Dunkeld
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Tourist Information About Dunkeld and Birnam
Accommodation In Dunkeld | How To Get To Dunkeld | Food and Drink in Dunkeld
Twelve miles north of Perth is the attractive village of Dunkeld, standing right on the Highland line. Dunkeld is surrounded by beautiful scenery offering excellent walking opportunities, details of which are available from the Tourist Information Centre at The Cross, Tel. 727688, in the heart of the village. All year round: Apr-Jun, Sep and Oct Mon-Sat 0930-1730, Sun 1100-1600; Jul and Aug Mon-Sat 0900-1830, Sun 1100-1700; Nov and Dec Fri-Mon 1000-1600.
Phone code: +44 (0)1350
Cathedral
It's definitely worth making a stop here, if only to admire the cathedral, in the most idyllic situation on the banks of the fast-flowing, silvery Tay. Half of it is still in use as a church and the other half is in ruins. The oldest part of the cathedral is the 14th-century choir, which now forms the parish church, while the 15th-century nave and tower are also still standing. Much of the original was damaged during the orgy of ecclesiastical destruction that accompanied the Reformation. It was damaged again in the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689, fought between supporters of the protestant William of Orange and the Stuart monarch James VII. Apr-Sep 0930-1830 (HS). Free. On your way to the cathedral you'll pass a collection of lovely little whitewashed cottages, beautifully restored by the National Trust of Scotland (NTS). More details are available at the Ell Shop nearby.
Beatrix Potter Exhibition
Across the bridge from Dunkeld is Birnam, made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth, though the play's protagonist was in reality a very different character from the evil villain portrayed by the Bard. Birnam was the inspiration for another famous literary figure, Beatrix Potter, who spent her childhood summers here. Visitors can explore the origins of the Peter Rabbit stories at the Beatrix Potter Exhibition. Daily 1000-1700. Free. Tel. 727674.
The Hermitage
A short distance north of Dunkeld on the A9 is the turning to The Hermitage. A marked woodland walk starts from the car park and follows the river Braan to the Black Linn Falls, overlooked by Ossian's Hall, an 18th-century folly built by the Duke of Atholl. It's a lovely spot, which has inspired the likes of Wordsworth and Mendelssohn. Further on is Ossian's Cave. Buses to Pitlochry stop at the turning for The Hermitage.
Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre
A few miles northeast of Dunkeld, off the A923 to Blairgowrie, is the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. There's a hide with binoculars for viewing a pair of ospreys which breed here and which can be seen on the loch from early April to early September. Apr-Sep daily 1000-1700; £2.50, £1.50 concession.Tel. 727337.
Self Catering Cottages in Dunkeld
- Osprey Cottage Sleeps 4
- The Coach House Sleeps 4 - 6
- Stable Cottage Sleeps 2 - 4
- Laundry Cottage Sleeps 4 - 6
- Dunmore Bothy Sleeps 2