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. Over here on the east coast of Scotland, we’re spoiled for choice.
Can you swim in the ocean in Edinburgh?
Portobello Beach, a few miles from Edinburgh city centre, is a charming seaside suburb, with two miles of sand making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
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.
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.
Do I 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.
Is Edinburgh water Safe?
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the United Kingdom. Most tap water in Scotland is “soft” and very drinkable in terms of taste. It’s your personal preference.
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 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.
Are Scottish waters clean?
More bathing waters (34%) have been rated as ‘excellent’ since tighter standards first came into force in 2015. Half as many bathing waters rated as ‘poor’ than in 2019.
Scotland’s bathing waters start 2021 season with 94% achieving strict environmental standards.
| 2020/2021 | |
|---|---|
| Kinghorn (Pettycur) | Good |
| Kingsbarns | Excellent |
Where is the warmest sea in Scotland?
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.
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.
How far is Edinburgh from the ocean?
The closest beach as the crow flies to Edinburgh is Portobello (West) which is in Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh and is 3.25 miles from Edinburgh.
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.
Is the sea in Scotland cold?
(Scotland – East Coast, UK)
The water temperature (54 °F) at Aberdeen is quite cold. If the sun shines as forecast, it should feel warm enough to get away with a good sealed spring wetsuit but you won’t overheat in a winter wetsuit, gloves boots and a hood. Effective windchill factor of (52 °F).
What do you wear in Scotland to not look like a tourist?
Instead, do pack layers
One of the most essential Scotland travel tips is to pack layers, especially a top layer that’s also waterproof. The Scots are particularly fond of that old saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.”
Are there warm beaches in Scotland?
Parts of the west coast of Scotland are warmed by the gulf stream so the water is sometimes quite warm. There are beaches in Aberdeen and Edinburgh but these are on the east coast so the water might be colder.
Is Edinburgh water hard or soft?
soft water
Scotland, Ireland and Wales in the main have soft water as you can see in the water hardness map.
Is Scottish Water the cleanest in the world?
Our drinking water is quality tested every two minutes on average, making it “the most tested water in the world”, according to Scottish Water’s chief scientist Elise Cartmell. And it is the highest quality it has ever been, with 99.91% of tests taken at customers’ taps complying with strict regulatory standards.
Why is Scottish Water so clean?
Water Treatment
To make sure water is safe to drink it must be treated at a treatment works. Water is transferred through pipes to the treatment works where it is cleaned by first removing large objects such as leaves and grit. Smaller particles and colour are then removed by filtration, usually through sand.
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 leeches in Edinburgh?
In Dunsapie Loch, Edinburgh, and a large pond at Balgone, North Berwlck, it is at times the commonest leech.