River Ericht - lower section

It is not a secret, I moved to Blairgowrie priorly to be closest possible to the River Ericht. It upper sections, which I am visiting for years now I think are one of the nicest places to white water kayak in UK.

Yesterday was time to explore the lower section of the river. We started a bit down from the Blairgworie's road bridge, at the river right. Weather was quite warm, no major rain for couple of days now, with the water level (on SEPA gauge for Ericht @Craighall) 0.8. Standard spring, low-ish water level.

The whole stretch, till Coupar Angus, is about 11km long. First few are not giving you much time to warm up. You are straight away going through small rapids, plenty of meanders and you must navigate swiftly at time to avoid strainers. Inbetween, still near Blairgowrie, you should have a rest where water flow is gentle. Observe local beavers!

After 45 minutes we reached Kitty Swanson's bridge. It's being re-build now so probably when you will visit it will look different. It is also a good landscape and river changing moment. No more awaits from now on, only nice meanders. Also surrounding forest disappeared allowing you to enjoy the views of nearby Glens.

Soon also, 15 minutes further from the bridge, you should rich a confluence with the River Isla, from your left. Despite two rivers joining the flow is very slow now allowing time to gentle paddle, relax and enjoy the last stretch of the river. You will find here, mostly on the right, number of good spots for wild camping, away from fishermen, public and any roads or paths.

Coupar Angus bridge is impossible to be missed, with good egress points on both sides but better parking place for your car on the river left.
Overall Lower Ericht is a hidden gem of East Perthshire. You can truly enjoy your canoeing experience here and hopefully you will be back again. I know I will.

If you would like to try it or know more, just get in touch, happy o help:
info@outdoorexplore.org.uk 07904 324102 www.outdoorexplore.org.uk

Classic canoe skills on the River Ericht

River Ericht, East Perthshire is definitely my favorite canoe and kayak venue in this part of the country. Despite I mainly discovered the upper section and it's tributes when doing white water kayaking I think, the river is fantastic for touring too.

Blairgowrie, town located only 25min north from Dundee & Perth, provides great access and egress points to the river. You can also find free car parks, near the river, great places to eat, stay over night or have a refreshing pint after a great journey.

River Ericht has been a soul of this town for many, many years, helping to run the mills and bringing wealth and fame to Blairgowrie. Now all the mills are long time gone and the river is well under valued.

I am hoping to change it. Using the lower section of the river, starting near Tesco/Welton Industrial Estate, you can travel down and join River Isla, then River Tay and in 2-3 days time of mellow journey you can ended up in Broughty Ferry! This trip is really worth doing.

In the last few years a settlement of beavers is keeping well in Blairgowrie, which you might see if like getting up early. Few shallow parts of the river will be also


perfect for your canoe poling or lining skills. When you will reach River Isla, you can turn back again, creating a great full day of classic, trad, canoe skills. Otherwise you may want to stop by the road bridge near Coupar Angus. From there you could carry on for an hour or two and just before joining River Tay, there is another good access/egress point on the road A93.

So as you can see, this location and it's venue you can use in number of time, combing differently aimed trips and never get bored. Plenty of wildlife and fantastic view around will be a nice top up to a really good water features which you might expect. All access/egress points are very close so it's easy to shuttle, means more time for the journey. If you struggle with the shuttle, or wish to get more info (maps, borrow boats/kit, see more pictures) just get in touch. I am as always happy to help.

info@outdoorexplore.org.uk