Edinburgh is most famous for its castle, festivals, tourism and tartanry, but many well travelled folk might be surprised to know that it’s also a superb destination for wild swimming.
Can you swim in the sea in Edinburgh?
Portobello Beach
Portobello Beach has long been enjoyed by wild swimmers. There’s something invigorating about plunging into the cold waters that leads to people flocking to the beach even on Christmas day. Swimmers tend to paddle parallel to the shore, taking in the beautiful stretch of sandy beach and promenade.
Where can you swim in Edinburgh?
- Portobello Beach. Just a few short miles from Edinburgh city centre lies Portobello Beach, a charming seaside suburb comprised of two miles of golden sandy beach.
- South Queensferry. There’s nothing like a quick sub-zero dip to clear a hangover.
- Threipmuir Reservoir, Pentland Hills.
- Glencourse Reservoir, Pentland Hills.
Can you swim in the sea in Scotland?
Scotland should be top of any wild swimmer’s bucket list. Not only does it have a wide range of lochs, burns, waterfalls and seas to swim in, but Scotland’s open access laws mean you have a right to responsibly enjoy inland water for recreational purposes.
Can you swim in the lochs in Scotland?
With 22 lochs, the National Park is the perfect place to enjoy an invigorating and inspiring swim. Open water swimming in particular is a popular activity, and each year thousands of people take the plunge during mass participation events in Loch Lomond.
Are there jellyfish in Edinburgh?
Jellyfish are an important part of our marine biodiversity and bloom here every summer, so seasoned wild swimmers will know not to worry about them so long as one is sensible.
How close is Edinburgh to the beach?
The spectacular beach at Gullane Bents is wide and sandy. Only a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh, or you can also reach Gullane by bus. It’s a great spot for walking and relaxing. This Gullane Bay walk, across the bay and through woodland paths and sand dunes is a lovely way to see the area.
How warm is the sea in Edinburgh?
The water in this location never warms up to comfortable values. Average annual water temperature on the coast in Edinburgh is 51°F, by the seasons: in winter 46°F, in spring 46°F, in summer 56°F, in autumn 55°F. Minimum water temperature (42°F) in Edinburgh it happens in February, maximum (60°F) in July.
Does Edinburgh have good beaches?
Edinburgh is renowned for its stunning architecture and historic attractions, but the city is also a coastal city, and there are a variety of beaches and harbours dotted along Edinburgh and East Lothian that are perfect for relaxing on during a warm summer’s day.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Scotland?
As such, there’s a few things you should do to stay safe: Wetsuit: Even in summer, Scotland’s waters are very cold. A wetsuit will help keep your body warm, and provide buoyancy. If you plan on swimming more than a few minutes, consider wearing a wetsuit.
How cold is the sea in Edinburgh?
The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 58.6°F / 14.8°C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 44.8°F / 7.1°C.
Where is the warmest water in Scotland?
Carsluith
Today the warmest water in the region is recorded in Carsluith. Its value in this location is 56°F. And the coldest one is in Queensferry, its value 51°F. The general trend can be seen on the graph.
Scotland: cities
- Troon.
- Turnberry.
- Ullapool.
- Wemyss Bay.
- Whaligoe.
- Whitehills.
- Wick.
- Wigtown.
Are beaches in Scotland warm?
Granted, Scotland is no tropical playground – its frigid North Atlantic waters are rarely warm enough for a swim. But if breathtakingly beautiful beaches and windswept rocky outcrops are what you seek, then the Scottish coastline is your wonderland.
Are there jellyfish in Scottish lochs?
Lion’s mane jellyfish (cyanea capillata)
It prefers colder waters, so it is found mainly from North Wales, right up to the north of Scotland and beyond. The scalloped-edged bell is reddish-brown in colour and can range in size from 30cm up to two metres in diameter.
Are there leeches in Loch Lomond?
Bertram (1939) found Helobdella atagnalis in Canna. Reynoldson (1952) in listing six leech species from Islay included H. medicinalis, the first Scottish record for a eer~tury. Weerekoon (1956) dealt with the ecology of two species of leech in Loch Lomond.
Are Scottish lochs fresh or saltwater?
freshwater
Scotland has more than 30,000 freshwater lochs, ranging from small lochans to the likes of Loch Ness and Loch Lomond.
What month is jellyfish season?
If you didn’t know there were jellyfish seasons, well now you do! They are usually between the month of March and usually ends around mid-April. But the jellyfishes you’ll see during these two months on your snorkels are not really jellyfish per say, though they do belong in the same family!
Are there wolves in Edinburgh?
There are no wild wolves in Scotland; they have been hunted to extinction since 1680, when the last Scottish wolf was killed near Killiecrankie in Perthshire. However, it is possible to see wolves in captivity at the many wildlife parks and zoos around Scotland.
What months are jellyfish most active?
Jellyfish season in Miami / South Florida can arrive as early as May and can last until October. Usually, they peak in August or September. They are present all year long, but large blooms in warm waters combined with the right currents and wind conditions can bring them in the vicinity of beachgoers.
How many days in Edinburgh is enough?
For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.
What is the best month to go to Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh is June through August when the average high temperatures rise to a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is also the city’s busiest time for tourism, especially in August when festivals fill up the calendar.