Wild Swimming
Loch Earn
Loch Earn sits in a broad glacial trough between Perthshire and Stirlingshire, framed by rounded hills on both sides. St Fillans at the eastern end has a classic village-beach feel with gravel-to-sand entry; Lochearnhead at the west is more rugged and quieter. The loch is busy with watersports in summer but vast enough to feel peaceful. Water warms more quickly than the deeper Cairngorms lochs, making it one of Scotland's more accessible warm-weather wild swims.
Quick facts
- Type
- Loch
- Region
- Perthshire
- Grid ref
- NN 585 230
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Summer water temp
- 10–18°C
- Midges
- Moderate
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- water sports activity on loch (jet skis, powerboats) — stay near shore
Getting there
Multiple access points along the A85 south shore road. Best entry at St Fillans village beach (PH6 2NF) or the gravel beach near Lochearnhead slipway. Roadside parking at St Fillans; pay car park at Lochearnhead.
Parking postcode: PH6 2NF
Safety
Watersport activity makes the central loch hazardous — swim from shore beaches only and stay within 50m of the bank. The loch is deep very quickly off the gravel shelf. Acclimatise to water temperature before striking out.
Best for
- families
- warmer-water swimming
- stand-up paddleboard cross-links
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:14
- Sunset
- 21:12
- Civil dawn
- 04:26
- Civil dusk
- 22:00
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026
Common questions
- Is Loch Earn good for wild swimming?
- Yes — it is one of Perthshire's most accessible wild swim spots with a gentle gravel entry at St Fillans, relatively warm summer water, and beautiful scenery. Avoid the active watersport zones in the centre of the loch.
Share your experience
Been to Loch Earn? Help other swimmers plan their visit.