- Overview
- Map & Itinerary
- Essential Info
- Pics & Vids
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Come and meet your wild side on our brand new Swim & Hike adventure in Scotland
- Journey 48kms from West to East along the Great Trossachs Path
- Enjoy invigorating and inspiring swims in some of the most picturesque lochs
- Hike through majestic Scottlsh landscapes to reach idyllic wild swim spots with friendly local guides
- Combine safely escorted open water swims with a spectacular hiking journey
- Stay in eco lodges in one of the most beautiful parts of The Trossachs overlooking Loch Katrine and Ben Venue
- Fully supported by local swim & hike guides
- Swimming tow floats and caps included.
Overview
Immerse yourself in the mountains, forests and lochs within Scotland’s first National Park as you hike and wild swim along the Great Trossachs Path. Starting from Inversnaid at Loch Lomond in the West, you’ll make your way to Callander in the East, taking in majestic scenery, lochs, ancient woodlands, wildlife and history. Along the 48km route you’ll have the chance to wild swim in the lochs and explore the dramatic landscapes within the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve, the second largest nature reserve in Britain. The is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and connects with other Great Trails such as the Rob Roy Way, West Highland Way and Three Lochs Way.
The Great Trossachs Path is regarded as one of Scotland’s Great Trails and you’ll be in complete agreement after this trip! The reserve has had over 2.5 million native trees planted in the last decade, part of a 200-year plan to revitalise the forest for animals and people.
Accompanied by an experienced and super friendly local guide who’s a qualified beach lifeguard, swimming teacher & coach from Adventurous Ewe.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the outstanding natural beauty of mature woodlands rich in wildlife and history. Plus it’s all within a half an hours’ drive from the medieval City of Stirling which is accessible by train from any major city in the UK.
Is this trip right for you?
With shorter daily swim distances and dips, this trip is perfect for those who are new or enjoy freshwater dipping and/or swimming and who are looking for a 5-day break amidst some of the Scotland’s most outstanding natural beauty. The trip follows the Great Trossach Path so swimmers should also be comfortable with hiking to reach majestic swimming spots along the Path.
Whether you’re new-ish to wild swimming or have a basic understanding of open water swimming, this adventure will suit you. Our local Swim & Hike Leader will provide plenty of tips and advice and also coaching of stroke correction where feasible. You may enjoy to simply dip and immerse yourself in nature or if you prefer to swim the maximum distance you may opt to swim is around 2km on Day 4.
This trip is graded as ‘Medium’ as it’s designed for people who wish to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery together with developing their wild swimming experience. Please note, this grading is for the swim only and does not take into account the hike along the Great Trossachs Pathway.
Arrival, Welcome and Loch Lomond Acclimatisation Wild Swim
The adventure begins. Meet at Stirling train station at 14.30 and transfer to your eco lodge accommodation at Loch Katrine. Alternatively you can meet us at the Loch Katrine Eco-Lodges at 15.45 where there is free parking available for the trip duration if this is more convenient for you.
After introductions and a trip & safety briefing, it’s time to explore what you would like to experience across the 5 days of wild swimming and hiking, and we’ll do our best to facilitate this. For the wild swimming element of the trip some of you might just love to dip and admire our surroundings. Others might prefer to swim and you may also like some personalised swimming lessons and coaching along the way.
After settling into your accommodation at the check-in time of 16.00, you’ll then head to the beautiful Loch Lomond for an early evening acclimatisation wild swim. Loch Lomond is home to breath-taking scenery, craggy hills, steep mountain tops and beautiful villages. It’s a freshwater loch, the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain, home to 22 islands and 27 islets running down the Scottish Highland Boundary Fault line and
acts as a gateway from the lowlands to the Highlands. These islands have provided sanctuary
to to various historic figures including Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce and William
Wallace. Plus the surrounding highlands area is home to red deer and oak woodlands. The perfect start of your wild swimming adventure.
Included
Accommodation: Eco-lodges (twin share basis)
Meals: Not included
Inversaid Pier to Stronachlachar
Following breakfast you’ll be transferred by private minibus for around an hour to Inversaid Falls for a refreshing start to the day. Your path leads down to a bridge and a peaceful pool with a waterfall cascading over the Arklet burn and tumbling into Loch Lomond.
After a hot drink you’ll start hiking the Great Trossachs Path from Invernsaid on Loch Lomond. Here you’re also on the West Highland Way and in one of the two RSPB reserves in the National Park. It’s a beautiful part of Scotland teeming with wildlife. The route mainly follows an old military road.
Soon you’ll arrive to Loch Arklet, the location for today’s second wild swim. Loch Arklet is beautifully framed by the Arrochar Alps and it’s likely that you’ll have this remote spot to yourselves. With lifeguard support you’ll dip or swim routes to suit the group. One nice option is the 1km there and 1km back crossing. The support vehicle will be nearby carrying your swimming and warm gear, hot drinks and lunch.
Following your refreshing swim, you’ll then hike the short distance to Stronachlachar to complete the trail for the day at the pier. Here you’ll take the 15.30 informative cruise down Loch Katrine to your accommodation
at the Loch Katrine Eco Lodges.
Walking distance approx 8kms
Included
Transfers: private vehicle
Cruise: Loch Katrine Cruise tickets
Accommodation: Eco-lodges (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier
Following breakfast your private minibus will take you a perfect swimming spot from the banks of Loch Katrine in the heart of the Trossachs. Sir Walter Scott found this setting so beautiful that in 1810 it was the main scene for his love poem Lady of the Lake.
After a swim and a hot drink you’ll hike the trail along a smooth tarmac road that follows the shore of Loch Katrine until Trossachs Pier. Stopping for a packed lunch along the way at Brenachoile Point, a location used in the TV
programme Outlander.
Walking distance approx 20kms
Included
Transfers: private vehicle
Accommodation: Eco-lodges (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch
Trossachs Pier to Callander
Onwards from the Trossachs Pier this section includes thick woodland, the gorgeous Loch Achray and the pretty village of Brig O’Turk with its exceptional tea room before following the length of Loch Venachar.
Your swim for the day is at Loch Achray set in the middle of the romantic dramatic grandeur of Trossachs, like something out of a fine art painting. Supported by your lifeguard and with our transport close by you can dip or wild swim out to an ancient Crannog. A Crannog is an island made from a mound of stones on a timber foundation. Thousands of years ago, people lived in wooden dwellings perched on stakes resting on these mounds of stones across many Scottish lochs.
Once your swim is complete you’ll then hike the rest of the day’s trail to Callander
where the Great Trossachs Path ends.
Walking distance approx 20kms
Included
Transfers: private vehicle
Accommodation: Eco-lodges (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch
Loch Venachar Swim
Following your final breakfast at the picturesque Loch Katrine, you’ll take a short transfer to Loch Venachar, the fifth loch viewable from the Great Trossachs Path.
Loch Venachar is a fitting spot for your final swim. Surrounded by the magnificent beauty of the National Park landscape with views to Ben Venue and Ben Lomond in the West and Ben Ledi to the North.
Start your lifeguard supported dip or wild swim at the Loch Venachar Sailing Club on the South shore. This gives easy loch access down the slipway, a parking spot for your support vehicle, a kettle and a warm shower for
afterwards so that you can freshen up for your onwards travel.
There are a few swims for those interested in distance and very nice spots for dipping if this is your preference.
The minibus will then take you back to Stirling Train Station for 13.00 revitalised and refreshed with new skills learned and friendships made.
Want to learn more about wild swimming & safety techniques, improve your swimming stroke and simply enjoy a few invigorating days amidst majestic landscapes?
These are just some of the benefits of our brand new hike & swim adventures. Whether you’re dipping in beautiful lochs or swimming across lakes to an ancient Crannog, wild swimming gives you opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while diving into a world of improved well-being and mental strength. Plus it’s a great opportunity to experience that ‘after swim high’.
Science is starting to back up the anecdotal evidence with studies that suggest that there are lasting positive effects of a bracing outdoor dip. Studies are still in the early stages and we are only just starting to understand how cold water immersion affects the human body. Initial results have indicated cold water swimming can help develop an increased tolerance to stress, a boost to self esteem, used as a mindfulness exercise, decreased inflammation, increased immunity, radiant skin and the post swim high. Yes, the fabled after swim high is a real thing. As the mix of exercise and cold water exposure triggers a release of dopamine, the body’s feel good hormone. If you swim with a buddy or in a group the chance to share and compare your experience with like-minded people intensifies the experience.
So whether you’re new to the world of wild swimming or wish to improve your skills and learn some techniques, our qualified local Open Water Swimming Coach will accompany you on your hike & swim adventure.
On booking this trip, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our free travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.
With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on our Hike & Swim adventures and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the UK and Sue being a competent volunteer crew at our local RNLI Lifeboat Station; in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.
Plus having created this adventure, both Jim and Sue are best placed to answer any questions you may have, no matter how big or small. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority.
Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.
Paddleboard/Kayak Support
Paddleboard or kayak support is included on this trip for the open water swim sections together with a lifeguard rescue tube. Please note that this SUP/kayak support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.
For more info, please visit our Safety and Well-being page.
You will be accompanied by local Adventurous Ewe Hike & Swim Leaders who are certified Open Water Swim Instructors throughout your trip. Our Instructors have the relevant swimming and lifeguarding qualifications – current SLSGB beach lifeguard, Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification, Oceanman Open Water Diploma and American Swimming Association Coaching level 1.
They’re also a friendly bunch with a huge level of care and a great sense of humour. Rest assured they are fully experienced and first aid qualified. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Leaders will carry safety equipment and first aid kits with them at all times. Please note, these kits are for emergencies only so please come prepared with your own personal first aid items.
Please note, the itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and other unpredictable factors. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that may occur. In all such circumstances, your Leader will have the final say.
We pride ourselves in small group adventures to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety & well-being and to make your experience more authentic.
The minimum group size for this trip to run is 6 people. The maximum group size is 12 people.
Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
If you have a group of over 6 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for you.
For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
Our Hike & Swim adventures are a team event and not designed to be individual competitive races. We encourage team spirit and support of each other to ensure everyone has the best opportunity to complete the challenge, learn new skills and enjoy the journey along the way too. These trips are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and share an incredible adventure whilst being accompanied and supported by friendly and qualified Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew.
Paddleboard Support
Paddleboard support is included on this trip for the open water swim sections. Please note that this SUP support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.
The Great Trossachs Path Hike & Swim is graded as ‘Medium’ dependent on weather conditions. This trip is designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace, enjoy the scenery and learn new skills (be it cold water dipping or stroke coaching). A good base level of fitness will help you enjoy each of the activities.
Swimming: previous open water swimming experience is not required as full instruction and support will be provided. As a safety precaution we recommend that you’re able to swim 25m in distance. If you are not a confident swimmer please let us know so we can make the necessary plans. As a guideline, the maximum distance you may opt to swim is around 2kms on day 4. There’s also plenty of opportunities for cold water dipping with safety techniques provided by your Swim Leader.
Hiking: the route follows established paths and there are no technical sections. Hiking boots or trail runners are highly recommended given the terrain and potential weather conditions. The hiking sections are no longer than approximately 20kms per day.
Please note; our swim itineraries are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in lakes and lochs is a fantastic experience, however, water quality can at times be affected by water runoff from local fields. Blue Green Algae and Weil’s Disease are possible contaminants, so if you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should visit a GP immediately and inform them that you have been lake or loch swimming.
To help you prepare for your trip, we also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength & Movement Coach, Peter Lant. For more info, please visit our Training & Preparation page.
The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.
Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!
A full kit list will be provided when you book on this trip. In summary:
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Swimming caps
- Swim safety device/Tow float
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
BAGS
Soft duffel bag or rucksack for all your kit
Daypack (20-25 litres) for the trek/swim
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof trousers
Fleece jacket or similar
Trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking (not jeans)
T-shirts (merino wool or wick fabric)
Underwear and socks
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Warm hat/beanie
Something to sleep in
Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
Lightweight shoes for around the lodge
SWIMMING
Wetsuit (these are available to hire, however we recommend bringing your own if you wish to use one)
Swim-suit x 2
Swim goggles x 2 (if you wish to swim as opposed to dipping)
Aqua shoes or neoprene socks
Neoprene gloves and socks (optional)
Beanie for cold water dipping
Quick dry towel
Changing robe or dryrobe (exclusive discount code will be provided for smoc smoc on booking)
OTHER
Power bank or solar charger
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Towel for lodge
Hand sanitiser
Headlamp
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Water bladder/camelbak or similar for trek (2 litre capacity)
Hot water flask
Favourite snacks and electrolytes
OPTIONAL
Earplugs
Card games for eco lodge
To help you get the very best from your multi activity adventure we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in independent UK outdoor retailers both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, swimming, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and your adventure.
The weather in the mountains in Scotland can change rapidly so it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions including rain, wind and heat. In the week leading up to your trip we recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service. You will also receive weather updates via our mobile travel app.
Weather Caveat
For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming trips require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your Adventurous Ewe Swim Instructors as quickly as possible.
Please note, the Swim Instructor/s reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it as your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
We’re delighted to host you at Loch Katrine Eco Lodge in one of the most beautiful parts of The Trossachs overlooking Loch Katrine and Ben Venue. Four nights accommodation on a twin share basis are included in your package in the Ben lodges with bed linen provided.
Located 7 miles from Callander and 5 miles from Aberfoyle, your Eco Lodge is the perfect base for your Swim & Hike trip. There is a nearby café and takeaway a short walk away.
On Day 1, meet at Stirling train station at 14.30 and you’ll be transferred to your eco lodge accommodation at Loch Katrine. Alternatively you can meet us at the Loch Katrine Eco-Lodges at 15.45 where there is free parking available for the trip duration if this is more convenient for you.
On Day 5, you will be transferred back to Stirling train station or Loch Katrine Eco Lodge around 13.00 to make your journey home.
Breakfast and lunch packs are included.
Breakfast will be portions of cereal, porridge pots, pastries with tea and coffee.
Packed lunches include sandwiches, crisps, flap-jack (or similar) and fruit. Water bottles can be refilled and hot drinks will be provided following each swimming session.
Dinners are not included to give you the flexibility to eat where and what you wish.
All dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan can be catered for: please just let us know on your booking form or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.
Please bring your own water bottle/s, water bladder/camelbaks and hot water flasks to refill. This avoids the purchase of single use plastic water bottles.
The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’
You can make a difference too with taking part in this Multi Activity and purchasing one of these environmentally friendly reusable alternative bottles compared to single-use plastic water bottles. Grab a Water-to-Go bottle through Adventurous Ewe and receive a 15% discount. Even better, Water-to-Go will donate a further 15% to our charity partner, Cool Earth. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to buy your Water-To-Go bottle.
Deposit: £95 per person required on booking and non-refundable
Remaining balance: £900 per person due for payment no later than 4 weeks prior to the trip start date
Total cost: £995 per person
Monthly payment plan
A monthly payment plan can be arranged for this trip. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
Book & Travel with Confidence
As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible.
For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website.
All your trip info will be sent to you through our free mobile travel app. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.
For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:
Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
You are most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe #letsgoadventure
Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media during this time. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on 07747 346 588.
| Departure & Return | Duration | Availability | Deposit | Total Cost* | (*Total cost includes the deposit) |
| Aug 15, 2024 Aug 19, 2024 |
5 Days | Available | £95.00 | £995.00 | Book Now |
What's Included?
Pre-adventure:
- Personalised support in the lead up to your trip
- Exclusive discount on personal kit from local eco wild swimming retailer – smoc smoc
- All trip info supplied via our free mobile travel app
- Public liability insurance
- Risk assessment and safety management.
On your adventure:
- 4 nights accommodation eco lodge (twin share basis)
- SLSGB Beach Life Guard cover
- Open water coaching
- Local Trek Guide
- Swimming caps
- Swim safety device/tow floats
- Swimming Teaching Association (STA) public liability cover for swimming
- Loch Katrine Cruise tickets
- Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
- Entrance permission to national parks & lakes
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary: breakfast x 4 and packed lunch x 4
- Hot drinks
- Water bottle refilling
- Private minibus transfers
- Donation to Sailing Club
- All challenge management and hygienic cleaning procedures of equipment before, during and post trip.
What's Not Included?
- Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List
- Wetsuit hire
- Getting to the start and finish – Stirling Train Station or Lock Katrine Eco Lodges
- Dinner x 5
- Personal spending money
- Any expenses incurred with leaving the trip early.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Adventurous Ewe is very proud to have been awarded the Travelife Partner award recognising the long-term efforts we undertake regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. Travelife is the leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector.
We comply with more than 100 criteria, related to our office management, product range, international business partners and customer information. The Travelife Partner level standard is covering the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights, and labour relation.
Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering adventures in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability as a core focus. We respect and aim to operate our adventures and events to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!
Some of the ethical trip management features embedded in our Hike & Wild Swim are:
- Using local crew who are qualified Swim Instructors and who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced
- Staying in eco-lodges which are enroute to reduce the time of vehicle transfers
- Minimising plastic waste wherever possible as we refill water bottles and flasks
- We wash, dry and check all our swim clothing and equipment to avoid introducing invasive non-native species to the lochs
- Where possible, our Leaders collect any rubbish
- We recycle and reuse wherever possible
- We record our recycleable and general waste from the adventure with the review to measure and reduce
- We always operate by our ‘Leave no travel ethos’ – Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.
- By taking part in this trip you are helping us support the climate change charity, Cool Earth, and local environmental charity, the Snowdonia Society.
- Please see our Responsible Tourism Policy for more info and some top tips.
TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL ON THIS TRIP
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle/s on this trip.
- Your packaging waste: If bringing some snacks or new items/clothing from home, please remove as much packaging as possible and recycle or responsibly disregard this rubbish.
- Wash, dry and check: All your clothing and equipment before using it again to avoid introducing invasive non-native species to other waterways.
Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.
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