Open Water Swimming has been proven to be good for our physical and mental health, and it is hard to imagine that there would be anywhere better on Planet Earth for Open Water Swimming than Lochaber. We have sea lochs, freshwater lochs, mountain lochans, rivers, kettle holes and gorges.

Our water is as clean as anywhere you are likely to find in Europe. It is the perfect place for a secluded swim and there are safe, shallow contained waters for families and beginners and wide open lochs for the more adventurous and experienced.

There are many unofficial groups in Lochaber that meet regularly for swims, find them on Facebook – Lochaber Loons, or Loch Leven Open Water Swimmers. They are very welcoming to visitors to the area.

If you want a real swim adventure, Laura from Swim Highlands http://www.swimhighlands.co.uk/ would be the perfect guide. Laura was a swimming instructor for over 20 years and taught many of the local children to swim. She decided to share her love of Open Water swimming and retrained as an Open Water swim instructor and hasn’t looked back. Recently described as a cross between a puppy and an excited toddler, she has the unique skill of putting people at ease and encouraging them to take their first steps to Open Water Swimming. A local, she can take you to all the best places in Ardnamurchan to swim. She also has all the gear for your adventure.

Nearby, many people swim at Glen Etive, Glencoe, Loch Leven, where you can swim to the Isle of the Dead, Loch Lochy, BunArkaig and Loch Arkaig, where the fish will nibble if you stand still too long! There are beautiful clear waters on the golden sands of Sanna or Morar. These are just a few of the many places in Lochaber to try Open Water Swimming. But, the best thing about staying at Heron Bay Holidays? You don’t need to go to any of these places if you don’t want – just walk out your front door and the loch is there for you!

As with all outdoor activities, know your limitations and swim within them. Check the tides and never swim alone.