Mills of Earn

The Mills of Earn near Auchterarder is one of those sites that rewards a bit of digging - literally and figuratively. What you're looking at are the remains of medieval mills that once powered the local economy along the River Earn, with evidence suggesting they go back centuries. The archaeology here tells the story of how ordinary people lived and worked, not just the grand estates you see dotted across Perthshire.

It's not a showy attraction with visitor centres or reconstructed buildings. You're essentially exploring field remains and earthworks, which means you need to arrive with some historical imagination already switched on. History enthusiasts and archaeology students will find genuine value here, but families after a quick photo opportunity might feel underwhelmed within twenty minutes. Walkers doing longer circuits through the Earn valley will find it a worthwhile detour though.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted - there's no formal site infrastructure to speak of, so come prepared for muddy paths and bring good maps or a GPS. Spring and early summer are best when you can actually see the ground clearly without overgrown vegetation obscuring the remains. Allow an hour if you're genuinely interested, half that if you're just passing through.

Staying at Broadslap Farm or Braidhaugh Holiday Lodge puts you within easy driving distance, making this a solid addition to a broader Perthshire archaeology trail. Combine it with walks along the river itself for a proper afternoon out.