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

It was our 2nd visit, but our first in Cow shed 2. And we loved it!! Warm, comfortable, welcoming, relaxing... everything we needed. The best bits - The warm welcome from Kirsty and Steve. The fact every detail is thought through. The peace and quiet- best sleep in months.


June 2026
The cottage was perfect well equipped and spotlessly clean. It was so peaceful but yet only a very short walk into Pitlochry or in the other direction to the enchanted forest. The owners Rita and Kenny were very friendly and extremely helpful the fresh flowers ,wine and shortbread were a welcome touch. It was just perfect for me, my husband and Dexter the dog and we would definitely return and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the cottage to anyone.


July 2022
Beautiful cottage in a stunning location which is very quiet but benefits from being within walking distance of all the local shops and restaurants. The property was spotless clean and very comfortable Highly recommend.


October 2023