Loch Lomond at Milarrochy Bay
Milarrochy Bay is a pebbly bay on the quieter east shore of Loch Lomond, just north of Balmaha, and the national park itself names it as a popular place to swim. Loch depths can change suddenly, so walk in slowly and get used to the cold before you swim. Boats and anglers' trolling lines are about, so wear a bright cap, tow a float and stay close to the shore.
Photo: Chris Heaton · CC BY-SA 2.0
Latest reading · SwimScore 78/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 11°C, wind 4 km/h, UV 0. Updated .
Know before you go
- Best conditions
- Calm, settled weather; the national park warns that a large swell can build quickly when the wind changes direction.
- Getting in
- National Park visitor site on the east shore of Loch Lomond, 1.4 miles north of Balmaha by road or 1.5 miles along the West Highland Way. The slipway is closed to boat launches, but the beach, toilets and car park remain open. There are no staff permanently on site.
- Parking & transport
- Two National Park car parks: a south car park with about 20 spaces and 2 Blue Badge bays, and an unlined north car park for about 20 cars. The nearest bus stop is in Balmaha.
- Water quality
- Not a SEPA-designated bathing water, so it is not routinely sampled. The designated Loch Lomond site is Luss Bay on the west shore, classified Good for 2026.
- Who swims here
- Thousands of swimmers take part in mass open-water events on Loch Lomond each year, including the Great Scottish Swim.
- Watch for
- Cold water shock: the national park warns the water is very cold even on hot days
- Depth can change suddenly, with steep drops close to shore
- Boat traffic, including boats trolling for fish (shown by an orange ball); keep clear of their lines, and watch for fishing lines near the shore
- Blue-green algae can occur in warmer months
- Swimmer's itch is possible in shallow water in summer
- Facilities
- Public toilets, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet · Picnic benches with level access · Camping and Caravanning Club site at the bay
Sources: lochlomond-trossachs.org, lochlomond-trossachs.org, lochlomond-trossachs.org, lochlomond-trossachs.org, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk
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Details
- Location
- Balmaha, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 56.0966, -4.5573