Attractions in Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon

 

Highland Perthshire on

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Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon
Blair Atholl and Killiecrankie
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Strathtummel and Rannoch

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  The tay valley from aberfeldy and weem

Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon
Double click on any on the images below to enlarge!

 

Loch Tay.Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon are associated with Scotland’s ancient history and traditions. They are set in spectacular Highland scenery, far from the pressures of today’s bigAberfeldy Market. cities.  You will discover a totally different world with water sports, castles, gardens, biking, walks, food and music festivals: there is much to see and enjoy. Here we tempt you to come and explore this fascinating part of Highland Scotland. For information, call Tel:01887 820276 www.aberfeldy.co.uk


Castle Menzies Aberfeldy.

Castle Menzies - an outstanding example of a 16C “Z” plan Jacobite costumes, Castle Menzies Aberfeldyfortified house. The seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies & still owned by the Menzies Clan who were heavily involved in the turbulent history of the highlands, Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Stuart Pretender to the throne, rested for two nights in the Castle on his way to the Battle of Culloden in 1746. See the Menzies Claymore (sword) used by the Chief at the Battle of Bannockburn. One of the few castles still owned by a clan today, it has been renovated & restored to it’s original condition as at the time it was built in the 1550’s. 30 rooms on view. Why not try the Adult Highland Dress and Kids period costumes for your visit to the Castle? Today the castle is available for hire for weddings, ceilidhsJacobite Costumes Castle Menzies Aberfeldy & functions, in Castle Menzies Aberfeldy.the large Victorian Ballroom. Ghost Hunt tours available at night. Open 1 Apr to mid Oct Mon to Sat 10.30am - 5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm Adults £6, Conc. £5. Children £2. Family conc. available. Clan Museum/Gift Shop. Tea/coffee and biscuits. Walled garden. 1ml West of Aberfeldy on the B846.
PH.15 2JD. Tel: 01887 820982
www.menzies.com 


Dewar's World of Whisky, AberfeldyDewar’s World of Whisky. A whisky experience which will challenge your skills and senses, as it guides you through the extraordinary people, adventurous spirits and ground breaking innovations of Dewar’s. See a world first from 1898 - the first ever cinema advert made for a drinks product. Try out our interactive blending game and nosing table and see if you have the skills to be a Master Blender. Starting with a 10 minute introductory film in our atmosphericDewar's world of whisky.  Aberfeldy. theatre, move through a re-creation of Lord Dewar’s Edwardian study, a blending room, 1950’s advertising agency, finishing in the present day with our nosing table and brand display. Try a dram of Aberfeldy Single Malt or Dewar’s 12 before heading off for a guided tour of Aberfeldy distillery. Enjoy a light snack in our coffee shop. Open 7 days (closed Sun in winter). T: 01887 822010. PH15 2EB Follow signs for Aberfeldy. www.dewarswow.com


The Scottish Crannog Centre. A re-created Celtic loch-side woodland walk.The Scottish Crannog Centre. Five star heritage attraction featuring an authentic Iron Age loch-dwelling. Guided tours, exhibits, hands-on ancient crafts and activities. Dugout Canoe hire. Gift shop. Refreshments. Special events. Open daily 1st Apr-31st Oct. 10-5:30; last entry 4:30pm. Nov: Sat/Sun 10-4pm; last entry 3pm. Kenmore, Loch Tay, PH15 2HY  Tel. 01887830583 www.crannog.co.uk

 


The Courtyard at Kenmore, Highland PerthshireThe Courtyard, Kenmore - has created a unique shopping and eating experience on the shores of beautiful Loch Tay. The Deli and gift shop offer the finest of products sourced locally wherever possible as well as from much further afield. Spoil yourself with fresh deli produce, tempting ready meals, and local confectionery. The Taste of Arran Ice Cream has become renowned as the largest sugar cone in the area. We caThe play ground at the Courtyard at Kenmoren provide picnic hampers to your specification or have starter packs made up for your arrival. There is also an information point where our brochures and knowledge of the local area could prove invaluable to your stay in Highland Perthshire. Free parking which will allow you to enjoy the numerous walks that surround us, a play area for children, you will find us just over the bridge in Kenmore. Bring your camera! Open 364 days a year Tel 01887830756 contact henry@taymouthcourtyard.com or
 www.taymouthcourtyard.com
 


Cluny House Gardens. Strathtay.

Cluny House Gardens is a 6 acre Himalayan woodland garden,situated on a hillside overlooking the scenic Strathtay valley. See red squirrels! The aspect, climate and soil are ideal for growing Primulas, Meconopsis, Trilliums, Rhododendrons Lilies and many species of trees and shrubs. Open daily from March 1 to Oct. 31, 10am to 6pm. Adults £4.00, children under 16 free. Tel: 01887 820795 Signposted from the Weem and Grandtully junctions of Strathtay to Weem Rd. www.clunyhousegardens.com

 


Black Watch Memorial, Aberfeldy.The Black Watch (Am Freiceadan Dubh) is so named to distinguish it from regular troops who wore red uniforms (Saoghdearan Dearg - red soldiers). Six independant companies were raised in 1725. The Black Watch became the 42nd Regiment in May 1740 and mustered in a field on the northern side of Wade’s Bridge and Aberfeldy. Originally it only enlisted Highlanders, both officers and privates who favoured the Hanoverian cause. Memorial beside the bridge north of Aberfeldy. See The Black Watch paraded through Aberfeldy on it’s return from Afganistan in December 2009
On ‘You Tube’ www.bit.ly/dADOLy    www.helpforheroes.org.uk Help For Heros.
Help For Heroes - Support For Our Wounded is a vehicle through which the public can express their gratitude & respect for members of the Armed Forces who risk everything on our behalf. With your help, we have been able to designate over £34 million to support the wounded. However, long-term injuries need long-term solutions. We aim to supplement the available facilities and care so that those in rehabilitation get the very best facilities and treatment .


Bolfracks Gardens 2miles West of Aberfeldy.  PH15 2EXBolfracks Gardens. These beautiful gardens overlooking the Tay valley include a walled garden with borders of trees, shrubs and perennials and a burn garden with rhododendrons, azaleas, primulas, meconopsis, etc., in a woodland setting. With masses of bulbs in spring and good autumn colours, a must for all garden lovers. No dogs please. Open 7 days 10 to 6pm. Apr 1 to Oct 31. Admission £4.00, under 16s free.
2 miles West of Aberfeldy on A827
PH15 2EX www.bolfracks.com

 


Explore Aberfeldy Brochure

 

Explore Aberfeldy, the area's local tourism association, produces an informative Visitor Guide to the area, which is available to download from www.aberfeldy.co.uk or to pick up as a hard copy from various places around the area, or from Aberfeldy Tourist Information Centre The Square, Aberfeldy PH15 2DD 01887 820 276

 

 


 

The birks of aberfeldy made famous by robert burnsThe Birks of Aberfeldy inspired Robert Burns to write his poem of the same name after a visit in August 1787. The circular 1.5 mile path (allow 1.5 to 2hrs) follows the path alongside the Moness Burn. What you see today is the product of the past, not the recent past but of millions of years. Waterfalls are a feature of these hanging valleys where side streams drop down steep slopes into the main valley. From the centre of Aberfeldy, take the A826 road to Crief for 200yds. The Birks of Aberfeldy is on your right. Excellent leaflet and map available in the car park.

 


St marys church grandtully near aberfeldy

 

St Mary’s Church, Grandtully. Alexander Stewart of Grandtully endowed the church in 1533. The wooden ceiling is decorated with the coats of arms of families connected with the Stewarts of Grandtully. The main feature is a panel depicting a death scene and the last judgement. Free Entry. Historic Scotland. Off the A827 Aberfeldy to Ballinluig road at Pitcairn farm.

 


Croft moraig stone circle between aberfeldy and kenmoreCroft Moraig, ‘Mary’s croft’, is a stone circle comprised of eight standing stones in an oval setting at about 7m diameter followed by a second circle of twelve standing stones about 12m in diameter. Excavations in 1965 found pottery of local Neolithic origin dating to 300BC. Access through the gate into the field. Explanation plaques tell you the whole story. Situated on the left of the road just metres after the farm entrance. (See map on back page.)


A view down kenmore main and only streetKenmore. In 1572 a hostel (today's Kenmore Hotel see above) was built in Kenmore by Colin Campbell as he wanted an ale house more conveniently situated for himself and his family. In 1760 the distinctive cottages either side of the square were built and fourteen years later the Bridge over the Tay was built. Today the village reflects this distinctive style from over 200 years ago.


The weem parish churchWeem Village, ‘Cave’, existed in 1235 and was the centre of religious and economic importance for the whole area. The Weem Old Parish Church is one of a handful of surviving churches built between 1560 and 1620. Today it is the Menzies Mausoleum.

 


The fortingall yew tree in the church yardThe Fortingall Yew Tree is estimated as being between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. Acknowledged as Europe’s oldest tree. In 1769 the tree’s girth was 56ft (over 17 metres). Tradition has it that Pontius Pilate was born here whilst his father was on a mission from Ceasar to a Caledonii King. The Yew tree is in Fortingall church yard.
Open all year, free entry.


The ruined stone bridge in glen lyon

Glen Lyon, the ‘Crooked Glen of Stones’, is sometimes said to be ‘the most beautiful glen in the whole of Scotland.’ There is certainly a very distinct feeling when you enter this glen that you are somewhere very special.
The much photographed Ruined Stone Bridge on the opposite bank dates from the late 18thC. Carnban ‘White Cairn’ Castle was built in 1564 by the Laird of Glen Lyon. It had previously been the site of the home of the hated McNab who had terrorised the local tenants. When you reach Bridge of Balgie, take the road to Loch Tay up through the high mountain pass.

Manager/Senior Ranger Naturalist at Ben Lawers says "We run a programme of guided events in the summer on Ben Lawers. There is also a nature trail on the lower slopes and self-guided booklets are available from an automatic dispenser on site. This is an interesting short walk for those not wishing to go high on the hill." http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/94/
 


Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon / Blair Atholl and Killiecrankie / Dunkeld and Birnam / Pitlochry / Strathtummel a