Wild Swimming: Loch Pityoulish

On a sunny day in the Cairngorms the local lochs often become busy with swimmers, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. But Loch Pityoulish is still relatively unknown and remains a wild and picturesque place to get in the water. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from Aviemore, and a lovely 20-minute cycle, and it’s got everything you need to get that cold-water hit. 

Why we love it

It’s the way this loch is so tucked away that makes it special. Despite being close to Aviemore, it’s not on the usual tourist trail and is rarely busy. From the layby where you can park it’s only a 2-minute walk to the water’s edge – so you don’t need to worry about carrying lots of stuff with you. You’ll probably see some sheep and horses grazing in the nearby fields, or in the rugged hills surrounding the water.

How to find it

Located to the east of Aviemore, it can be reached from the B970 – in the north from Boat of Garten or in the south from Coylumbridge. It’s also a great loop for a cycle if you’ve got a couple of hours spare. Starting in Aviemore, you could head to the loch for a dip, then carry on through the country lanes to Boat of Garten (and potentially a pint in The Boat Inn). From Boat you can then wind back to Aviemore along the well-maintained path of the Speyside Way.

What to bring

If you’ve got wetsuit boots, or any shoes you don’t mind getting wet, it’s a good idea to bring these. There are quite a few small rocks that you need to walk over to get into the water and they can be a bit slippery underfoot. As well as bringing a towel to dry off, you could bring some swimming goggles to protect your eyes. Don’t expect to see a lot in the dark water though.   

 *Banner photo credit: Visit Scotland