Wild Swimming Around Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, standing proudly at the meeting point of Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Lochalsh. While most visitors admire its beauty from the bridge or take a tour inside, a few adventurous swimmers choose to experience the castle from a completely different perspective—by swimming around it. This open-water swim offers stunning views, a taste of history, and a challenging tidal adventure.
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and swimming around Eilean Donan, this guide covers everything you need to know, from logistics and safety considerations to what to expect from the currents and conditions.
Getting There – How to Access the Swim
Wild Swimming Around Eilean Donan Castle logisitcs. Eilean Donan Castle is located near Dornie, in the Scottish Highlands, on the road to the Isle of Skye. It sits on its own tidal island, connected to the mainland by a footbridge.
By Car
🚗 From Inverness: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes (75 miles) via the A82 and A87.
🚗 From Fort William: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes (72 miles) via the A82 and A87.
🚗 From Glasgow/Edinburgh: Approx. 4-5 hours drive via the A82 and A87.
🚗 From the Isle of Skye: Approx. 20 minutes from Kyle of Lochalsh via the A87.
Parking is available at the castle visitor centre, and there is also a layby just past the castle on the A87, which offers easy access to the shoreline for a swim entry.
By Public Transport
🚌 Buses run from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, stopping at Dornie and Eilean Donan Castle. Check Citylink Scotland for timetables.
🚆 The nearest train station is Kyle of Lochalsh, with connections from Inverness. From there, a bus or taxi (10 miles) will get you to the castle.
The Swim – Route and Experience
The classic swim around Eilean Donan Castle is a roughly 800m loop, depending on your exact entry and exit points. This makes it an ideal open-water challenge, accessible to experienced wild swimmers but requiring careful planning due to the strong tidal currents.
Entry and Exit Points
The best entry point is near the castle car park, where you can walk down to the loch at low tide. There are small, shallow beaches that offer a gentle water entry.
Exiting at the same point is recommended, but depending on the current, some swimmers choose to exit near the bridge or a little further along the shoreline.
Tidal Considerations & Currents
One of the most critical factors in planning your swim around Eilean Donan is the tide and current strength.
• Tidal Flows: Loch Alsh and Loch Duich are tidal, meaning water movement around the castle can be fast and unpredictable.
• Slack Tide: The best time to swim is during slack tide, which occurs at high or low tide, minimizing strong currents.
• Mid-Tide: Swimming at mid-tide can mean encountering strong currents that can push you off course or make swimming difficult.
• Wind Influence: Wind conditions also affect the water. A strong onshore breeze can create choppy waves, while an offshore wind may make for smoother conditions but can also increase tidal pull.
Always check a tidal chart for Kyle of Lochalsh tides, as this will help you plan the best time to swim.
Wildlife and Scenery
A swim around Eilean Donan offers a spectacular view of the castle, surrounded by the rugged Highland landscape. The clear waters of Loch Duich provide opportunities to spot marine life, including:
🐟 Fish & Crabs: You might see small trout or flatfish near the seabed. Crabs are common along the rocky shoreline.
🦭 Seals: Occasionally, curious seals appear, especially in the early morning or late evening.
🦅 Birdlife: Look out for oystercatchers, herons, and sea eagles soaring above the loch.
If you’re up for the challenge, this route will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of Scotland’s west coast.
If you’re up for the challenge, prepare well, respect the wildlife, and soak in the magic of Scotland’s hidden coastal wonders. Sea Kayaking to Priest Island is one of the sea kayaking blogs on our site. Why not try – Sea kayak Gairloch.
Check out Highland Experiences pages for the tours we offer in the Highlands.