Reaching the peak after a hike usually unlocks a nice view and a legitimate sense of accomplishment. However, there can also be annoying things such as blisters, wet gear and tiredness, especially aching leg muscles.
Cold water immersion is now being used by hikers to help ease the pain of sore claves, hamstrings and quads. While the evidence doesn’t fully back the many claims that you’ll see on social media, the case for going for a swim after a day in the hills can simply be a good way to cool down from your efforts. It also costs nothing, as the water is already there waiting for you.
Scotland is the perfect home for anyone who’s looking to enjoy some fresh water. The Scottish Outdor Access Code covers swimming, and across Scotland’s countryside there is a loch that won’t be a detour from the main trail.
The trick is making sure that the loch is easily accessible from the hill and not a 20-minute drive away. Having to travel any further means it’s likelier that you’ll give up to go get some food, watch the football, or unwind playing some online casino games. This article looks at a handful of lochs located next to popular hiking routes, so they’re easily within reach.
Ben Ledi and Loch Lubnaig
You can start a hike of the mountain Ben Ledi, near Loch Lubnaig. The full route is easy to find and extends to a total of some 10km. There are some steep sections and the summit is at xx elevation, so it’s a good idea to be fairly hill fit before oyu start.
Walkers can enjoy a full view along the length of Loch Lubnaig and see the Crianlarich hills stacked up behind.
At the end of the hike, you can simply step into the cooling waters of the loch. Be careful about full immersion on a hot day and take you time to get into the water.
The Cobbler and Loch Long
Ben Arthur – also known as The Cobbler – is one of the most interesting-shaped hills in Scotland, with its three rocky tops that make it feel like a true summit. The full route, up and down, is some 12km and it’s best to choose a day of fine weather.
Loch Long is a great place to dip your tiredlegs at the end of the walk. There are many entry points but one of the easiest is along the Arrochar seafront, accessed from the road.
Ben Vrackie and Loch a’ Choire
This is the outlier on the list, as the water comes before the summit and not after it, as is the case with the other options. The path from Moulin above the tone of Pitlochry is a steady climb to a small lochan that’s bowl-shaped and just under the last cone of the hill. On a hot day, you might well arrive a sweaty mess, as you’ve completed most of the ascent.
Most people will prefer to leave the dip until they go up the last 200 metres. If you walk around to the far side of the loch, it’s usually quieter and easier to get in. However, it’s going to be extremely cold year-round, as it sits at around 700 metres.
Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond
One of the most popular mountains in Scotland, Ben Lomond rises from the shores of Loch Lomond, which claims the title as the country’s largest area of freshwater.
The last kilometre of the route is the best, as the loch will suddenly appear from out of the trees, and you’ll see an amazing view. There’s a shingle beach at Rowardennan that’s only a two-minute walk from the car park. Just make sure that you stick close to the shore, as the loch is vast and deep, with plenty of boat traffic year-round.
While it can be very refreshing to jump in for a swim after a challenging hike, it’s important that you take precautions and are always careful. It’s advised that you never go swimming alone, as accidents can happen, and the cold water can trigger a shock response that makes you somewhat incapacitated.
Swimming Safely
It’s a good idea to get into cold water slowly and let your breathing settle before you throw your whole body into the loch. The gasp reflex is what often causes people to get into trouble when they’re swimming.
Staying in for too long is not advisable, as you’ve already probably become quite worn out after your hike. Your energy levels will be low, and your temperature regulation could also be struggling. A five-minute dip should be enough.
Having the right clothes for after is also vital, as your body will keep getting colder for a time after emerging from the water. Dry off straight away and get layers on without hesitation, including a hat. All the better if you have a flask of tea or another hot drink waiting for you. Shivering violently isn’t a badge of honour.
Finally, make sure that you have your kit prepared ahead of time. This includes an old pair of trainers or sandals in case there is hard shingle in the water, and a big towel for after. Once you look after yourself, you’ll be trying to only go hiking in the future where a loch is in close proximity.
