When it comes to winter wellness, Scotland is hard to beat.
From icy sea dips followed by wood-fired saunas, to luxury spa escapes, Scotland offers a unique blend of nature-fuelled wellness.
In this guide you’ll find where to go, what to expect, how to prepare – covering wild swimming, SUP, sauna culture, spa breaks, accommodation with hot tubs, and off-grid retreats.
Here’s your guide to embracing wellness, Scottish-style.
Jump to your favourite wellness break:
- The best places to go wild swimming in Scotland
- My favourite wood-fired lochside and seaside saunas
- Where to go stand-up-paddleboarding
- The best spa breaks and spa hotels in Scotland
- Accomodation with hot tubs and saunas
- Off-grid retreats to excape the world
- FAQs about saunas and wild swimming etc
Top 10 wild swimming spots in Scotland, perfect for beginners and advanced swimmers
Few experiences connect you to Scotland’s nature wild swimming. Whether you choose a calm loch, a mountain pool, or a bracing sea dip, there’s a unique peace that comes with immersing yourself in Scotland’s cold water.
Whether you are a seasoned cold-water swimmer or curious first-timer, here are my favourite wild swimming spots in Scotland.
1. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond
A popular and easily accessible wild swimming spot near Balmaha, with a mix of sand and pebbles underfoot and calm, clear water. The views across Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond are outstanding.
Access: Car park directly beside the bay (Milarrochy Bay Visitor Centre). Toilets and picnic area nearby.
Best season: Spring to early autumn for comfortable water temperatures and clear conditions.
Safety tips: Shallow entry but can drop off quickly further out. The loch can get choppy in wind, stay close to shore if you’re new to open-water swimming.
2. Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s main sea-swimming spot, popular year-round with local swimming groups. It’s a long, sandy beach with excellent facilities.
Access: On-street parking and public transport links (buses from central Edinburgh). Changing facilities available at the Portobello Swim Centre.
Best season: Summer for gentler water temperatures, though locals swim daily year-round.
Safety tips: Be aware of tides and currents, especially near the groynes. The beach can be busy, swim early for space and calmer water.
3. Coldingham Bay, Scottish Borders
A wide, sheltered bay near Eyemouth with lifeguard cover in summer. Suitable for families and groups looking for a safe sea swim.
Access: Parking and toilets by the beach. Café and surf shop nearby.
Best season: Late spring to early autumn for warmest water and full facilities.
Safety tips: Stay within the lifeguarded area. Watch for surfers and bodyboarders.
4. Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms National Park
A freshwater loch surrounded by ancient pine forest, known for its calm water and central island castle ruin.
Access: Car park (paid) at Rothiemurchus; short, flat walk to several entry points.
Best season: Summer for milder water and minimal ice melt from surrounding mountains.
Safety tips: The water can be colder than expected due to mountain run-off. Avoid swimming far from shore, the loch is deep and remote.
5. Tidal Pools of the East Neuk of Fife (Cellardyke, Pittenweem, St Monans)
Restored sea pools along Fife’s coast offering sheltered saltwater swims in characterful settings.
Access: Cellardyke – small pool behind the harbour; limited parking nearby. Pittenweem – off the coastal path, accessible by steps. St Monans – short walk from the windmill car park.
Best season: Summer and early autumn; some pools can drain at low tide.
Safety tips: Surfaces can be slippery with seaweed. Check tide times and enter cautiously.
6. Achmelvich Beach, Assynt
Remote, white-sand beach with turquoise water and occasional seals offshore. A top choice for a scenic, uncrowded swim in beautiful Assynt.
Access: Single-track road from Lochinver; parking next to the campsite. Toilets in summer months.
Best season: Late spring to early autumn, water is clearest and sea conditions calmest.
Safety tips: Watch for strong offshore winds and currents beyond the bay. Bring warm clothing, even in summer, post-swim temperatures can drop quickly.
7. Aberdour Silver Sands, Fife
A family-friendly beach on the Fife coast with shallow water and great views across the Firth of Forth.
Access: Car park, café, toilets, and changing rooms on site. Train station (Aberdour) a short walk away.
Best season: Late spring to early autumn for best water quality.
Safety tips: Swim within designated bathing areas. Can get busy on warm weekends, so early morning or weekdays are best.
8. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
A series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls at the base of the Cuillin mountains. Extremely popular with visitors.
Access: Car park off the Glen Brittle road; 20–30 minute walk to reach the pools on a rocky path. No facilities.
Best season: Late spring and summer when paths are drier and water levels lower.
Safety tips: Water is extremely cold even in summer. Wear neoprene socks or a wetsuit if planning to stay in for more than a quick dip. Rocks can be slippery.
9. Green Pool, River Coe, Glencoe
A deep, clear pool in the River Coe surrounded by steep hills, a classic Highland swim spot.
Access: Located near the A82; limited parking lay-bys available. Short scramble down to the riverbank.
Best season: Late spring to autumn. Avoid during heavy rain or after snowmelt when the river is fast-flowing.
Safety tips: Check river levels before swimming. Don’t enter if water is high or fast-moving. Cold shock risk is high, enter gradually.
10. Blue Pool, Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran
Natural plunge pools formed along the Glen Rosa river, with the Blue Pool being the most scenic. Great for a dip after hiking Goatfell.
Access: From Brodick, follow the Glen Rosa path for around 45 minutes. Limited parking at the trailhead.
Best season: Summer and early autumn when river flow is moderate and access paths are dry.
Safety tips: Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, water levels can rise quickly. Rocks can be sharp and slippery; wear water shoes.
Safety tips for wild swimming in Scotland
1. Never swim alone:
Always take a buddy or join a local group, someone nearby can help if anything goes wrong.
2. Check conditions:
Assess weather, water temperature, tides, and exit points before swimming. Avoid rivers or seas after heavy rain or strong winds.
3. Acclimatise gradually:
Enter slowly to prevent cold-water shock. Splash your face first and keep breathing steady as your body adjusts.
4. Be visible:
Wear a bright swim cap and use a tow float. Stay close to shore, especially near boats or low light.
5. Know the terrain:
Check for rocks, sharp shells, or sudden depths. Avoid diving unless you’re sure of the water’s depth and clarity.
6. Warm up after:
Dry off quickly, layer up, and drink something hot. Keep moving to avoid afterdrop and regain body warmth.
7. Respect the environment:
Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Leave no trace, protect wildlife, and use existing paths to reach swim spots.
The best wood-fired lochside & seaside saunas in Scotland
In recent years, Scotland’s sauna scene has flourished. What began as a few coastal huts has become a nationwide wellness movement.
Today, you’ll find beautifully crafted, wood-fired saunas dotted across loch shores, beaches, and harbours, each offering hot-cold immersion surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
HotBox Sauna at Taymouth Marina – on Loch Tay. Features a floating sauna (wood-fired) and loch plunge. Book → Hot Box Sauna at Taymouth Marina
Braan Sauna at The Taybank – Dunkeld, Perthshire. Wood-fired sauna on the banks of the River Tay with cold-water plunge tank and firepit. Book → Braan Sauna at The Taybank
Wild Scottish Sauna – popular saunas on the East Fife coast at Elie / Kingsbarns / St Andrews / Eden Springs and Forbes of Kingennie. My favourite is the wood-fired cabin on the dunes at Elie Harbour – find out more → Wild Scottish Saunas
Soul Water Sauna, Portobello and Granton Beach, Edinburgh – Promenade-side, steps from the North Sea → Soul Water Sauna
Escape Sauna – Quarrel Sands by Drift Coffeehouse – near North Berwick. Cliff-top sea views & plunge → Escape Sauna North Berwick
Fyrhùs Sauna, Hopeman East Beach, Moray Firth · A wild sauna nestled in the dunes, seconds from a sea dip → Fyrhus Sauna Moray Firth
Clach Mara Sauna, Caithness – Mobile wood-fired sauna operating on the far north coast → Clach Mara.
Staffin Sea Sauna, Staffin Harbour, Isle of Skye – sea-view Scandinavian-style sauna → Staffin Sea Sauna
Stonesthrow Sauna, Isle of Arran – fixed wood-fired beach sauna → Stonesthrow Sauna
Wild Sauna Arran (the Green Goddess) Blackwaterfoot Beach, Arran – Vintage-truck mobile sauna right on the shore → Wild Sauna Arran
Sauna Wanna, Stromness, Orkney – a mobile sauna set on the pier/harbour with direct sea access. Sauns Wanna Orkney
Haar Sauna, St Ninian’s Beach, Shetland – a wood-fired mobile sauna on the famous tombolo beach → Haar Sauna Shetland
Wild Dook Sauna, Mossyard Beach, Dumfries & Galloway – a mobile seaside sauna with regular pop-ups on the Solway Firth → Wild Dook Sauna D&G.
Wild Sauna Tips:
- Bring two towels (one to sit on, one to dry), flip-flops, and something cosy to wear after.
- Most sessions last about an hour – perfect for two rounds of heat, dip, and rest.
- Always check opening times and locations – many are mobile or seasonal.
Chill out while Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP)
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is an incredibly popular wellness activity in Scotland.
If you fancy trying SUP for yourself, look for calm lochs perfect for beginners. Once you are up on your feet you will be doing tricks in no time! Or, just trying to stay up…
I got my SUP last year and it has been one of my best ever purchases, I love being able to head out for an evening paddle after work.
Here are my favourite places to SUP in Scotland
- Kinghorn Loch, Fife – a perfect spot for beginners, this small loch in Fife is sheltered and relaxing.
- Loch Lomond – hire your board or kayak from Loch Lomond Leisure and explore the islands in one of Scotland’s most famous lochs.
- Arisaig and the Silver Sands of Morar – famous for its sandy beaches and still waters, Arisaig has lots of coves to explore.
- Belhaven Bay, East Lothian – famed for its beaches, paddle out from this gorgeous beach for views of Bass Rock.
- The Isle of Barra – head out on your board to paddle around Kismul Castle in Castlebay before exploring further afield on ‘Barradise’.
The best Scottish spas and spa breaks
If warmth, steam and serenity call your name, Scotland’s luxury spa hotels are made for winter. Here are my favourites.
- Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh – Urban-luxury spa breaks with rooftop hydropool and sweeping city views. This five-star city centre hotel features Scotland’s premier urban thermal spa experience. Learn more → One Spa
- Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island – Private island boutique spa getaway with ESPA treatments and luxury accommodation. More → Isle of Eriska Spa
- Portavadie Resort & Spa – Modern west-coast waterside spa resort featuring Scotland’s largest outdoor infinity pool, a unique twist on wellness. Discover → Portavadie Spa
- Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa – island wilderness spa with indoor pool, thermal deck and scenic views and excellent value. Classic Spa Day vouchers from ~£75. Learn more → Isle of Mull Spa
Read more → Scotland’s best spa hotels
Accomodation in Scotland with hot tubs and saunas
Prefer your own private spa? Here are my favourite places to book with saunas or hot tubs:
Eastside Farm, near Edinburgh
- For those looking for a wellness break adrift from the city, the cottages at Eastside have access to their own woodland spa – a Finnish wood-fired steam / sauna inside a fabulous yurt and an outdoor spring-water cold plunge bath – take a deep breath and jump right in.
- Book: Byre Cottage (2 bedroom), the Cart Shed (couples), the Steading (2 beds), and the Westside Woodshed (couples)
Culbin Edge
- Culbin Edge is a luxurious romantic lodge with a fabulous wood-fired hot tub – and the cabin is dog friendly too!
- Whether you want to explore Moray’s stunning beaches, visit the Speyside distilleries, then this is the perfect lodge with a hot tub for you.
- Book Culbin Edge
Whitekirk Hill, East Lothian
- Beside huge sandy beaches are Whitekirk Hill’s stylish eco-lodges, leisure club, a luxury spa, children’s Play Barn and the Orangery & Walled Terrace cafe.
- Book The Weir (1 bed) with hot 2 person tub or book The Irvine (3 bed) with family hot tub
More → lodges with hot tubs in Scotland
Go off grid on a nature retreat in Scotland
If you’d rather switch off your phone and disappear into nature, there are plenty of off-grid options.
- WildernessFit Retreats, Scottish Highlands – Yoga, wild swimming, guided hikes, foraging & fermentation workshops, woodland dining. Find out more wildernessfitretreats.scot
- Wild Roots Guiding, West Highlands – Walking & mountain-guiding, yoga, wild swimming, mindfulness in wild landscapes. Find out more – wildrootsguiding.scot
- Wild Bathing, West Coast / Islands – seaweed foraging, wild swimming, wild-crafting, wood-fired sauna, coastal walks. Find out more – wildbathing.co.uk
- Papple Steading, East Lothian – yoga, foraging, outdoor cooking, walking & cycling retreats with stylish accommodation. Find our more – papple.com
- Wilderness Scotland, Highlands (various locations) – retreats with guided hikes, wild swimming, yoga, and foraging experiences – find out more – wildernessscotland.com
- Alladale Wilderness Reserve, Northern Highlands – a luxury wilderness lodge, guided walks, wild swimming, wild food & yoga retreats. Find out more – alladale.com
- West Coast Wellness, West Coast of Scotland – yoga, hill walking, wild swimming, nourishing local food, farm setting – find out more – westcoastwellnessuk.com
- The Little Foragers Kitchen, various Locations in Scotland – Wild-food foraging, cooking, nature walks, herbal crafting workshops. Find out more – thelittleforagerskitchen.com
- Tina Logan Yoga Retreats, Highlands – Wild swimming & yoga weekends, gentle walking, small group setting – find out more – guesthouseretreats.co.uk
Wellness in Scotland is more than a trend, this winter, wrap up warm, slow down, and let Scotland restore you – one dip, one sauna, one deep breath at a time.
Read more → more experiences in Scotland in winter
Frequently Asked Questions: Wellness in Scotland
Is wild swimming in Scotland safe in winter?
Yes, wild swimming in Scotland can be safe in winter if you’re prepared and take it slowly. Always check the weather and water conditions, enter gradually, and swim with others.
Cold-water immersion can boost mood and circulation, but hypothermia is a real risk. Wear a swim hat or wetsuit, bring warm layers for after, and never swim alone or under the influence of alcohol.
Do I need special equipment for wild swimming in Scotland?
Not necessarily, many swimmers wear just a swimsuit, but neoprene gloves, boots, and hats help in cold water.
A tow float increases visibility, and a waterproof changing robe makes post-swim warm-up much easier.
Always carry a hot drink, and change out of wet clothes quickly.
What is the best time of year for wild swimming in Scotland?
You can go wild swimming in Scotland all year round, but late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the most comfortable water temperatures, usually between 10–17°C.
For many enthusiasts, though, winter is the real magic: icy lochs and frosty mornings give you that exhilarating cold-water rush and post-swim glow.
If you’re new to cold-water swimming, start in late summer and acclimatise gradually as the water cools. Always check local weather and water safety advice before you go.
Are wetsuits necessary for wild swimming in Scotland?
A wetsuit isn’t essential, many Scottish swimmers prefer “skins” (just a swimsuit) for short dips, but it extends your swim time and adds comfort, especially in colder months.
If you’re swimming in winter or highland lochs, a neoprene wetsuit, gloves, boots, and even a hood help retain body heat.
For short summer dips, you can go without, but always bring warm layers and a hot drink for after your swim.
What are the risks of cold-water swimming in Scotland?
Cold-water swimming is exhilarating and has proven wellbeing benefits, but it carries real risks if you’re unprepared. The main dangers include:
- Cold-water shock when you first enter the water
- Hypothermia from prolonged exposure
- Cramps or reduced coordination in cold conditions
- Hidden hazards like strong currents, slippery rocks, or sudden depth changes
To stay safe, enter slowly, never swim alone, and always have an easy exit point.
Warm up immediately afterwards with dry clothes and a hot drink. Joining a local wild-swimming group is a great way to learn safely.
What should I bring to a wood-fired seaside sauna in Scotland?
Pack a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and a bottle of water.
Many Scottish saunas, like those in Fife or the Highlands, are rustic and outdoors, so bring a warm robe or blanket for the cool-down.
Some saunas encourage wild dips between heat sessions, so quick-dry towels and dry clothes are essential. Booking ahead is often required, especially for mobile or pop-up saunas.
How much do wood-fired saunas cost in Scotland?
Prices vary depending on the location and setup, but expect to pay around £10–£25 per person for a public seaside or lochside sauna session.
Private sauna hire (for groups or full-day use) usually ranges from £50–£120, and many venues offer combo experiences, sauna plus cold-water dip or yoga. Always check online before visiting, as most require advance booking.
Kate – Love from Scotland x
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