Loch Earn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Earn |
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 Loch Earn
Location in Stirling
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| Location | Perth and Kinross |
| Coordinates | 56°23′14″N 4°12′09″W / 56.3873°N 4.2025°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | River Earn |
| Max. length | 10.46 km (6.50 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.965 km (0.600 mi) |
| Surface area | 946.7 ha (2,339 acres) |
| Average depth | 138 ft (42 m) |
| Max. depth | 287 ft (87 m) |
| Shore length1 | 22.7 km (14.1 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 97 m (318 ft) |
| Islands | Neish Island |
| Settlements | Lochearnhead St Fillans |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Loch Earn is a beautiful freshwater loch (which is the Scottish word for lake). You can find it in the southern highlands of Scotland. It sits partly in Perth and Kinross and partly in Stirling.
The name "Loch Earn" might mean "Loch of Ireland." Some people think this name came from a time when the Gaels were expanding their kingdom into Pictland. You can find Loch Earn using GPS with postcodes like PH6 2NL.
Contents
Exploring Loch Earn's Geography
Loch Earn is a long, narrow loch. It is about 10.5 kilometres (7 miles) long. At its widest, it is about 1.2 kilometres (¾ mile) across. The deepest part of the loch is about 87 metres (285 feet) deep.
Villages and Waterways
The village of Lochearnhead is at the western end of the loch. At the eastern end, you'll find the village of St Fillans. From St. Fillans, the River Earn flows eastwards. It travels through an area called Strathearn. Eventually, it joins the Firth of Tay, which is about 75 kilometres (50 miles) away.
Fun Activities on the Loch
Lochearnhead is a popular spot for water sports. You can enjoy water skiing, canoeing, and sailing here. The loch is also a great place for fishing. It is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. You can fish from the shore or from a boat if you have a permit.
Landmarks Around the Loch
South of Loch Earn, you'll see Ben Vorlich. This mountain is shaped like a pyramid and is 985 metres (3232 feet) tall. It is a popular climb, and the views from the top are amazing!
Close to Lochearnhead, on the south side of the loch, is Edinample Castle. This old castle was built in 1584. Further east, you'll find Ardvorlich House. This house has been home to the Stewart family since 1580.
The Loch's Unique "Sloshing" Effect
Loch Earn is special because it has its own "tidal system." This is called a seiche (pronounced "sesh"). It happens when strong winds blow along the loch. The wind pushes the water, making the level rise at one end.
When the wind stops, the water sloshes back to the other end. This movement creates a gentle rocking motion. It takes about 16 hours for the water to slosh from one end and back again. This movement helps mix the warmer water on top with the colder water deeper down. Other large bodies of water that have this seiche effect include Lake Geneva and the Great Lakes.
Famous Visitors to Loch Earn
Many people have enjoyed the beauty of Loch Earn over the years.
Artists and Musicians
In August 1906, the artist Edith Holden visited the loch. While cycling along the north side, she noticed some of the most beautiful larch trees she had ever seen.
In October 1964, the famous band The Beatles stayed at The Four Seasons Hotel in St Fillans. They stayed in chalets that looked out over Loch Earn. They even went boating on the loch!
