SwimTheLochs
Sunset Loch Swim & Bat Walk | Friday 9th October | Dark Skies Festival
Sunset Loch Swim & Bat Walk | Friday 9th October | Dark Skies Festival
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Friday 9 October 2026
5pm start
Loch Trool, Galloway Forest Park
Experience the magic of the South of Scotland Dark Skies Festival with an unforgettable evening of wild swimming and wildlife discovery at Loch Trool.
As daylight begins to fade and the sun sets over the Galloway hills, join me for a refreshing and memorable loch swim in one of Scotland's most spectacular wild locations. Then, as darkness falls, we'll head into the surrounding woodland for a fascinating guided bat walk with Jan Crooks, Bat Walk Volunteer for the Bat Conservation Trust.
Using bat detectors, Jan will help us listen out for and identify the bats that emerge as night takes over the forest. Discover more about these incredible nocturnal creatures and experience Loch Trool in a completely different way beneath the darkening skies. We will end the night with hot chocolate and homemade cake at The Hive, Glentrool.
This is a truly special opportunity to combine the thrill of a wild swim with the wonder of nature after dark, all within the spectacular setting of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and Galloway Forest Park, home to some of the darkest skies in the UK.
What to expect
- A guided sunset wild swim at Loch Trool
- Time to enjoy the spectacular scenery as day turns to night
- A guided bat walk with Jan Crooks, Bat Walk Volunteer for the Bat Conservation Trust
- The opportunity to use bat detectors and listen for bats in the surrounding woodland
- A unique Dark Skies Festival experience connecting water, wildlife and the natural world
- End the night with hot chocolate and homemade cake at The Hive in Glentrool
Suitable for confident outdoor swimmers. Full event information, what to bring and meeting details will be provided before the event.
Places are limited – book early to join us for this magical evening where wild water meets the wonders of the night.
No refunds will be given unless the event is cancelled by us. In the event of cancellation, a voucher will be issued for the full value of your booking to be used towards a future event.
IMPORTANT INFO!
We always want you to have a safe, fun and memorable swim. Here’s what you need to know before joining us:
✅ Safety First
- Outdoor swimming has risks (cold water, wildlife, slippery rocks, weather).
- Always listen to your guide and follow instructions.
✅ Your Responsibility
- You must be over 18 and a confident swimmer.
- Be honest about any medical conditions (e.g. heart issues, asthma, pregnancy, diabetes).
- Don’t take part if you’ve had alcohol or drugs.
✅ Weather & Cancellations
- Sessions may change or be cancelled if conditions aren’t safe.
✅ Respect
- Be respectful to others, the environment, and local communities.
By taking part, you accept these conditions and understand that you join at your own risk.
For the full legal disclaimer please click here, by booking onto an event you are accepting this as read and understood.