The Perfect Combo: Outdoor Sauna and Wild Swim

There are few things quite like stepping out of a hot sauna and into a cold Highland loch. Thankfully, there are now some rather lovely places to do exactly that around Aviemore.

Whether you are already a committed cold water swimmer or would rather enjoy the sauna and simply admire the loch from somewhere warm, these outdoor saunas offer a brilliant way to slow down after a day exploring the Cairngorms.

Sauna Cairngorms at Loch Alvie

Set just a few metres from the water at Loch Alvie, Sauna Cairngorms has a wonderfully peaceful setting a short drive south of Aviemore.

The wood fired saunas look out across the loch and surrounding landscape, and you can alternate time in the heat with a dip in Loch Alvie if you fancy embracing the full hot and cold experience.

Both communal and private sessions are available, so you can book with friends or join one of the shared sessions. The saunas sit below the Rowan Tree Country Hotel, making this an especially easy one to combine with something to eat afterwards.

And if you are staying at Hillview Cottage, it is practically on your doorstep.

Find out more and book directly with Sauna Cairngorms.

The Loch Insh Sauna

Loch Insh Outdoor Centre now has its own wood fired sauna right on the banks of Loch Insh, near Kincraig.

A large panoramic window looks out over the water and surrounding mountains, while direct access to the loch means you can cool off with a cold water dip between sauna sessions.

One of the advantages of this one is everything else available on site. There are changing rooms, hot showers and plenty of parking, while the Boathouse Restaurant is next door if a warming drink or something to eat sounds considerably more appealing after your dip.

You could also make a day of it by combining the sauna with one of Loch Insh's watersports activities.

Find out more and book directly with Loch Insh Outdoor Centre.

If you're staying at Railway Cottage, Loch Insh is also an easy one to add to your plans, with the outdoor centre just a short drive away.

Which sauna should you choose?

Both are in beautiful lochside settings and both give you the option of combining a wood fired sauna with cold water.

Choose Loch Alvie if you fancy a peaceful sauna session close to Aviemore, particularly if you are staying at Hillview Cottage or planning to eat at the Rowan Tree afterwards.

Choose Loch Insh if you would like changing and shower facilities on site, want to combine your sauna with watersports, or fancy lunch or a drink at the Boathouse.

Or, of course, try both. We can wholeheartedly get behind that too.

A few things to know before you go

Outdoor sauna sessions are best booked in advance, particularly at weekends and during busy holiday periods. Check directly with each operator for current availability and what to bring.

If you plan to go into the loch, remember that outdoor swimming is very different from swimming in a pool. Highland water can be extremely cold even when the weather feels warm, so know your own limits, check conditions and never feel that you have to take the plunge to enjoy the experience.

A sauna overlooking a loch is still a pretty lovely way to spend an hour without getting any colder than you want to.

More wild swimming in the Cairngorms

If the cold water is as much of an attraction as the sauna, have a look through our other wild swimming guides for some of our favourite places to swim around the Cairngorms.

You will find guides to Loch Pityoulish, Feshiebridge, Loch Garten and the River Spey, along with more ideas for getting outdoors around Aviemore.