Photos of Loch Coille-Bharr
Today at Loch Coille-Bharr
8–12°C
ColdCold water ahead. Cold shock is a real risk on entry. Limit your time in.
Modelled from recent air temperature — the band's width is ours, not a published error figure · the label is our plain summary of the numbers, not advice
Before you go
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Write a reviewAbout
Loch Coille-Bharr is a beautiful small loch in Knapdale that has been colonised by beavers. The walk round the perimeter of loch is around 5km, swim as far as you want in the loch avoiding any beaver lodges. Dogs should be kept under close control because of wildlife and nearby farm animals. No safety support anywhere nearby
Location
Getting there
There are a couple of nearby car parks, the Forestry and Land Scotland one at Barluasgan ioff B8025 s probably closest (pay to park). It’s about 0.5km walk down to an easy changing and walk-in point over a rough grassy track, steep in places with rocks and tree roots to trip you up
Accessibility
Scramble down to the lochside from the track. Easy walk-in, sloping loch bed, not far to walk in to get enough depth to swim. Watch out for midges & ticks!
What swimmers say
Facilities
Activities
Landscape
Water sports
Help verify this spot
Sign in to help verify details about this spot.
Been here recently?
Share conditions, tips, or hazards to help other swimmers plan their visit to Loch Coille-Bharr.
Share an updateFor beaches, lidos, cafés, saunas and swim venues
Run Loch Coille-Bharr, or a café, sauna or club beside it?
Every swimmer at your spot asks the same question: how’s the water today? A free poster or a live screen answers it — and brings your swimmers into a community that reports back.
- Completely free No fee for venues, no fee for swimmers. Print the poster, open the screen, and it runs itself.
- Wild Pro is optional Swimmers who want days two to seven of the forecast can subscribe — £3.99/mo or £29.99/yr. Today’s conditions and all official water quality are free for everyone, with no account.
- Safety first Water temperature, wind, waves, tides and the official bathing-water rating, shown plainly so people can decide for themselves.
- Live conditions Forecasts from Open-Meteo, tides from WorldTides, sea temperature from Copernicus Marine, and water quality from the agencies that test it.
- Built on community Swimmers post what they found. A poster or a screen at your spot turns every swim into a report the next swimmer can use.
Frequently asked questions
Is this lake safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for surface state and wind conditions. Review the Quality tab if this is a designated bathing water. Always read recent community reports for local advice.
How cold is the water?
Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. Lakes hold heat longer than rivers but can develop a thermocline. The water below the surface can be dramatically colder.
What should I bring?
A tow float for visibility (especially important where boats operate), warm layers for after, and consider a wetsuit in colder months. Check for designated swimming areas.
What should I know before swimming here?
Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing. Lake water can be much colder below the surface (thermocline). Stay close to shore until you know the conditions. Watch for boat traffic and stay visible with a tow float. Check for blue-green algae warnings before swimming. Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.
