Aberfeldy and Loch Tay
Perthshire, Scotland
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The Birks of Aberfeldy is a beautiful, wooded gorge walk, accessible from the main square, famous for its waterfalls and connection to Robert Burns, who wrote a poem inspired by the birch ("birks") trees and scenery.

 

Aberfeldy: Small Town, Big Adventure

Charming, vibrant, and full of character, Aberfeldy is a firm favourite among visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and culture. Surrounded by stunning Highland scenery, Aberfeldy and Loch Tay offers a rich mix of activities, attractions, and local experiences. Whether you’re into hiking, history, water sports, or browsing independent shops and galleries, there’s plenty to discover in and around this welcoming town.

First made famous by Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, today Aberfeldy is Scotland's first Fairtrade town and retailers and attractions throughout the area do their best to promote Fairtrade, organic and environmentally friendly products. Burns is celebrated with a statue at the foot of the Birks of Aberfeldy Walk. 

Wades Bridge (also know as Tay Bridge) is a historic, five arch bridge crossing the River Tay bulit in 1733. It is one of fourty such bridges built by General George Wade, and is the only one still in use today.

Just six miles west of the town, Loch Tay is the largest loch in Perthshire, framed by majestic mountains and hillside farms and cottages. As well as being the popular playground of sailors and watersports enthusiasts, the loch is home to 18 ancient dwellings called crannogs. Nearby to the north, Glen Lyon is often described as the longest and loveliest glen in Scotland, and has a wonderfully mystical atmosphere. 

We hope you enjoy exploring the area.

 
 
 
 
Things to See and Do in Aberfeldy & Loch Tay
With so much on offer, deciding where to start can be tough! Here are some of the top activities and attractions worth a visit:

The Birks Cinema

An integral part of Aberfeldy’s cultural scene, The Birks Cinema screens a mix of mainstream and arthouse films, alongside regular National Theatre and Met Opera broadcasts. Their programme of films and events changes everyweek so make sure to check their listings for the most up to date information.

Birks Cinema

Loch Tay

The nearby, breathtaking Loch Tay is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the loch offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and a variety of watersports. You can hire canoes, fishing boats, water trampolines, and more from Taymouth Marina. For those seeking relaxation, there’s even a lakeside sauna to unwind in after a day of adventure.

Snowy hills at Pitlochry dam.

The Scottish Crannog Centre

Located on Loch Tay, this interactive heritage centre offers a fascinating glimpse into life 2,500 years ago.

 

The award-winning reconstruction of an ancient loch-dwelling is popular with families and history buffs alike.

 

Discover more on a museum tour and get hands-on with demonstrations of ancient crafts.

Crannog Centre

Castle Menzies

One of the many castles in Highland Perthshire, Castle Menzies in Aberfeldy is a spectacular 16th-century fortress. Unlike many restored castles, it remains largely as it was built, allowing visitors to imagine its original rugged charm.

 

The entire castle is open to the public, making it a unique historic experience.

Castle Menzies

Bolfracks Estate and Gardens

Set on the banks of the River Tay, the Bolfracks Estate boasts stunning views, sprawling gardens, an organic farm, forestry, fishing spots, and abundant wildlife. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon walk or a day surrounded by nature.

Bolfracks Estate

Highland Safaris

At Highland Safaris, get up close with Scottish Highland wildlife, including Britain’s largest land mammal—the red deer, with tours led by knowledable, kilt-wearing Safari rangers!

You can also enjoy feeding and petting barn owls or try your hand at gold panning, hunting for semi-precious stones and fool’s gold to take home as a souvenir.

Highland Safaris

Dewars Distillery

Take a tour of this award-winning 1890s distillery. Visit to learn the history, heritage and story behind how they make Scotland's finest single-malt whisky.

 

There's a Whisky Lounge and Cafe, well stocked distillery shop, and public as well as private tours available.

Dewars Distillery

Loch Tay Safaris

Journey across the waters of one of Scotland's deepest loch. Surrounded by stunning and dramatic landscape, this is an area steeped in wildlife, history, myths and folklore.

Loch Tay Safaris

Swimming and Fitness

The Breadalbane Community Campus offers visitors swimming facilities, fitness classes, a gym, and ea climbing wall—great for keeping active during your stay. There's also spots to wild swim in the River Tay at Wades Bridge and in Loch Tay.

Breadalbane Swimming Pool
Shopping, Arts and Crafts

Aberfeldy’s independent shops offer everything from gifts to outdoor gear and local crafts.

Here are a few favourites:

Taymouth Courtyard Shop

A charming deli and gift shop featuring local Perthshire produce, handmade gifts, and souvenirs. This independent retailer showscases local produce, is a quintessential food faye emporium and Scottish Food hamper supplier.

Taymouth Courtyard

Fortingall Art Exhibition

Held every summer, this event features local artists and photographers, with all proceeds supporting the arts community.

It showcases paintings, photography, ceramics, furniture, sculpture, fused glass and jewellery created by circa 30 artists each year.

Fortingall Art Exhibition

Karelia House

A premier craft destination, set in stunning Highland Perthshire, near Kenmore, Aberfeldy.

It is a crafter's paradise, offering a vast array of yarn and fabric for sales, as well as being an authorised seller of Brother Sewing machines.

Karelia House
Three Lemons

Places to Eat

After a day of exploring, Aberfeldy offers plenty of unique cafés and restaurants:

  • Cow & Parrot: Offering a warm welcome, with friendly staff and a terrific selection of homemade pastries and specialist brews.
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  • Glen Lyon Coffee Store: Passionate, ethical coffee roasters serve up delicious brews, and a selection of goodies, in a funky, industrial setting. Always a great vibe and loved by locals and visitors alike. 
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  • Fitka Coffee Shop: A dog-friendly independent café serving homemade food, cakes, and coffees, with great vegetarian and vegan options—a perfect spot after a long walk.
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  • Three Lemons: A charming restaurant and bar known for its quality, affordable food—try one of their famous burgers or delicious pizzas.
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  • Thyme Bistro: Perched above Aberfeldy, chef-owner Paul Newman showcases local produce blended with global influences. With an onsite deli, this is the perfect spot for brunch, lunch and dinner.
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  • Taymouth Marina Restaurant: Enjoy stunning views over the water of Loch Tay and Drummond Hill while dining on locally sourced Scottish produce at the atmospheric Taymouth Marina.

Guest Reviews

One of my favourite places I've ever stayed. It's a beautifully designed space in a spectacular, quiet location with views and wildlife everywhere. Everything is clean and comfortable with special touches like heated floors, high quality linens, a powerful shower and a huge wood burner. Parking is right outside with easy access to the main road north and south. Such a great find!


September 2025
Perfect holiday home, perfect location and the property had everything you need. Lovely peaceful setting. Culic Brae just beautiful and over looking Ben Vrackie. The climb up to the summit of the Ben, with spectacular views and the best pub food at the Moulin Hotel when you complete your walk!


August 2025
Hi, Just to say we had a lovely stay at Faskally Cottage, it had everything we needed and more. We could not have picked a better week weather wise, the cottage was beautiful,


August 2022