River Ericht
The River Ericht runs close to the centre of Blairgowrie and takes its name from the Scots Gaelic word for `beauteous`! The banks of the river provide a delightful walk at any time of year with plenty of natural and historical interest en route. Heading north from the town centre there is a pleasant grassy picnic area and, for those wishing to experience the river at closer quarters, there is easy access to a number of refreshing, rocky pools! The route along the riverbank passes through pleasant mixed woodland to the Falls of Ericht, a narrow stretch of the river that incorporates Donald Cargill's leap - site of a daring feat by a 17th century Covenanter. For many years brave local people tried to emulate Cargill's feat - most were, however, unsuccessful and, failing to reach the safety of the opposite bank, fell into the icy waters of the river beneath! In an attempt to put a stop to this `game` (and to help the salmon get upstream against the strong current) a former Town Council dynamited and widened the river. So the `leap` you see today is much wider than in Donald's time.
Blairgowrie was once an important town in the jute industry and along the route there are a number of old mills as well as several derelict mill lades and weirs. Walkers can continue along the riverbank and extend their walk onto the nearby hill known as The Knockie. From here there are tremendous views across Blairgowrie and the fertile sweep of Strathmore.
Salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing is available on the River Ericht. Details from Blairgowrie Tourist Information Centre.
Contact
Blairgowrie Tourist Information Centre
River Ericht
Blairgowrie
Perthshire
PH10
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1250) 872960
Fax: +44 (1250) 873701
E-Mail: blairgowrietic@perthshire.co.uk
WWW: http://www.perthshire.co.uk
