Lake
Loch Boltachan
Photos of Loch Boltachan
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Write a reviewAbout
Small loch, approximately 1km swim round the edges. Easy walk-in, some plant growth in shallower areas round the edge. Easy to get to swimming depth, whole loch not deep so warms quickly in warm weather & freezes easily in winter. Family & dog friendly but a long walk to get there. No safety support for miles. Lots of ticks & midges in summer
Location
Getting there
Can be approached from any direction, shortest route is about 3.6km from St Fillans. Park on A85 close to the Four Seasons hotel up steep slope. Go up steps on the north side of the road, turn left onto minor road & follow track up. Rough vehicle track for about 2km then grassy track that can get muddy in places. Would make a great ride up on a decent mountain bike
Accessibility
Easy way wolk-in,stony beaches. A bit weedy and muddy round the shallower edge but most of the loch is good swimming. It’s at around 450m elevation so cold in winter and prone to freezing. It’s a long way from help, for competent swimmers only
What swimmers say
Activities
Landscape
Water sports
Help verify this spot
Sign in to help verify details about this spot.
Plan your swim
Before you go
- Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
- Lake water can be much colder below the surface (thermocline)
- Stay close to shore until you know the conditions
- Watch for boat traffic and stay visible with a tow float
- Check for blue-green algae warnings before swimming
Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.
Been here recently?
Share conditions, tips, or hazards to help other swimmers plan their visit to Loch Boltachan.
Frequently asked questions
Is this lake safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for surface state and wind conditions. Review the Quality tab if this is a designated bathing water. Always read recent community reports for local advice.
How cold is the water?
Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. Lakes hold heat longer than rivers but can develop a thermocline. The water below the surface can be dramatically colder.
What should I bring?
A tow float for visibility (especially important where boats operate), warm layers for after, and consider a wetsuit in colder months. Check for designated swimming areas.