What is the minimum age to join?

There is no specific minimum age listed; the swim is intended for experienced swimmers able to complete 2 km in open water—check with the operator if under 18.

The meeting point is on the Luss shore; exact location and time are confirmed by the operator 48 hours before the activity.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Activities are subject to weather and guide availability; the operator will confirm or reschedule based on conditions and safety considerations.

Is there a safety boat?

Yes—small-group support craft accompany the swim and provide access to buoyancy aids and rescue if needed.

How cold is the water?

Loch Lomond water is cold year-round compared with sea temperatures; a full wetsuit is recommended except for experienced cold-water acclimated swimmers.

Can I train with the group if I’m preparing for a race?

Yes—the session is structured for endurance training with coaching on sighting, drafting, and pacing tailored to experienced swimmers.

Fraoch Island 2km Swim: Open-Water Challenge on Loch Lomond

Fraoch Island 2km Swim is a guided open-water swim around Fraoch Island on Loch Lomond, departing from Luss near Alexandria, Scotland. The two-kilometer loop pushes experienced swimmers with a supervised out-and-back format that includes a rest at the island before returning to shore. Set on the western shore of Loch Lomond, this swim threads clear, cold freshwater between low, rocky islets and the forested slopes above Luss. Key features are the small granite-and-schist islet of Fraoch, the loch's glassy surface on calm days, and the steep, tree-lined shoreline that drops to pebble beaches. You may sight ringed plover and red-breasted merganser along the shallows, and otters occasionally surface near submerged rock ledges. The loch occupies a glacially carved basin at the Highland Boundary Fault; nearby Luss is an historic village and conservation area that pre-dates the formal creation of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in 2002. The swim is designed for athletes who can manage continuous distance in open-water conditions. Guided by a small team and limited to ten participants, the session emphasizes safety: sighting practice, drafting, and regulated rest at the island's lee. Weather and wind shape the experience-the same crossing that is mellow on a still morning becomes technically demanding with a chop and headwind-so organizers confirm logistics 48 hours in advance. Strong cold-water coping skills, efficient freestyle technique, and steady pacing are essential. Why this offering stands out: few places allow a short, focused open-water training loop with direct access to island rest stops and a small-group safety ratio in one of Britain's most scenic freshwater lochs. The combination of island navigation, variable currents, and clear sightlines back to the village makes this both a performance swim and an intimate way to read Loch Lomond's microclimate. Practical notes: meet at the agreed point on the Luss shore; expect a safety briefing, buoyancy aids for support crew, and an escort craft. Bring neoprene suitable for regional water temperatures, a tow float, and warm layers for post-swim. Cancellation and weather policies are standard; contact details are provided after booking. For those chasing a focused training session framed by island navigation and freshwater wildlife, this is a compact, rewarding challenge on one of Scotland's most storied lochs. Groups move efficiently: the maximum ten-person size keeps support craft nearby and allows personalized coaching on sighting lines, bilateral breathing. Swimmers should plan transport to Luss or nearby Alexandria, where accommodations range from B&Bs to guesthouses; on-event parking is limited so allow extra time. The operator confirms exact meeting details and weather contingency 48 hours prior. Whether training for longer open-water races or seeking a compact, coached endurance test, this organized loop offers focused progression against an iconic Scottish freshwater backdrop.

About Inchbaggers Open Water Swimming

Inchbaggers Open Water Swimming operates from Alexandria, Scotland, offering guided open-water swims on Loch Lomond and surrounding waters. The team provides a range of swims from short beginner sessions to long crossings, including supervised swims to islands such as Fraoch, Inchtavannach, Inchmurrin and Swan. Activities include kayak-accompanied swims, social Sunday morning swims, and introductions to open-water safety and technique. Sessions are led by experienced open-water guides who prioritise safety, buoyancy support, and clear briefings. Equipment and safety protocols are used to manage conditions and swimmer confidence; swimmers receive guidance on pacing, sighting and cold-water acclimatisation.

The business caters to beginners, nervous swimmers, and experienced endurance swimmers, with scalable distances including 200m, 800m, 1.25km, 2–7km and bespoke escorted crossings. Meeting points and logistics are organised from shore locations such as Ben Lomond beach at Rowardennan and Inveruglas, with launches or sailboats used when required for longer swims. Inchbaggers works within local regulations and Loch Lomond site guidance to minimise environmental impact and respect land and water access. Booking information and trip details are published for each swim so participants can choose appropriate routes and fitness levels. The business places emphasis on clear communication, trained safety cover, and enjoyable scenic experiences on Europe’s largest inland loch. Participants are encouraged to check specific trip descriptions, suitability notes and weather-dependent arrangements before booking. Guides provide pre-swim briefings, on-water supervision and post-swim feedback to help swimmers progress; all sessions emphasise personal comfort, incremental challenge and respect for local wildlife and shoreline communities, and seasonal water-quality updates.