Wild Swimming
Loch Earn
Loch Earn sits in a broad glacial trough in Perthshire, about 7 miles long and framed by rounded hills on both sides. St Fillans at the eastern end has a village-beach feel with gravel-to-sand entry; Lochearnhead at the west is home to a watersports centre. The loch is busy with boats in summer but big enough to feel peaceful. It is deep in the middle, so the water stays cold.
Quick facts
- Type
- Loch
- Region
- Perthshire
- Grid ref
- NN 690 247
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Midges
- Moderate
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- water sports activity on loch (jet skis, powerboats) — stay near shore
Getting there
The A85 runs along the north shore and a minor road along the south shore past Edinample and Ardvorlich. The easiest entry is the village beach at St Fillans (PH6 2NF). Park considerately and do not block passing places. The loch shores are inside a Loch Lomond & The Trossachs camping management zone — camping needs a permit 1 March–30 September.
Parking postcode: PH6 2NF
Safety
Not a designated bathing water. Boat and watersport traffic makes the open loch hazardous — swim close to the bank and wear a bright tow float. The loch deepens off the gravel shelf. Acclimatise to the cold before striking out.
Best for
- families
- warmer-water swimming
- stand-up paddleboard cross-links
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:22
- Sunset
- 16:38
- Civil dawn
- 06:42
- Civil dusk
- 17:18
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 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 and beautiful scenery. The water is cold even in summer. Avoid the busy watersport areas and stay close to the shore.
More wild swims by email
One email a week — new swim spots, water-quality notes and seasonal conditions. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Share your experience
Been to Loch Earn? Help other swimmers plan their visit.
More on Loch Earn
TripSCOT covers the loch in full — travel context, things to do, where to stay.