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
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
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