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Watersports on Loch Earn at Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead at the gateway to the Highlands of Scotland

23/2/2025

 
Clam loch earn reflecting clouds and blue sky with a motor boat moored to an orange buoy with a
View from Briar Cottages slipway Loch Earn
​Dive Into Adventure:
Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves, the crisp Scottish air filling your lungs, and the promise of an adventure-packed day ahead. This is not just any getaway; this is a stay at Briar Cottages on the breathtaking shores of Loch Earn. Whether you have a thirst for excitement or tranquility, want to observe the water or jump in, this is a dream destination, within The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park of Scotland.
path to jetty in summer bloom, from then grassy garden on Loch Earn looking to moored boats at Briar Cottages and in Lochearnhead
Steel jetty and moorings at Briar Cottages Loch Earn
A Splash of Fun for Everyone: Loch Earn is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the Loch Earn Wake School offers a range of exhilarating activities that will leave you craving more. Picture yourself gliding across the water, the wind in your hair, and the stunning mountainous scenery as your backdrop. Hire options and lessons include single and double paddleboards and kayaks, wake surfing and boarding, water skiing and ringo rides.
Man being pulled at the back of a boat surfing ona wake in Loch Earn
Wakeboarding Wonders:  
Wakeboarding at Loch Earn is a must-try experience. Lochearnhead's wake school expert instructors will have you mastering the waves in no time. Feel the thrill as you ride the wake, performing tricks and jumps that will make you feel like a true aquatic acrobat. Graduate to wave surfing without a board! Hand the instructors your camera if you want to be filmed in action. Newcomers have to start somewhere and this school has a fantastic reputation for visitor satisfaction, playful learning and results. ​​And the best part about the location? After an adrenaline-fueled session, you can retreat to your cosy lochside cottage, just a stone's throw away, to relax and relive the day's adventures.

Stag statue in the garden Loch Earn with Briar Cottages guests on Loch Earn behind with 2 orange kayaks and paddlesTTAGEBriar Cottages guests kayak in front of the garden
​Kayaking Adventures:
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, kayaking on Loch Earn is the perfect way to explore its serene beauty. Paddle along the loch's tranquil waters. Explore around an iron age crannog on the south side,  surrounded by stunning vistas. Whether in calm or rippling waters, Loch Earn is the ideal setting for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Launch your own vessel from Briar Cottages garden slipway or hire from the water sports centre within 150 metres. You can even request a double kayak there, to keep an eye on youngsters or for romantic couple sessions.

Guests paddleboarding on Loch Earn
Ready to launch from Briar COOTTA
Woman on a double paddle board waiting for her husband who is walking in from Briar Cottages slipway Loch Earnto usband Picture
Wading in from the slipway for a double paddle board adventure
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP):
Stand-up paddleboarding is another fantastic way to enjoy Loch Earn. It's a fun and accessible activity that offers a great workout while allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery. You might prefer sitting or kneeling to begin with and lying on your front or back floating is fine if you want to just relax. Whether you're paddling solo or with friends, SUP is an excellent way to connect with nature and experience the loch from a unique perspective. Launch your own board from Briar Cottages slipway or hire one locally. The Loch Earn Wakeschool supplies wet suits and safety gear as part of the hire package or you can purchase a new wet suit and other equipment in their shop. A session is currently £22.50 which is excellent value for a lesson, wetsuit, board, floating paddle and a buoyancy aid. What age for youngsters? From 10 years old upwards. The professionals will gauge your experience and demonstrate safety. Experienced pets that SUP will be welcome to join you. ​
Exhilarating swim:
The benefits of open water swimming are well reported these days. From Briar Cottages garden, you can jump in, dip your toe or dive off the jetty and revel in the breathtaking scenery of rugged hills and lush greenery. The invigorating experience of swimming in this fresh water loch, combined with the warm hospitality of Briar Cottages, creates the perfect retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.  Pets that love to swim or fetch balls and sticks from the water, will be in their element here.  Safety is paramount. Guests will receive a link to The Loch Earn Safety Code after booking and there are other useful sites for open water safety in Scotland as well as drowning prevention.
​
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Dad and son fish from the steel jetty
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Time out. Fishing from the garden rocks
​
​Fishing Frenzy:

If fishing is your passion, Loch Earn is the place to be. The loch is teeming with brown trout,​ thanks to annual restocking by Drummond Estates. It's a prime spot for both amateur and seasoned anglers alike. Be familiar with other fish that are caught occasionally, especially the Vendace,  one of the UK's most rare fish species, that should be released to the water if caught.

Guests at Briar Cottages can enjoy a relaxing day by the water, casting lines from the garden rocks, jetty, or slipway while soaking in the tranquility of this picturesque setting. Self-catering guests can also launch a small boat and use the moorings at Briar Cottages.

Drummond fishing boat hire, located two miles east of Loch Earn, offers 5' fishing boats equipped with 4 hp longshaft engines, available from 9 am until 6 pm during the fishing season, which runs from 15th March to 6th October. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn in accordance with the Loch Earn Safety code provided by our National Park.

Visit Drummond Estates for information on boat hire, permit charges, bait, and rods for sale or hire. After a fruitful day of fishing, return to Briar Cottages to cook up a delicious feast or enjoy a barbecue on the patio.​
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Sailing, Loch Earn
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Fraser, motor powered rib

​Motor Boating ,Yachts and Ribs:
In addition to booking a piloted speed boat ride with the local water sports centre, or hiring a ffishing boat with Drummond Boat Hire, you can aslo arrange to launch a small boat from Briar Cottages slipway and there are two mooring buoys available. Consider how you would get from the buoy to the jetty or slipway after securing the boat.  It is imperative that you have adequate insurance "Every power-driven boat of 10hp (7.5KW) and over must be covered by 3rd party liability insurance" and read Loch Earn's safety code   

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Hot food or drinks after a swim? Little Briar kitchen
PictureSteading wood burner and access to the south facing patio
​
​After an exhilarating day of watersports, Briar Cottages offer the perfect retreat. Each cottage is exquisitely furnished, blending home-like comfort with charming touches and breathtaking southern views.  Unwind at Briar Steading by the cozy wood burner, indulge in a luxurious soak in the large bath or spacious walk-in wet shower room. Relax on your private terrace or from the comfort of your bedroom while taking in the stunning loch views. Briar Steading cottage sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms en-suite

At pet friendly Little Briar, light up the outdoor chiminea or BBQ in the expansive garden while your pet lounges safely on the see-through fenced patio. The partial awning provides shelter for everyone on sunny days or showers. A water hose is available to fill the dog drink bowls, cool them down or hose off any mud and grass after their walks and play time. Use the retractable clothesline to air out your wetsuit, ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. Little Briar cottage sleeps 3 plus 2 pet.

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Pet secure patio Little Briar
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Thistle sculpture lights up in the evening

​The Perfect Escape:
A stay at Briar Cottages on Loch Earn is more than just a holiday; it's an adventure waiting to happen. With unrivaled access to an array of watersports and the stunning beauty of the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, it's the ultimate destination for those seeking both relaxation and exhilaration.

Whether you're making memories with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion or embarking on a solo retreat, Briar Cottages and Loch Earn offer an unforgettable escape.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into a lochside adventure, embrace the excitement, recharge, and make your next holiday one to remember at Briar Cottages on the enchanting Loch Earn.

Contact: Kim Proven
www.stayatbriar.co.uk
Tel: 07917 416 497
Facebook@Briar Cottages
Short Term Letting License numbers Briar Steading - ST0072F and Little Briar - ST00073F 


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Stan The Stag, loch garden, sunset

Messing about on Loch Earn - Swim, fish, sail, paddle ...and beware the handsome men!

31/1/2022

 
We never tire of waking up to nature's swimming pool in Briar Cottages lochside garden, Lochearnhead village.
Boat moored, Loch Earn from Briar CottagesMoored boat, Loch Earn from Briar Cottages
Is it odd to be writing about water sports when there is 6 inches of snow outside? There is good reason. We can embrace the coming Spring season and look forward to all that it offers.   

Snow capped Stan Loch Earn
Snow capped Stan
8 inches of snow at Briar Cottages Lochearnhead
8 inches of snowfall Feb 2022
Loch Earn is an ancient and naturally beautiful place to live, visit and stay for a holiday. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy open water swimming, fishing and water sports. Spectator hobbies too. Guests can look out for seasonal ospreys, otters, yacht club regattas,  airplane flying club displays, para-gliders, sea planes, the odd military aircraft and not forgetting the ancient mythical creature Each Uisge that has the ability to shape shift in to a handsome man!
Aeromodelling  display Lochearnhead
Aeromodelling club visit Loch Earn
Wild Otter
Seasonal Wildlife - otter
Trout fishing, Briar Cottages jetty
Trout fishing from the jetty
We were delighted when The Loch Earn Wakeschool launched its services, 150 metres from our garden gates. A wonderful addition to the village and situated conveniently from an equipment hire shop under the Clachan Cottage Hotel. Very handy for a hot or cold drink and sustenance after messing about on the water. 
​
Kayak on Loch Earn
Kayak on Loch Earn
All age groups can hire kayaks, paddle boards and wet suits. 

How wonderful to witness so many people floating out on Loch Earn last summer, while others learned to water ski or booked doughnut rides during the school holidays.
​

Guest pet plaing in snowJax playing lochside in snow

​Guests and pets make use of our 250ft loch garden all year round.

Some 
 like to get their feet wet (we have attracted hardy November swimmers).



Many pets would spend all day swimming out to retrieve sticks and balls if they could.

Another popular pastime is observing and photographing Loch Earn and its changing light conditions from dawn to dusk.


Did you know that Loch Earn has a seiching tide? An unusual phenomenon shared with lakes Garda, Erie and Baikal.  Wind pressure blowing along the loch causes the water level to build up at one end. Water reaches one end then comes back again over a 16 hour period. Look at this link for a more detailed explanation on the physics of a tidal sieche.     ​

Open water swim race,  Loch Earn
Open water swim race for charity, Loch Earn
Open water swimming has really taken off as a physical and mental health sport that encourages fresh air and outdoor activity.

There has been an increase in the number of guests who bring  paddle boards and kayaks or canoes to the cottages making  use of our slipway and steel jetty. 

Some arrive with a small motor boat or yacht having sought permission to  use our slipway and mooring buoy. There is plenty of space to park a boat and trailer.

Loch Earn has a code of conduct.  That sounds very strict but the emphasis is on safety. The rules also serve as a reminder that land owners who live and work around the loch should be respected. You can.

For example, when open water swimming:
​
  • Always wear a brightly coloured swim cap and, if possible, use a swim safety device – these are brightly coloured inflatable bags which you can tow behind you whilst swimming.
  • Swim with at least one other person.
  • Where possible, use an escort canoe/kayak which can also display the alpha flag (international sign of diver in the water).
  • Always swim within your own capabilities and be aware of the effects of gradual chilling.
  • Check weather conditions before heading out..."

Iron Man and Woman training has taken place at Briar Cottages. Athletes in training made use of the loch, nearby NCR7 cycle tracks and local Munro's.

Jenny MacLaren, who once lived in Briar Cottage,  is said to have swum in Loch Earn every day before cycling up Glen Ogle to babysit in the early 1920's. Perhaps the original Iron Woman.

We have documents and books relating to Jenny's ancestors, the MacLaren families that lived at Briar Cottages over a 200 year period.  

​​
Putting at Briar Cottages
Fun Putting
Petanque at Briar Cottages Lochearnhead
Petanque Piste, Briar Cottages, Loch Earn

​Guests can also have lochside fun on land by playing petanque on our purpose built piste or trying their hand on the 6 hole fun putting lawn.  What a backdrop for lawn sports!
Caught on Loch Earn, TroutTrout caught from the garden, Loch Earn
 
​
​In addition to swimming and boating, guests can fish for trout from Briar Cottages garden from March 15th to October 6th. Bait and floats can be purchased from the village shop. A one mile stroll away.


Drummond Boat hire 2 miles east, enables guests to hire fishing boats and permits to fish out on the water. 


There is a sailing club on Loch Earn.  Witness colourful yacht sails as  competitors tack their way to the finish.  Race days and regattas are detailed on the clubs calendar here

Regatta Loch Earn Sailing Club
Loch Earn Sailing Club Regattas
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If earthly sights, sounds and activities on the water are not enough for you, then look out for Each Uisge. Loch Earn's very own water spirit. Said to have been chased by Fingal the Giant over the mountains from Killin. The supernatural water horse is the most dangerous water creature in Britain according to local folklore. The shape-shifter can manifest as a horse, pony or handsome man.

​Beware of any man with water reeds in his hair. Likely the water horse in disguise.  Never let the horse entice you to ride on its back. As soon as Each Uisge glimpses the loch with a mounted rider, its neck becomes adhesive and victims will be ridden in to the deepest part of the loch.  ​

Whether you want to stare at the water, fish for trout, paddle, jetty jump, swim or hunt for  handsome men with hair weeds, Briar Cottages gardens give you the perfect opportunity to mess about around Loch Earn
Lochside at Briar Cottages
Jetty jumping and paddle boards Loch Earn
Jetty jumping and paddle boards, Briar Cottages garden Loch Earn
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    Author Kim Proven. 

    Welcome to my blog on life around Briar Cottages. We invite you to share our experience living on the banks of Loch Earn either by booking  a holiday or short break here in any season or by keeping up to date with our news, stories and photographs depicting this stunning location and way of life within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park of Scotland. 

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Briar Cottages,
 Lochearnhead, Perthshire, Scotland, FK19 8PU  Tel: 01567 830 443  Mob: 07917 416 497
website: www.stayatbriar.co.uk  email: [email protected]  Short Term Let Licence Numbers ST00072F and ST00073F


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