Sunset Loch Swim & Bat Walk

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.