River Earn

The River Earn rises at Loch Earn near St Fillans and flows east then south for about seventy-four kilometres to meet the River Tay near Abernethy. It passes through Strathearn, a broad valley of flat land that is sometimes flooded. The river is fast flowing with many shallow areas, and it is joined at Crieff by the Pow of Inchaffray. The Earn is recognised for its scenic upper section between Comrie and St Fillans, which is protected as a national scenic area. This part of the valley shows a strong contrast between highland and lowland landscapes. The hillsides carry rocky outcrops and patches of heather, bracken and grass, while the valley floor is framed by well-managed farmland and woodland. The river alternates between swift and calm stretches, bordered by open meadows or alder groves. Visitors can walk along the riverbanks at many points, including Lady Mary’s Walk beside Crieff. Fishing is also available on several stretches, managed by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board and local angling clubs. The River Earn Improvement Association works to protect fish stocks and has removed commercial netting from the river. Nearby stands the ancient Strageath Roman Camp, part of a chain of forts used during the Roman invasion of the north.