I’ve reviewed Loch an Eilein before – see here – and covered how to swim from the top of the loch to the island. This is just a quick alternative if you don’t have much time and would like to swim out the island and back as there is good path from the car park, easy access from the bank opposite the island and it’s only a few hundred metres to swim to it and back.

REVIEW

Ease of Access:

It can be busy and you’re likely to see people on the bank taking photos of the island so remember to hold in your gut and strand straight.

Water quality:

Very clear.

Swim Quality:

Very shallow around the foreshore and the island.

Other People:

It can be busy.

Would I go back: 

Absolutely. You’re surrounded by the Cairngorms. It’s nice and sheltered. And did I mention the castle?