Loch Caoldair, Laggan, Western Cairngorms
Swimplaces
Description: There are thousands of lochs in Scotland, and open access laws mean you can swim in virtually all of them. One of my favourites is Loch Caoldair, on the western edge of the Cairngorms. It's only a mile from the road (three and a half miles south of Laggan) but it's completely wild and hidden among birch woods, with a lovely little beach. Afterwards, refuel with homely food and a warm welcome at the remote Monarch Hotel in Laggan and admire the ruined church. There are some great waterfalls a mile down the road at Strathmashie Forest, with a perfect place to pitch your tent right by the edge of the water, ready for that early morning skinny dip.