22 Amazing Things To Do In Aberfeldy and Kenmore
Aberfeldy is a lively pretty town located near the banks of the River Tay in Highland Perthshire.
One of the notable attractions in Aberfeldy is the Birks of Aberfeldy which was made famous by Robert Burns. Additionally, Aberfeldy is in a prime location near other Highland Perthshire villages including Kenmore, Killin and Dull.
Exploring this part of Perth and Kinross is ideal for adventurous travellers. Also, exploring villages in Perth and Kinross is perfect for a staycation in you live in Scotland.
In addition, the area has historic castles and distilleries. If you want to enjoy the brilliant outdoors, there are waterfalls, geological formations, lochs, hills and Munros to explore.
The points of interest below are listed in chronological order to guide you successfully through the beauty of the Highlands of Perthshire.
Aberfeldy Accommodation: Brae House, Rannoch Lodge Aberfeldy, Moness Resort, Balnearn House
Falls of Moness and Birks of Aberfeldy
To view the falls you can complete a beautiful nature walk that stretches through woodlands of birch, oak and pine. First of all, you start at the upper Aberfeldy car park.
Then, follow the clearly marked paths through the woodland until you will come across a Robert Burns statue and Burns Cave. The Burns Cave is said to be the place where Robert Burns was inspired to write his famous poem at the Falls of Moness.
Afterwards, you can follow the boardwalk to reach the Upper Falls of Moness. The bridge stands above the 150 metres drop into the gorge below so you can admire the roaring white water in the gorge below.
Recently, I completed the 3.5km loop which took me one hour to complete.
Aberfeldy Watermill
Aberfeldy Watermill is a lovely ex-oatmeal mill which has been redeveloped into a bookshop, gallery and café. The bookstore has quite a reputation and has been listed in the New Yorker’s book of the 75 great bookstores in the world.
In addition, Aberfeldy Watermill contains a wide range of famous Scottish nonfiction and fiction novels, as well as a children’s section and a variety of Scottish local interest resources including maps and walks.
Upstairs is home to a remarkable art gallery, including a small area displaying the history of the museum. Also, you can find a few unique gifts.
Visitors can relax downstairs in the small dining area. There are comfy chairs where you can enjoy a soup and coffee. There is a good range of home bakes that are locally produced.
In addition, the small menu has delicious vegan and vegetarian options included. The last time I visited it was a lovely atmosphere with live music.
Aberfeldy Parish Church
Aberfeldy Parish Church stands quite proudly behind the main street of Aberfeldy. The spire caught my eye and the church looked great against the rolling mountains in the background.
Splash White Water Rafting
Splash White Water Rafting is perfect for adrenaline seekers. You can experience the River Tay from a different angle by white water rafting down the rapids.
Excursions include ‘Zoom Flume’, ‘The Washing Machine’ and ‘The Grandtully Rapid’. In addition, there are other great experiences to try including standup paddle boarding, abseiling and paint balling.
The tour guides are knowledgeable, fun and very experienced. Also, they are so good at getting everyone involved so if you are a complete beginner or if nerves are getting the better of you, do not worry. You are in safe hands.
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery
You know the famous Dewar’s Whiskey, well, it is made here in Aberfeldy. The distillery provides Aberfeldy tours, Cask Tasting tours, Connoisseur tours, Whiskey and Chocolate tours.
In addition, you have the opportunity to learn so much about types of whisky, single malts and blended.
As well as tours, there are excellent exhibitions that display how the extra smoothness of the whiskey is achieved. Also, you can relax in the welcoming café and Whiskey Lounge, enjoy the splendid whiskey tasting or fill your own bottle from the hand-selected casks.
The Birks
The Birks is a cinema which showcases the latest movies. Also, you can head to The Birks to watch theatre, opera and ballet performances.
As well as a comfortable theatre room, there is a café where you can buy food and refreshments. The café is where you can go to enjoy live music.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is the biggest and most popular park in Aberfeldy. The park involves a play park, bowling green, golf course and tennis courts.
There are excellent views across across the River Tay and to the wider countryside.
Black Watch Memorial
This monument is massive and is shaped like a large cairn. The monument stands on the outskirts of Victoria Park, next to River Tay and Wade Bridge.
The monument was erected as a remembrance to the Black Watch Regiment. At the top of the statue is Private Farquhar Shaw wearing the full Black Watch Regimental.
Wade Bridge
Wade Bridge is one of the 35 remaining bridges that were constructed by General Wade. The bridge connects Aberfeldy to Weem.
Castle Menzies
Due to a fire at Comrie Castle, the Castle Menzies was built as a replacement in 1488. The castle represents an immense and turbulent history.
Notable points include occupation by Cromwell’s forces in the 1650s, the Jacobites uprising in 1715 and it was used as a place to stay for Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746 before the Battle of Culloden.
Previously, Castle Menzies was a ruined castle, and it has been somewhat restored by the Menzie Clan Society. Restorations began in the 20th century.
Walking around the castle is extremely authentic as everything is stripped back to stone walls and timber frames. The best thing is you can view this castle without a tour guide and go at your own pace.
Nowadays, Castle Menzies is open to visitors as there is a museum to explore. In addition, the venue is available for weddings and concerts.
All proceeds go to the maintenance and restoration of the castle and gardens. Menzies Castle is a lovely castle located in Perthshire.
Dull
Dull is a very small village, only containing a row of houses with a population of 85 people near Aberfeldy. Interestingly, the small village is paired with Boring, Oregon, USA and Bland, New South Wales, Australia.
However, despite the name it is surrounded by some jaw-dropping scenery. There is a perfect Instagram selfie opportunity at the Dull Road sign.
You can get the cheesy Instagram captions flowing. Make sure to engage with the locals when you are there, they do enjoy some Dull conversations.
Nearby Accommodation: The Steading
Highland Safaris
Highland Safari offers cruises along the River Tay, Land Rover Safaris along mountains, forests and 4×4 off road driving. There is a wide range of activities including axe throwing.
On the safaris you have a chance to watch the local wildlife including red deer, owls, roe deer, red squirrels and grouse.
Fortingall Yew Tree
Fortingall Yew Tree is known to be one of the oldest ancient European trees in Britain. Experts estimate that the tree is between 2,000 and 3,000 years old.
Others estimate that it can be as old as 9,000 years old. The Yew Tree is located in the churchyard of a small village called Fortingall.
Fortingall itself is a small cute village with lots of character. There are some thatched cottages which are unusual for mainland Scotland.
Also, the lovely little churchyard has so much history. It is a good wee stop to appreciate the simplicity of what it stands for.
Fortingall Accommodation: The Salmon House
Drummond Hill and Black Rock Viewpoint
To walk up Drummond Hill you can park at Mains of Taymouth Car Park. At the car park, there is an information board which will display two paths to choose from.
The whole route is 7 km long and will take one and half hours to two hours depending on your walking pace.
Black Rock Viewpoint is a lookout over Loch Tay and the huge grounds of Taymouth Castle. The view is outstanding!
Kenmore
Kenmore is a small village in the heart of Scotland located six miles outside Aberfeldy. It is located perfectly on the banks of the Loch Tay which flows into the River Tay in the north.
The small settlement will make you feel like you have travelled back in time, you can admire some of the oldest buildings in Scotland including the Post Office and Inn.
Kenmore Accommodation: Chefs Cottage, Taymore Lodge, Mains of Taymouth Country Estate
Loch Tay Beach
Loch Tay Beach is located on the east shore of Loch Tay. From the beach there is great views of the Tay Marina and Ben Lawers in the distance.
In the summer, the small beach is bust with people playing in the water. It was nice to sit here, admire the views and enjoy a picnic.
Scottish Crannog Centre
The Scottish Crannog Centre is one of Scotland’s top heritage sites. The site features a reconstruction of an Iron Age Crannog perched on stilts above Loch Tay.
Interestingly, Crannogs originate from the Gaelic word ‘Crann’ which roughly translates to trees. It was fairly common to live in Crannogs before the 1600s.
Crannogs used to be popular on Loch Tay, Loch Earn and Loch Awe. The centre is very interesting as it illustrates what life was like in area 2,500 years ago.
Falls of Acharn
To get to the falls you can park in the Acharn village. There is a space on the west side of the burn.
The Falls of Acharn can be visited as part of a circular walk from Acharn.
In addition, there is a sign opposite a beautiful cottage indicating the start of the circuit. The alluring falls are viewed through the Victorian Hermits Cave’.
Interestingly the cave was built in the 1760s and has been visited by the famous poet, Robert Burns. Be aware there is a short steep walk to the ‘Hermit’s Cave’
Stepping through an archway you will receive magnificent views of the falls, where the water plummets down for 20 metres.
The upper falls, weirdly sculpted rock formations and pools can be viewed from wooden platforms further on closer to the waterfall. Make sure you do not miss it.
Tomnadashan Mine
The site will be recognised by Monty Python Fans. However, for those who are not aware of the Monty Python World, Tomnadashan Mine is a failed attempt of a working mine which was built to harvest gold, copper and sulphur back in the 19th Century.
Falls of Dochart
Next, you can continue driving to the west side of Loch Tay. The Falls of Dochart is located in Killin, a small community in the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
The Falls of Dochart is a gentle waterfall which is a lot lower and less dramatic than the other falls that I have mentioned.
However, it is an excellent setting for a cuppa or a beer. There is a good choice of places to eat in Killin.
Finlarig Castle
As you drive out of Killin and on the opposite side of Loch Tay you will come across the eerie ruins of Finlarig Castle. Finlarig Castle is one of the prehistoric castles built in the 16th century.
Which was perfectly positioned as a defensive site overlooking Loch Tay. Be aware of the ruins as they are not safe so any visitor should tread carefully.
Some parts of the castle are recognisable however, other parts are a pile of stone.
You can almost recognise the old cellar, staircase and the beheading pit. The whole site is teeming with mystery.
Killin Accommodation: Craiglea Thistle, Capercaillie, Waterfall Lodge
Aberfeldy Munros
Schiehallion
The Braes of Foss car park is only a twenty-minute drive from Aberfeldy. Also, the Schiehallion is a straightforward mountain peak and is well known for its conical shape.
The whole route is 10 kilometres and will take five to six hours depending on your ability. If you are not an experienced walker but you want to bag a Munro on your Scottish trip.
Then I suggest the Schiehallion as it is one of the easier options to get started.
Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas
Ben Lawers is the tenth highest Munro in Scotland. The height of Ben Lawers is 1,214 metres and it is the peak of the mountain range that looks onto Loch Tay.
There is a car park that is quite high up, which gives you more of a reason to do it. Also, the area is a National Nature Reserve run by the National Trust Scotland to prevent erosion in the area.
Therefore, as the area is protected you will have to pay for parking which goes towards conservation.
Beinn Ghlas actually climbed first on route to Ben Lawers. Many people do not realise this when they undertake the route.
The peak stands at 1, 103 metres. Interestingly, Beinn Ghlas roughly translates to green-grey mountain.
If you are a more experienced walker you can tick off more Munros on this circuit. The other peaks include An Stuc, Meall Garbh and Meall Greigh.
These peaks surround a Corrie known as Lochan nan Cat. Also, there are more additional peaks in this area including Meall Corranaich and Meall a’Choire Leith.
Aberfeldy Weather
Like most of Scotland the weather can be unpredictable at times. Scotland is known for a maritime climate with cool winters and mild summers.
Make sure you have packed sunscreen, warm clothes, good footwear and a waterproof jacket because you never know what to expect.
Kenmore, Killin and Aberfeldy look completely different depending on the season. In the winter, the surrounding mountain peaks will be covered in snow and the lochs are frozen over.
However, in the Autumn all the leaves on the trees are changing to a bright orange colour making everything you see suitable for a Instagram photo.
Then in the summer, it is warmer, the nights stretch out and the sunsets are as late as 10 pm at night. Therefore, all times of the year are suitable to visit Scotland as all seasons bring some magic to the atmosphere.
Aberfeldy and Killin Restaurants
The Tay, Aberfeldy
The Tay is a lucky find and it is perfect for a lunchtime or brunch snack. In addition, the paninis are huge with a large selection of fillings. It is definitely a great local find in Aberfeldy.
Falls of Dochart Inn, Killin
The Inn is opposite the Falls of Dochart. Inside of the pub it is just so cosy, there is an amazing large open fire.
Also, the interior is charming with bare stone while being furnished with contemporary country furniture.
Most importantly, the menu is delicious, the food is fresh and flavoursome and the portions are excellent value for money. So make sure you take a break here.
The Habitat
The Habitat is a south facing café in the central square of Aberfeldy. There is an excellent choice of sandwiches and soups which have been made from locally sourced ingredients.
The Fountain
The Fountain is a restaurant in the main square which overlooks a fountain. This restaurant offers informal family dining with a warming and welcoming atmosphere.
Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters
For a delicious cup of coffee head to Aberfeldy Business Park. Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters have been producing coffee for the past decade.
Pair your coffee with a nice pastry and enjoy on your walk around Aberfeldy.
Final Note
The Highlands of Perthshire have one of the most scenic landscapes in Scotland. There are so many hidden gems in the remote villages of Perthshire.
As displayed in this post, there are so many things to do that travellers can do which will make your trip to the highlands so magical.
From adrenaline rushing activities such as water rafting, to Munro bagging and to sitting with a cosy cuppa in the best wee bookshop in Scotland.
You will not be bored in this small part of the world. Perthshire can be enjoyed on the long-distance route called the Heart 200.