Swimming on Arran
Whether you're a seasoned cold-water swimmer or just beginning your wild swimming journey, the Isle of Arran is one of Scotland’s most spectacular destinations for open water swimming and is often included in lists of the top places to wild swim in Scotland.
With dramatic peaks, peaceful glens, and over 50 miles of coastline, Arran offers wild swimming experiences for every mood and ability—from tranquil beach dips to invigorating mountain loch plunges. Clyde House makes an ideal base for your wild swimming holiday in Scotland, offering easy access to both coastal and inland swim spots.
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There are lots of great options – I’ve outlined a brief swimming tour of arran with some favourites below. If you’d like more ideas and suggestions for 'secret swimming spots', do please get in touch!
Best Beaches for Wild Swimming on Arran
Arran’s sheltered location in the Firth of Clyde creates calm, swimmable seas. Popular beaches for open water swimming include:
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​Whiting Bay, Sandbraes
A gently sloping sandy beach near the church and playpark in Sandbraes which is perfect for sea swimming. The water here is calm, shallow and sandy with very gently entry (there’s a sand bar, so you might find it getting shallower as you go further out). It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with some locals swimming year-round.
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Whiting Bay, Village Centre
This is about as close as you can get to rolling out of bed and into the sea! There’s an area to the right of the pier which is generally sandy and the pier provides some good shelter. Also good for snorkelling (see below).
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Kildonan, Silver Sands
Silver Sands beach is at the north end of Kildonan near the castle. There’s a small car park as you come round the corner with steps down to the beach. It’s a picturesque sandy beach with good snorkelling (particularly in the area with sea weed), views to Pladda and Kintyre and a scenic backdrop with the remains of Kildonan castle behind. The coast further south in Kildonan is also worth visiting. There’s a fossilised ‘dinosaur’ footprint in the rocks on the shore, and a large seal colony beyond the village.
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Kilmory, Main Beach
A huge, sandy beach which you may well get to yourself. Small reefs help to provide some shelter. There’s a path which runs to the beach from the Lagg hotel, or from behind the village hall. This also takes you past the remains of Torrylin Cairn, a Neolithic chambered tomb.
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Kilmory, Cleats Shore
Scotland's only officially-designated nudist beach, so no need to remember your swim kit! Access is down a farm track just south of Lagg and near the distillery.
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Brodick Beach
Brodick has a large sandy beach next to the golf course which is great for swimming in while enjoying views across the bay to the castle and Goat Fell.
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Corrie, The Doctor's Bath
The Doctor’s Bath is a charming and lesser-known spot . Nestled among the rocks in the village, this small tidal pool was created for a local doctor in the nineteenth century for therapeutic dips, taking advantage of the invigorating effects of the cold, clear seawater. Today, it offers a unique and peaceful place for a quick and unusual dip, especially at high tide when the pool fills with fresh sea water. Surrounded by rugged coastline and views across the Firth of Clyde, it’s a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet moment or a refreshing plunge in nature.​
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Inland Wild Swimming Spots
Arran offers lots of beautiful locations for a fresh-water swim - whether a quick dip in a mountain stream, or a longer swim in one of the many lochs. I've listed a couple of favourites below, but please ask if you'd like more recommendations!
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Glen Rosa Blue Pools
One of the most photogenic bathing spots in Scotland - if you've seen a photo on Instagram, it was probably taken here! The Blue Pools are a popular and very photogenic spot for a dip on a sunny day – beautiful, clear water surrounded by hills. They make a good destination for a walk from Brodick, or are a welcome stop-off on the longer walk from Glen Sannox over the Saddle and into Brodick.
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Coire Fhionn Lochan
Nestled in the hills above the village of Thundergay on the island’s west coast, this lochan has sandy beaches at either end and is surrounded by hills, making it feel like a hidden sanctuary. The walk is a moderate up-hill hike, rewarding you with sweeping views of the hills and across the sea to Kintyre and beyond. A swim in the cool waters of the loch makes for a refreshing dip, especially after the climb.
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Machrie Water
Machrie Water is a tranquil water running through sandstone bedrock near the famous Machrie Moor standing stones. The river winds through a beautiful series of pools and waterfalls where the red sandstone rock has been worn into intriguing and beautiful shapes. ​
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Indoor Swimming Option
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Auchrannie Hotel has a great swimming pool and spa complex which is open to the public. It’s a perfect option for rainy days with a great children’s pool featuring fountains and a waterfall. Younger children will also enjoy the play barn in the complex.
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Explore Arran’s Underwater Life
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Arran offers great opportunities for exploring life under the water. The island is home to the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone which was established in 2008 to protect maerl and seagrass habitats which provide habitat for species including lobster and scallops.
COAST (the Communisty of Arran Seabed Trust) which campaigns for the protection of Arran’s marine habitats runs a visitor centre Lamlash providing information about species found around the island. The centre has a number of seawater tanks with local sealife taking up temporary residence – these are always a great hit with children!
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Snorkeling
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The Arran Snorkel Trail provides a unique way to explore the coast around the Isle of Arran. Developed in partnership with the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), the trail features several marked snorkel sites around the island’s coastline, including at Whiting Bay, Kildonan, and Lochranza. These spots offer a chance to encounter vibrant underwater habitats, from kelp forests to rocky reefs, teeming with species like wrasse, anemones, and even the occasional seal. The trail is designed for all experience levels, with clear signage and guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkelling adventure in some of Scotland’s most scenic waters.
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