Scotland's best wild swimming spots crowned as 'magical' pools top list
Another beauty spot was said to have "the clearest water" in the country.
Scotland's top river pools for wild swimming have been named. Placing first on the list is a "magical" beauty spot in the Scottish Highlands.
On Tuesday, August 19, The Times published a list of five of the best river pools in Scotland. According to the newspaper, the wild swimming spots "offer a refreshing escape into nature".
Coming in at number one on The Times' roundup are the Higher Glen Etive Pools. Located in the Scottish Highlands, visitors can reach the glen and its pools by following the A82 north.
Glen Etive is a popular hiking destination for those looking for peace and quiet. Many visitors also travel to the beauty spot to see filming locations for movies such as Skyfall and Braveheart.
The glen is known for the River Etive, which has many tributary streams that come together at various locations before running into Loch Etive. There are a number of pools dotted around that swimmers can head into for a dip.
The Times described Glen Etive as "magical" and praised its river pools as "fantastic". The pools were also noted for their easily accessible location.
The newspaper wrote: "Magical Glen Etive is the less visited offshoot of Glen Coe, great for wild camping by a fantastic series of river pools. A dramatic glen with many wonderful pink rock river pools (this first set is one of the best), it’s easily accessible from the road.
"Heading northwest on the A82 turn left a mile after the Kings House Hotel. After two miles the first main waterfall with plunge pools is visible on the left near the road."
Meanwhile, placing second on The Times' list of the best river pools in Scotland for wild swimming are the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. The popular tourist spot is comprised of a range of crystal-clear pools in Glen Brittle.
Situated near the village of Carbost, the Fairy Pools are fed by a collection of waterfalls. The pools, which appear a vivid aqua blue colour, bring visitors from all over the world.
To get to the Fairy Pools, follow a path from the nearby car park. While there is no charge to visit the beauty spot itself, there is a charge for parking.
The pools were praised by The Times as the "clearest water in Britain". They were also noted for their "pink and blue hues".
Walks in Scotland
The Times stated: "Arguably home to the clearest water in Britain, Glen Brittle’s famous 'Allt Coir a Mhadaidh' pools and waterfalls are tinged with pink and blue hues and set under the mystical peaks of the Black Cuillins.
"As well as the crystal water there’s an underwater arch to swim between pools. From the Sligachan Hotel follow A863 and turn left (signed Glen Brittle) just before Carbost.
"Park after four miles at the 'Fairy Pool' car park, then cross the road and follow the clear path down and then up the valley, keeping to the left of the stream for ¾ mile to find several pools."
The full list of the five best river pools in Scotland for wild swimming can be found on The Times website.