Category Archives: Iain

Iain, Swim Review

Outdoor Swim Review – Pinkston Water Sports 2023 (Iain)

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Pinkston is an outdoor water facility just outside Glasgow city center. It offers swimming a number of different times a week (https://pinkston.co.uk/activities/swimming/) I like to go to the 0800 Wednesday slot as I can head to work afterwards.

It wasn’t very busy. There was 4/5 others swimming. The full length of the basin was open which meant I could get a nice 400m loop in. The water temperature was surprisingly in double figures (10C) I’d worn my full winter swimming kit but I could have worn less and still been okay.

The changing rooms used to be beside the water but they are now next to the car park. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving my stuff there as anyone could walk in unannounced. There are lockers but you will need a padlock.

REVIEW

Ease of Access:

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The area around Pinkston is getting regenerated. Local roads and access points are sometime closed so always check Google maps first to find the best way there.

Water quality:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The water is murky. Don’t expect to see the bottom of the basin. The pool is not that deep. I can stand up at any point in it (I’m 6ft tall)

Swim Quality:

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Their is a 400m-ish loop when the basin is fully open. The site is open to the east and west which means it can be tricky swimming at sunrise/sunset as the sun shines directly into your face.

Other People:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

There is plenty of room to swim in.

Would I go back: 

Yes – it is convenient to have somewhere in the city. It is good for beginners and it is a great starting point for people who want to move from the pool to outdoor swimming.

Iain

Outdoor Swim Review: Carron Valley Revisted – April 2023 (Iain)

It had only been four weeks since my previous swim at Carron Valley https://twinbikerun.com/2023/03/08/outdoor-swim-review-carron-valley-revisted-january-2023-iain/

I said then that “I’ll try again next month once the temperature rises a few degrees.”

Thankfully the water temperature has increased. it was a more pleasant 9.9C. I had a quick dip and it was cold but not unpleasent. Hopefully next month I can do longer swims.

Check out the video to see what a swim in Carron Valley Reservoir is like.

Ease of Access: https://goo.gl/maps/vkcjfRm5cx6dYWt7A Park at the gate next to the loch. Its 10m to the waterside. 

Water quality: Warm and shallow at the edge of the loch but it can noticeably drop in temperature the further out you get. 

Swim Quality: Excellent. Lots of things to sight against. Water is choppy but that makes it more fun!

Other People: A couple of folk out walking and the odd car/cyclist going by. 

Would I go back: Yes. It’s my default swim location. 

Iain

Outdoor Swim Review: Carron Valley Revisted – March 2023 (Iain)

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Previous review here https://twinbikerun.com/2022/08/16/outdoor-swim-review-carron-valley-revisted-august-2022-iain/

My shoudl I go for a swim rule is “if it takes longer to get to the swim than I spend swimming then don’t swim”

The weather was beautiful so I decided to see whether it was possible for me to swim yet. Its a 30 minute drive from my house to the reservoir.

The air temperature was -1.5 and the water temperature was 5.5C. I lasted 10 minutes in the water! Therefore my rule says “don’t swim”

I’ll try again next month once the temperature rises a few degrees.

Check out the video to see what a swim in Carron Valley Reservoir is like.

Ease of Access: https://goo.gl/maps/vkcjfRm5cx6dYWt7A Park at the gate next to the loch. Its 10m to the waterside. 

Water quality: Warm and shallow at the edge of the loch but it can noticeably drop in temperature the further out you get. 

Swim Quality: Excellent. Lots of things to sight against. Water is choppy but that makes it more fun!

Other People: A couple of folk out walking and the odd car/cyclist going by. 

Would I go back: Yes. It’s my default swim location.