Loch Earn
Lake Scenic freshwater loch in Perthshire, Scotland
Freshwater loch in central Scotland offering sailing, trout fishing and waterside villages such as St Fillans; walkers combine loch‑side paths with climbs up Ben Vorlich.
Loch Earn is a freshwater loch in central Scotland, lying between the villages of St Fillans and Lochearnhead. It is a prominent local recreation and fishing water in the southern Highlands.
The loch is visited for shoreline walking, sailing, kayaking and angling for trout and salmon, with small harbours and slipways at the village ends. Local facilities and trails concentrate around St Fillans and Lochearnhead.
The basin was formed by glacial action and has supported human settlement along its shores for many centuries. The loch drains eastwards as the River Earn, which has long connected the area with lowland routes.
Geographically it lies in the central Scottish Highlands, at the head of the River Earn, with the A85 and local roads providing road access via St Fillans and Lochearnhead.
- Access points: The villages at each end - St Fillans on the east shore and Lochearnhead on the west - are the main access points and offer parking, boat launches and local services.
How to Get to Loch Earn #
Loch Earn is accessible from the A85 and A84 roads. The village of St Fillans sits at the eastern end and is about a 30-40 minute drive from Perth. Local roads run along both shores with small car parks and lay-bys for walkers.
Tips for Visiting Loch Earn #
- Drive the south shore to find quieter pull-offs and small beaches for paddling.
- Look for the heritage of hydro schemes and old piers around the loch's inlets.
- Fishing permits may be required for angling - check local club rules.
Best Time to Visit Loch Earn #
Summer and early autumn provide the best combination of weather and access.
Weather & Climate near Loch Earn #
Loch Earn's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1499 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (192 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
