Salt, Lochs, and Stillness: My Scottish Swimming Story
One Woman. 500 Wild Swims. A Love Letter to Scotland.
“Natural water has always held the magical power to cure.”
Roger Deakin
It began, as all the best adventures do, with a bold declaration.
Standing on Bosta Beach in Lewis 2022, zipped into a wetsuit and shivering slightly with nerves and excitement, I said aloud: “This is going to change my life.” And it did.
That first Hebridean swim sparked a journey that’s led to 500 wild swims across Scotland—each one a moment of challenge, calm, and deep connection. What began as an activity is now a ritual. A rhythm. A way of life.
From Wetsuit to Swimsuit
In the early days, my wetsuit was my trusted companion, especially through the colder months. But come April, I swap it for a swimsuit and embrace the water in all its raw, invigorating beauty. What once felt like a barrier—the cold—has become something I crave. A gateway to clarity.
Corran Sands Isle of Jura December.
500 at Lindean Loch – My Soul Place
I reached swim number 500 at Lindean Loch, just ten minutes from home. For over 25 years, it’s been my special place—where I’ve walked the dogs, watched the seasons turn, and in the past three years found peace in the water.
It’s where I’ve gone when I’m happy—but more importantly, when I’m grieving. In the last two years, after losing Mum to dementia and then completely, Lindean has held me. It’s more than a loch—it’s a place of healing.
Lindean enjoyed by us as a family.
Hebridean Highlights & Unforgettable Moments
There have been swims I’ll never forget.
- Huisinis Beach, Harris – a place so dear I swam morning, noon, and night.
- North Uist – a quiet cove facing Harris, where time feels suspended.
- Charlie’s Beach, Eriskay – where a concerned St Bernard waded in to “rescue” me (heartwarming, if a little comic).
- Barra and Vatersay – where a kind local shared stories of learning to swim, making the sea feel even more like home.
And further inland, I’ve dipped into Loch Ken, Loch Arthur, and Catacol Bay on Arran—each one offering its own magic.
Looking over to Scarp Harris.
Scotland, Season by Season
Swimming through Scotland’s wild waters has changed the way I see this country.
I’ve discovered that the off-season is far from off-limits. Some of my most powerful swims have happened on cold, quiet days—when the water mirrors the stillness of the sky. The benefits, both mental and physical, are undeniable. And the beauty? It’s there all year round.
What comes next?
500 swims in, and I still feel like I’m just getting started.
If you’ve ever stood on the edge, hesitating—wondering whether to take the plunge—do it. That first swim might just change your life.
“This is my fix. To be hugged and held so lightly and yet so deeply. No pain, no need to hug back or ask for more. As soon as I swim, I feel held close, comforted and all pains released into the water. My body feels light and happy.”
Lindean Boathouse lovingly painted by Anne.