International visitors are eyeing up Scotland as a ‘coolcation’ holiday destination to get away from the extreme heat of once popular resorts. With temperatures this summer definitely on the ‘cool’ side, anyone seeking respite from Mediterranean heatwaves won’t be disappointed. So where in Scotland can they go to fully chill out? Scotland’s loch, rivers and burns offer plenty of opportunities to cool down, from a dip in Loch Morlich on the fringes of Aviemore overlooked by Cairngorm's ski runs, to popular wild swimming spots in Glencoe and Glen Etive and kayaking on Loch Rannoch.
(Image: CC/jtweedie1976) Fife's tidal pools at Pittenweem, St Monan's and Cellardyke are a safer option for a salt water dip than venturing into the sea. While less chilly, Gourock's outdoor pool is Scotland’s oldest lido, bringing open air swimming at a constant temperature of 29C. Or, for more controlled outdoor bathing, Watermind Scotland offers cold water therapy sessions in waterfalls, hillside streams, lochs and rivers, beach yoga and wild swimming around Loch Lomond and further afield.
Bear in mind, the average water temperature in summer for Loch Lomond is a bracing 14.5°C. Scotland’s coldest spot is often said to be Braemar, which recorded the UK’s lowest-ever temperature of −27.
2 °C (−17.0 °F) in February 1895. Braemar Gathering is held on September 7 It is, of course, slightly warmer in summer - and hopefully dry for this year’s Braemar Gathering on September 7.
.