Wild swimming spots in the Scottish Borders
- Vicki Hedley
- May 9
- 2 min read
There is so much to see and do in the Scottish Borders, but unsurprisingly, we’re outdoorsy folk at Swinside Townfoot and we’ve always taken a greater interest in the more active pursuits in the area. Wild swimming has become increasingly popular since the pandemic in 2020, and with so many beautiful spots to swim locally, we thought we would share some of the best wild swimming spots in the Scottish Borders...
Lindean Loch
One of the most popular wild swimming spots in the Scottish Borders is Lindean Loch, a nature reserve just half an hour from The House in the Hill and 2.5 miles from the historic town of Selkirk.
Lindean Loch is home to up to 600 species of plants and animals, and there is also a 1-mile walking loop around the water, with good walking tracks and signs directing wild swimmers to where they are encouraged to enter the water (around halfway round the loch). In the winter, you’ll find dedicated locals at Lindean Loch smashing through the ice to get their cold-water fix.
Cauldshields Loch
One of the Scottish Borders’ more mythical spots to swim, Cauldshiels Loch is, according to folklore, home to a bogle in the shape of a ‘water bull’! But fear not, locals swim here regularly, and no one seems to have bumped into it (yet).
Cauldshiels Loch is just a few miles from Melrose, and about an hour round-trip from the village of Darnick where you can park your car to walk up.
Stitchill Linn
A bit less busy than the usual swimming spots in the area, Stitchill Linn is a beautiful place to swim in the Scottish Borders. A woodland path (a 2.7km walk there and back again, or a 4.4km loop) leads you along the side of the Eden Water to a small clearing in the trees where Stitchill Linn roars into a pool deep enough to swim in. A gravel bank allows you to walk into the pool below the waterfall, and there's a handy fallen tree to hang your Dryrobe on. Be sure to take a flask of tea so you can enjoy a cuppa, surrounded by the sounds of the water and the woodland, before walking back to your car refreshed and relaxed.
Swinside Pond
Swinside Pond is a recent addition to the farm and sits just over The Hill, 2 minutes from The House in the Hill. Created to benefit the wildlife that shares our farm, the pond is the perfect spot for a cold water dip if you fancy a refreshing awakening when you stay with us.
No matter where you swim, it's important to do so safely. You can find guidance on safe wild swimming here. We also encourage all of our guests visiting the local area (and swimming in popular spots) to respect the nature around them as they would the people - there is, after all, a reason the Scottish Borders is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the UK!
If you would like to find out more about other places we recommend you explore (and eat) while staying at The House in the Hill, we’ve pulled together our favourites on our website: https://www.thehouseinthehill.co.uk/things-to-do
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