Lochearnhead open water swim

Have you heard of the Loch Earn swim? We bumped into one of the participants yesterday who had travelled from Malta to take part. What a spectacle. A 6.5mile swim along the length of the loch from Lochearnhead village to St Fillans. It was a bit blowy on 13th September however each contestant had a boat re-hydrating and motivating them alongside. Our guests had an outstanding view from Little Briar Cottage. Today it was the 1 mile Crannog swim race. Contestants from junior to veteran start at the water sports activity centre in the village then swim out to the Crannog(now an island off the South side of the loch near Edinample Castle). They turn right to a yellow marker buoy then swim back to the start point. The water was flat calm with sunny spells and a high humidity. Perfect conditions. It was a good turn out with spectators cheering from the sides enjoying home baking,snacks and beverages at the water sports cafe. One of the spectators daughters had just arrived fresh from swimming to the west coast of Scotland from Carrick Fergus in Ireland arriving at Port Patrick 15 hours later! If you want to get into training for next years event in September then check out the website of "Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association", who foster and support open water swimming and have done for 122 years. They keep a calendar for local open swim events including Loch Earn. The deadline for entry is about a month before the race so there is plenty of time to plan and prepare. See: www.yeaaba.btik.com. Little Briar cottage guests are welcome to spectate or train from our garden on the loch using the slipway and jetty. You are guaranteed outstanding views, see www.stayatbriar.co.uk.