Aberfeldy and Loch Tay

Aberfeldy & 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:

Snowy hills at Pitlochry dam.

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.

Breadalbane Swimming Pool

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.

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

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.

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.

Map view of Aberfeldy & Loch Tay Self Catering Properties

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Guest Reviews

Great accommodation, close to the town centre and a lovely week in Pitlochry. A fabulous week playing in the Ladies Highland Golf Open., with incredible weather.


July 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our time here in beautiful Pitlochry! The home is right in town so you can just walk out the door to shops and eateries. Also walkable to a grocery store. The space is very comfortable and clean. Thanks for a great stay! P.S. we loved that the building used to be a bank and they kept the vault door into the (now) utility room.


August 2025
Our third visit to Lettoch Beag was as satisfying as always. Lovely accommodation and warm hospitality from Kirsty and Steve. We went to an event at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre Winter Words Festival. We’ve always loved going there but Alan Cumming’s programming and involvement is transforming the place.


February 2026