Best beaches to wild swim on Islay

Top Islay swimming spots

Long sandy beaches, sheltered bays and 130 miles of Atlantic coastline. Here are our favourite wild swimming spots off Islay’s coastline. 

Be aware that not everywhere is safe for swimming on Islay due to the strong tides and currents, always swim with a buddy and check the tides beforehand.

1. Laggan Bay

1. Laggan Bay

Location: 5 minute walk from the Machrie

On the west coast of Islay, a short walk from the hotel’s front door lies The Big Strand. A 7 mile expanse of sandy beach located in Laggan Bay. It’s a popular spot for swimming, fatbiking and sunset picnics and stretches from Laggan Point through Machrie to Kintra.

2. Blackrock

2. Blackrock

Location: 20 minute drive

A 20 minute drive from the hotel, you'll find Blackrockots, with lots of small bays with sandy entrance to the water. When the weather is calm you can swim to the black rock a short distance from the shore. Just left of the rock, there is a length of beach, ideal to swim along

3. Kilnaughton beach

3. Kilnaughton beach

Location: 10 minute drive

Kilnaughton beach is calm, sheltered and shallow making it ideal for small children. Walk round the ruins of an old chapel and after, there are restaurants, cafes, car park and toilets nearby in Port Ellen.

4. Loch Gruinart

4. Loch Gruinart

Distance: 30 minute drive

On the west coast of Islay is a large loch, surrounded almost entirely by hills and trees providing shelter from the wind and waves. Perhaps the warmest spot to go for a swim on Islay thanks to its land-locked nature.

5. Claggin Bay

5. Claggin Bay

Location: 20 minute drive from The Machrie

On a sheltered and secluded part of Islay's east coast, a shingle and sandy beach with views towards Kintyre. Drive up to the ruined church at Kidalton and the Kidalton Cross, a monolithic high cross carved in the second half of the 8th century AD.

6. Loch Indaal Way

6. Loch Indaal Way

Location: 30 minute drive from The Machrie

A half an hour drive from the hotel, you'll find Loch Indaal Way monument. Taking the stairs down to the bay, you'll come out to calm, clear and sheltered water. A popular area with locals.

Highland coos

Stories from Islay

Curated by the Another Place collective, here you’ll find a digital companion of inspirational stories and happenings from the island of Islay. Discover our favourite things to do, where to find the best whisky distilleries, swimming spots and wildlife photographers.