Loch Ericht
Lake Long freshwater loch in central Scotland
A long freshwater loch cutting through central Scotland’s Highlands; outdoor visitors come for remote hikes, trout fishing and forest tracks linking to west- and east-coast routes.
Loch Ericht is a long, narrow freshwater loch in the central Scottish Highlands, lying along the boundary between council areas in an upland, sparsely settled landscape. The loch occupies a glacially carved valley and is oriented roughly northeast-southwest, surrounded by high ground and mountain ranges.
The loch’s setting is remote and largely undeveloped, with upland hills and ridges forming the principal landscape around it; access is by minor roads and estate tracks. It is valued for hillwalking, remote fishing and wild-country scenery.
The waterbody is a natural glacial loch; its general form and shoreline have been shaped by post-glacial processes and by the topography of adjacent high ground.
The loch sits in central Scotland within the Highland region and adjacent council areas, in a sparsely populated part of the Highlands; the nearest towns are small Highland settlements and road access is limited.
How to Get to Loch Ericht #
By road from Dalwhinnie or Spean Bridge via the A9 and local single-track roads; rail access nearest at Dalwhinnie station with onward taxi or drive.
Tips for Visiting Loch Ericht #
- Walk the Glen Ericht canoe trail or join a guided kayak trip for a different perspective on the loch's western shore.
- If fishing, book permits in advance - the loch is part of regulated fisheries for salmon and trout.
- Visit the Falls of Tummel nearby if combining with a longer Highlands itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Loch Ericht #
Summer for outdoor activity; autumn for quieter trails and dramatic color.
Weather & Climate near Loch Ericht #
Loch Ericht's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1798 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (232 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
