Wild Swimming at Avon Lagoon: The Shower Cap Swim Story
There is a story behind the shower cap. The very first time Morven took me wild swimming, I had just been to the hairdressers. My hair was gorgeous. Properly done. Bouncy, fresh, the works. Natasha, my hairdresser, had basically warned me on punishment of death to look after it. So naturally… I went wild swimming with a Shower Cap!
And just like that, the Signature Shower Cap Swim was born.
Where Is Avon Lagoon?
Avon Lagoon sits near Linlithgow in West Lothian. It is tucked away enough to feel like a find, but easy enough to reach without any hassle.
Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xMjKjE5wg8pEaN999
Access point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LbSpKpPZtPAjvaAm8
You walk in through Kettlestoun Mains, through the open grassy section and head towards the woodland.
Parking at Avon Lagoon
- There are around six informal parking spaces.
- It is free, but limited, so getting there earlier is a good idea, especially on a Saturday.
The Walk In… where is the Lagoon?
We did a quick reckie first, just to make sure we were heading the right way. The walk takes about ten minutes and is easy to follow. You go through grassland and reed beds, heading towards the trees. On the way, we met another a group of dry robe clad ladies who had just finished their Saturday morning dook.
That was all the confirmation we needed. They told us we were in the right place and even invited us back the following week.
From there, we kept going until we saw the sign that says “To the Pond” on a blue pole. Follow that through the woodland and it brings you straight to the lagoon. There is one short steeper bank. It had been raining, but in neoprene footwear it was no problem.
First Look at Avon Lagoon
You come out of the trees and there it is. Just water sitting quietly in the woodland. It feels like a spot people know about, but not everyone.The entry is simple. A grassy bank that slopes gently into the water. No slipping, no awkward scramble.
Then quite quickly, it gets deep. Within a couple of metres you are out of your depth.
Getting Ready (And the Return of the Shower Cap)
We headed back to the car and van to get sorted.
I already had my wetsuit on, but I still needed my dry robe and, of course, the compulsory shower cap. Woolly hat underneath, shower cap on top. It is a signature piece now.
Tracy had my wetsuit, which meant I had to wear Cory’s. Not exactly a tight fit, but it did the job. Morven, as always, had everything. Including neoprene gloves. (note to self: I need a check list)
The Temperature Reality Check
On the way back down, we met another swimmer.
She had a plastic thermometer duck floating beside her. Seven degrees Celsius in the water, she said.
Seven.
Not a surprise. Just confirmation that it was going to be baltic!
The Entry
We tiptoed in. The ground was soft and sandy underfoot. The cold hit straight away. Not panic. Just freezing. Properly cold.
There was a lot of squealing. A lot of laughing. Morven went straight in and started swimming like it was nothing.
Tracy was hooked almost immediately.
I went in, felt it, up to my bum… and came straight back out again.
Going Back Into Avon Lagoon
But you always go back in. The three of us stood there for a moment, laughing, encouraging each other, and then went in together. This time I stayed in.Down into the water, up to my neck, and then I swam.
That moment when your body adjusts and you realise you are actually doing it is something else.
More laughter. shouting, squealing. More “we are actually in this”.
Who Stayed In the Longest?
Not me. Not Tracy either. Morven stayed in longer, completely steady, completely used to it. She has been doing this all winter and it shows. Hardcore.
What You Need to Know about Avon Lagoon
- The water is calm with no current, which makes it feel very safe.
- The entry is easy from a grassy bank and slopes gently in.
- It becomes deep quite quickly, reaching around 1.8 metres not far from the edge.
- The walk in is about ten minutes from the car park and relatively easy to follow.
- There are no facilities, so you need to change at the car and take everything home with you.
What to Bring when Wild Swimming – a check list to me
- A wetsuit if you are not used to cold water.
- Neoprene footwear for comfort and grip.
- Gloves if you are organised like Morven.
- Warm layers or a dry robe for afterwards.
- A wooly hat
- Towel
- Something to stand on for ease of changing (optional)
- And if you have just been to the hairdresser… a shower cap.
Final Thoughts on wild swimming at Avon Lagoon
Avon Lagoon is one of those places that works.
Easy to get to. Straightforward to access. Safe feeling water. And just enough of an adventure to make it fun.
For us, it was not just about the swim. It was the laughs, the shared nerves, and that moment of just getting on with it.
And for me, it will always be the Shower Cap Swim.
If you want to see how it really went, watch our YouTube reel for the full hilarity.
References and Further Reading
- Wild swimming at Avon Lagoon – a fab day in Linlithgow
A personal blog describing the lagoon, access, and the short walk from a small car park. - Avon Lagoon swim spot details
Overview of the lagoon including access (10–15 minute walk), gradual entry, depth, and general conditions. - Wild swimming in West Lothian (Visit West Lothian)
Official tourism site noting Avon Lagoon as a popular local spot with calm water and easy access. - Avon Lagoon visitor reviews and access notes
Visitor insights describing the short woodland walk, secluded feel, and suitability for swimming.