Wild Swimming at the Pink House, Loch Glass (Access, Parking + Tips)
The Pink House at Loch Glass is one of the most unusual and visually striking wild swimming locations in Scotland. Tucked away on the Wyvis Estate in the Scottish Highlands, this remote loch is home to an iconic pink building sitting right on the shoreline.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and slightly surreal swim spot, Loch Glass is well worth the effort.
Quick Info
? Location: Loch Glass, Scottish Highlands
?♀️ Walk in: Approx. 3km (easy estate track)
?♀️ Swim type: Short dip
? Entry: Pebbly beach before the pink house
❄️ Water temperature: Very cold in winter and early spring
Where is the Pink House at Loch Glass?
Loch Glass is located near Evanton in the Scottish Highlands, on the edge of the Wyvis Estate.
The iconic Pink House is an abandoned folly, which adds to the mystery and charm of the location. Sitting alone on the loch shore, it creates one of the most recognisable and photogenic wild swimming spots in Scotland.
Can You Swim at Loch Glass?
Yes, you can swim at Loch Glass, and it’s a fantastic location for a cold water dip.
The loch is calm and enclosed, with no current, making it suitable for short swims or dips. However, water temperatures are very cold for much of the year, so it’s important to be prepared and stay within your limits.
How to Get There (Parking and Access)
Parking is limited in this area.
Avoid parking near the gatehouse at Eileanach Lodge, as there are multiple no parking signs.
Instead, look for a safe place to park approximately 300 metres further back up the road near forestry gates, taking care not to block access.
From there, it’s an easy walk of around 3km along a well-maintained estate track to reach Loch Glass and the Pink House.
Best Entry Point for Swimming
While it’s tempting to get in right next to the Pink House, the shoreline there is quite stony and it takes a while to get deep enough to swim.
A better entry point is a few hundred metres before you reach the house, where you’ll find a small pebbly beach with much easier access into the water.
Protective footwear is recommended wherever you enter.
What is the Swim Like?
Loch Glass is best suited for a short dip rather than a long-distance swim.
The water is calm and peaceful, surrounded by forest and mountains, making it an incredibly scenic place to swim. It deepens further out, so it’s important to stay within your comfort zone and assess conditions before entering.
This is a place to take your time, enjoy the surroundings, and soak up the atmosphere rather than push distance.
Safety Considerations
This is a remote wild swimming location with:
No facilities
Limited phone signal
A long walk in and out
Water temperatures remain very cold for much of the year (it was around 2–3°C in early spring), so cold water precautions are essential.
Always:
Swim with others
Take warm layers
Bring hot drinks and food
Assess your entry and exit points carefully
Water levels can vary slightly depending on rainfall, so always check conditions on arrival.
Refreshments
There are no facilities at Loch Glass, so it’s a good idea to bring a flask and something to eat for after your swim.
On the way back, Evanton village has a few café options. We stopped at The Storehouse, which is well worth a visit for some excellent soup after a cold dip.
Other Things to Do Nearby
If you’re making a day of it, there are some great spots to combine with a swim at Loch Glass.
One popular nearby walk is up to the Fyrish Monument, which offers panoramic views over the Cromarty Firth and surrounding Highlands. The route is relatively short but steep in places, and well worth the effort on a clear day.
The monument has also recently featured on the BBC series The Traitors, which has brought even more attention to this striking viewpoint.
You can find full route details here:
? https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/fyrish-monument.shtml
Final Thoughts
The Pink House at Loch Glass is a truly memorable wild swimming spot. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but that’s part of what makes it so special.
If you’re willing to make the walk, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most unique and peaceful swim locations in Scotland.
