There are many great places to swim on the west coast, but very few places where you can do it in front of a sea food restaurant.

While some might not want to tuck into fish and chips after swimming with the fishes (but not the chips, potatoes can’t do the backstroke), the village of Shieldag is a tiny village/street on the Applecross peninsula and well worth a stop on its own or as part of touring the NC500.

If you do stop, there are a number of jetties along the front of the village, which offer easy access to the sea. The natural harbour makes it sheltered and an easy introduction to sea swimming, if the thought of larger waves or dangerous currents are putting you off.

REVIEW

Ease of Access: Very easy. There are plenty of parking spaces along the front of Shieldag and you can get down to the shore easily.

Water quality: Unusually warm. It was around 15 degrees in June but temperatures of 10 are not uncommon (and, in fact, are one of the reasons the Celtman Extreme triathlon takes place here in June). The water is very clear.

Swim Quality: Excellent – there’s beautiful mountain views all around.

Other People: The village can be busy. I went early in the morning but there was a number of camper vans parked there.

Would I go back: Yes. It’s a beautiful spot to swim in.