We never tire of waking up to nature's swimming pool in Briar Cottages lochside garden, Lochearnhead village.
Moored 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 |  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 club visit Loch Earn |  Seasonal Wildlife - otter |
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
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.
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.
Jax 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 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:
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.
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.
 Fun Putting |  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!
Trout 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
Loch Earn Sailing Club Regattas
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
Jetty jumping and paddle boards, Briar Cottages garden Loch Earn
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