 1.2m so you don’t have a massive walk back to shore. The beach is all sand, and the water is often crystal clear. It has good accessibility if you go when the tide is in, with only a 5-10 minute walk from the car park to the water. As always, I recommend using their Facebook group to find a buddy and learn more about the area with someone more experienced. It can also be accessed by public transport from Glasgow, taking around 50 minutes from Glasgow Central to Barassie, and the beach is a 10-15 minute walk from the station.
Pinkston
Pinkston Watersports Centre is based just outside the city center and offers open water swim sessions. These sessions are designed for the more confident and experienced open water swimmer as their basin is deep, so be prepared! They do, however, have changing rooms, showers and ladders for entry and exit. This will be your warmest option over the summer! They provide water safety to cover these sessions and often have coaching options for those looking to take swimming more seriously. Based a short 17 minute walk from the nearest subway station this is a great mid-week option or for those with less time on their hands!
Abies Loch
Abies Loch is found in Mugdock Country Park and is a popular swim spot as it’s not far from Glasgow. There are two possible car parking options, and it’s around a 10-15 minute walk from each. One car park involves sharing a field with cows and is steep, so be warned if you take this route. This loch is very small and one to avoid after heavy rainfall due to runoff from the surrounding land. This is also one to keep an eye on for algae for this reason. Again, lots of open water groups use this spot regularly, and they’re an amazing community and resource if you’re ever unsure. This is a loch I'd insist on water shoes for as it can be a bit of a party spot in the summer, but otherwise, it’s a nice shallow entry and not far from the city!
Bookers Pond
This man-made lake in Irvine is a fantastic spot for a dip. Its south end boasts a sandy slope entry and is super popular with the open water community, meaning you’ll never struggle to find a buddy here! Just a short drive from the city, it does come with some of the freshwater struggles like algae and rain runoff, but just keep an eye or ask on a local wild swimming group, and often people will be able to share some info!
I hope this gives you some new options to explore this summer as the weather looks like it’s starting to warm up! Let us know your favorite swim spots, and happy splashing! Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just starting, there's a whole world of open water adventures waiting for you. Dive in, enjoy the refreshing benefits, and make the most of the beautiful natural water spots we have right at our doorstep. Stay safe, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun!*
*Please note we are not experts on this topic and these are just our favourite spots. Any activities taken at these spots are at your own risk and we can not be held responsible.