5 campervan hotspots for wild swimming

More and more adventurers are joining the latest trend for natural or wild swimming. And you really can't beat a spot of outdoors swimming in Scotland, especially when the weather is sunny and hot. If you are also planning on a campervan holiday this summer then you'll have more opportunity than most people to take advantage of some fantastic wild swimming hotspots.

We can't think of a a better way to spend a day or two than to park up at a stunning Scottish river, pool or waterfall and while away your time swimming, sunbathing, barbecuing (on your fab Big Tree Campervan gas BBQ) before retiring for a good night's sleep in your comfy and accessible Big Tree Campervan.

Our top five spots for wild swimming are:

Glen Etive, Glencoe

Where to swim: There are lots of fab pools to be found here. Choose your own spot by starting some 6km from the A82 main road turn-off. Where to campervan: There is a good wild camping spot that is ideal for a campervan at the end of the single-track road some 23km along the glen. If you're lucky you may even catch sight of otters in the sea loch here. There are other overnight spots possible further back along the road towards Glencoe but campervanners should take care not to block passing places on this single track road.

Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye.

(Thanks to Ellesmere FNC on Flickr for the pic.)

Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye

Where to swim: Some 9km along the B8009 there’s an obvious burn coming off the hillside. The lay-by is easy to spot and the ideal swimming place is a 30-minute walk in. You wont be disappointed! Where to campervan: Try try Glenbrittle Campsite. Or the parking spot in the lay-by is fine if you respect the environment and other people.

Falls of Bruar, Perthshire

Where to swim: The lower pools near the retail extravaganza of House of Bruar offer great swimming opportunities. There are some great walks that set off from here as well. Where to camper: Wild campervanning is not really an option but a short drive will take you to a couple of great spots on the (very) minor roads from Trinafour north to Dalnacardoch.

Feshiebridge

Where to swim: Head to the old stone bridge that goes over the river coming out of Glen Feshie on the B970 near Kincraig. There's really easy access and several other good pools further upstream. Where to campervan: Wild camping i possible in the layby here, or simply head to one of the lovely campsites in Aviemore or Newtonmore.

Strathmashie, Laggan, near Kingussie

Where to swim: This offers really easy access as it’s beside the A86 Kingussie to Ft William road, about 6km west of Laggan. There are lots of signposts. Where to campervan: Discreet overnight wild campervanning is possible in the many car parks.

For other ideas see Wild Swimming

* Remember that swimming in the wild can be dangerous if you are not a good swimmer. Do not jump into water without testing the temperature first and making sure of the depth. Beware of strong currents. Always make sure you swim with other people. Commonsense applies.