The Little Loch Cabin's guide to the locality

Bridget
The Little Loch Cabin's guide to the locality

Neighbourhoods

Places to visit, things to do
Our next closest village, at the other end of the loch "Kenmore is a small village in Perthshire, which is a popular centre for activities on Loch Tay. This beautiful village is at the northern end of the14-mile long Loch Tay. It's great for activities on and around the Loch itself, such as sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, jet-biking, or for the more leisurely, fishing or golfing! There's a couple of local Hotels and The Courtyard restaurant, so plenty choice for eating out. And if you're looking to buy gifts or great fresh local produce, pop into The Courtyard shop. The main attraction is the Scottish Crannog Centre, one of the country's top heritage sites where you can discover what life was like over 2500 years ago! This reconstructed thatched wooden house is built on stilts over the water, with a gangway that would have been lifted up in the event of danger." NB the Crannog sadly burned down, but they've obtained a grant to build an entire village on the north side of the loch.
25 locals recommend
Kenmore
25 locals recommend
Our next closest village, at the other end of the loch "Kenmore is a small village in Perthshire, which is a popular centre for activities on Loch Tay. This beautiful village is at the northern end of the14-mile long Loch Tay. It's great for activities on and around the Loch itself, such as sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, jet-biking, or for the more leisurely, fishing or golfing! There's a couple of local Hotels and The Courtyard restaurant, so plenty choice for eating out. And if you're looking to buy gifts or great fresh local produce, pop into The Courtyard shop. The main attraction is the Scottish Crannog Centre, one of the country's top heritage sites where you can discover what life was like over 2500 years ago! This reconstructed thatched wooden house is built on stilts over the water, with a gangway that would have been lifted up in the event of danger." NB the Crannog sadly burned down, but they've obtained a grant to build an entire village on the north side of the loch.
One of our "go to" places "Aberfeldy is a pretty, lively town in Highland Perthshire. The town is situated on Scotland's longest river, the River Tay, and is home to The Birks of Aberfeldy, made famous by our national bard Robert Burns. Burns wrote a poem about The Birks in 1787 and you can follow the footpaths for 2 miles up to the Falls of Moness, where you will discover spectacular views! The town is also home to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery which is open throughout the year, why not pop in and take a tour and a dram? The heritage exhibition is well worth a visit where you can learn more about John Dewar & Sons. You can also enjoy the unique experience of Aberfeldy Watermill, a bookshop, café and gallery housed in a listed former watermill. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor adventures in this area. There are plenty local activity providers who can take you white water rafting, abseiling, gorge walking, canyoning, mountain biking or even a bungee jump!"
35 locals recommend
Aberfeldy
35 locals recommend
One of our "go to" places "Aberfeldy is a pretty, lively town in Highland Perthshire. The town is situated on Scotland's longest river, the River Tay, and is home to The Birks of Aberfeldy, made famous by our national bard Robert Burns. Burns wrote a poem about The Birks in 1787 and you can follow the footpaths for 2 miles up to the Falls of Moness, where you will discover spectacular views! The town is also home to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery which is open throughout the year, why not pop in and take a tour and a dram? The heritage exhibition is well worth a visit where you can learn more about John Dewar & Sons. You can also enjoy the unique experience of Aberfeldy Watermill, a bookshop, café and gallery housed in a listed former watermill. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor adventures in this area. There are plenty local activity providers who can take you white water rafting, abseiling, gorge walking, canyoning, mountain biking or even a bungee jump!"
Beautiful tourist town - loads of walks and things to do "Pitlochry is an excellent base for exploring Perthshire. Breathe in fresh air and stand back to admire the view, or delve into a whole host of outdoor activities in Perthshire's natural playground. Here traditional pastimes such as fishing, golf and walking stand side by side with more adrenaline-filled activities, such as bungee jumping and mountain biking. Enjoy a short break in Pitlochry where you could be nestled amongst the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire, alongside the refreshing greenery of the forests in spring, and transforms into a blaze of golds and reds come autumn. Why not plan a holiday in Pitlochry? Be pampered at a spa hotel, eat out in restaurants and cafés, browse shops for gifts and local crafts and enjoy a local tipple in a bar or pub."
54 locals recommend
Pitlochry
54 locals recommend
Beautiful tourist town - loads of walks and things to do "Pitlochry is an excellent base for exploring Perthshire. Breathe in fresh air and stand back to admire the view, or delve into a whole host of outdoor activities in Perthshire's natural playground. Here traditional pastimes such as fishing, golf and walking stand side by side with more adrenaline-filled activities, such as bungee jumping and mountain biking. Enjoy a short break in Pitlochry where you could be nestled amongst the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire, alongside the refreshing greenery of the forests in spring, and transforms into a blaze of golds and reds come autumn. Why not plan a holiday in Pitlochry? Be pampered at a spa hotel, eat out in restaurants and cafés, browse shops for gifts and local crafts and enjoy a local tipple in a bar or pub."

Our favourite cafes and restaurants in Killin

Opening hours WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY Open from 3pm Food served from 5pm – 8pm Great food, fabulous service and only 15 minutes from us Strongly advise booking
The Courie Inn
Opening hours WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY Open from 3pm Food served from 5pm – 8pm Great food, fabulous service and only 15 minutes from us Strongly advise booking
Really fabulous service; delicious home-made cakes ... oh and they do great lunches too! If you do some of the walks around Killin, this is the place to go to recharge.
Shutters Restaurant
Main Street
Really fabulous service; delicious home-made cakes ... oh and they do great lunches too! If you do some of the walks around Killin, this is the place to go to recharge.
Behind the Falls of Dochart Inn, this smokehouse produces and serves the finest whisky smoked salmon, both hot and cold. You can book a tasting session or just drop in to buy great food. They do magnificent hampers online too. Open 10:00 - 17:00 daily
15 locals recommend
Falls Of Dochart, Killin.
A827
15 locals recommend
Behind the Falls of Dochart Inn, this smokehouse produces and serves the finest whisky smoked salmon, both hot and cold. You can book a tasting session or just drop in to buy great food. They do magnificent hampers online too. Open 10:00 - 17:00 daily
Lunches and evening meals Great pub food, right next to the crowd-drawing Falls of Dochart. Strongly recommend booking ahead
8 locals recommend
The Falls Of Dochart Inn
Gray Street
8 locals recommend
Lunches and evening meals Great pub food, right next to the crowd-drawing Falls of Dochart. Strongly recommend booking ahead
Great views of the loch from the North side. Advise booking ahead. Opening hours Thursday – Monday, 12pm - late. Open 6 days a week from 1st July, 12pm – late. Closed on Tuesdays.
The Boathouse Kitchen & Bar
by
Great views of the loch from the North side. Advise booking ahead. Opening hours Thursday – Monday, 12pm - late. Open 6 days a week from 1st July, 12pm – late. Closed on Tuesdays.
Only 1.5 miles along the road from The Little Loch Cabin Lovely food, great setting - recommend the Bar over the restaurant. Please ensure you call and book in advance
Ardeonaig Hotel
Only 1.5 miles along the road from The Little Loch Cabin Lovely food, great setting - recommend the Bar over the restaurant. Please ensure you call and book in advance

Outdoor activities

5 star rating on Trip advisor and Visit Scotland Ok, we have to own up here; Outdoor Explore is run by our son-in-law Outdoor Explore is based in Blairgowrie. We explore the whole of Tay Country; from Loch Tay at Killin in Stirlingshire, following the River Tay and its tributes in Perthshire, to the North Sea coast of Dundee, Angus and Fife. Choose from touring KAYAKS, open CANOES, stand up PADDLEBOARDS, or handcrafted CORACLES.
12 locals recommend
Outdoor Explore
Balmoral Road
12 locals recommend
5 star rating on Trip advisor and Visit Scotland Ok, we have to own up here; Outdoor Explore is run by our son-in-law Outdoor Explore is based in Blairgowrie. We explore the whole of Tay Country; from Loch Tay at Killin in Stirlingshire, following the River Tay and its tributes in Perthshire, to the North Sea coast of Dundee, Angus and Fife. Choose from touring KAYAKS, open CANOES, stand up PADDLEBOARDS, or handcrafted CORACLES.
Our local store, you'll often see visitors carrying paddles or even kayaks along Main Street. Bike hire is very popular to explore the local routes. At Killin Outdoor you can hire mountain bikes, Canadian canoes and sit on top kayaks. Our hire season for kayaks, canoes and bikes usually starts at the beginning of April and finishes at the end of October. Of course this is all depending on the weather….. Our winter hires: crampons, ice axes, snow shoes and walking poles
Killin Outdoor Centre
Main Street
Our local store, you'll often see visitors carrying paddles or even kayaks along Main Street. Bike hire is very popular to explore the local routes. At Killin Outdoor you can hire mountain bikes, Canadian canoes and sit on top kayaks. Our hire season for kayaks, canoes and bikes usually starts at the beginning of April and finishes at the end of October. Of course this is all depending on the weather….. Our winter hires: crampons, ice axes, snow shoes and walking poles

Places to visit nearby

Right on our doorstep and can be part of a stroll around the loch head in Killin - definitely worth a visit The substantial and gloomy ruins of Finlarig Castle stand on top of a large wooded mound that rises to the north of the minor road that links the north end of the village of Killin to the west end of Loch Tay. Close by are the ruins of the Breadalbane Mausoleum
Finlarig Castle
Right on our doorstep and can be part of a stroll around the loch head in Killin - definitely worth a visit The substantial and gloomy ruins of Finlarig Castle stand on top of a large wooded mound that rises to the north of the minor road that links the north end of the village of Killin to the west end of Loch Tay. Close by are the ruins of the Breadalbane Mausoleum
Although, sadly the actual crannog building was destroyed by fire in June 2021, the museum and demonstrations continue and are well worth a visit. The team have recently obtained a grant to rebuild an entire crannog village on the north side of the loch. Walk in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artefacts; demonstrations of technologies, textiles, cooking and hands on ancient crafts, and take in the atmosphere from a log-boat by the loch.
39 locals recommend
The Scottish Crannog Centre
39 locals recommend
Although, sadly the actual crannog building was destroyed by fire in June 2021, the museum and demonstrations continue and are well worth a visit. The team have recently obtained a grant to rebuild an entire crannog village on the north side of the loch. Walk in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artefacts; demonstrations of technologies, textiles, cooking and hands on ancient crafts, and take in the atmosphere from a log-boat by the loch.
Know your Burns? This is a scenic walk, but can be a bit of a hike upwards. The Birks of Aberfeldy is a circular walk through mature mixed woodland on the western outskirts of Aberfeldy. Originally called the Dens of Moness, the birks (from the Scots for birch trees) overlook the Falls of Moness and lines the slopes of the Moness gorge. The Birks of Aberfeldy were named after a poem of the same name by Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, who penned The Birks o’Aberfeldie in 1787.
The Birks Of Aberfeldy
Know your Burns? This is a scenic walk, but can be a bit of a hike upwards. The Birks of Aberfeldy is a circular walk through mature mixed woodland on the western outskirts of Aberfeldy. Originally called the Dens of Moness, the birks (from the Scots for birch trees) overlook the Falls of Moness and lines the slopes of the Moness gorge. The Birks of Aberfeldy were named after a poem of the same name by Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, who penned The Birks o’Aberfeldie in 1787.

Yarns and Fabrics .. plus partner parking

Comrie Bridge By Aberfeldy PH15 2LS Open 10:00 - 16:00 Tuesday to Saturday If you're into sewing, knitting, crochet etc, this is a great place for browsing and gaining inspiration. Even better, it has partner parking, aka coffee and cake for those less interested. This is another venue for all our family and friends' visits. It can be included in a loop for Highland Safari and/or The Watermill Bookshop and cafe.
8 locals recommend
Karelia House Craft Centre
By
8 locals recommend
Comrie Bridge By Aberfeldy PH15 2LS Open 10:00 - 16:00 Tuesday to Saturday If you're into sewing, knitting, crochet etc, this is a great place for browsing and gaining inspiration. Even better, it has partner parking, aka coffee and cake for those less interested. This is another venue for all our family and friends' visits. It can be included in a loop for Highland Safari and/or The Watermill Bookshop and cafe.

Recommended eateries in Aberfeldy

If you like books, art and good food - this is the place to go Don't miss this; we bring all our family and friends here Booking is essential (these days) and you can choose which table too! We book the comfy seats in the corner window. Opening hours 10am – 5.30pm Sundays 11am – 5.30pm
39 locals recommend
Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop & Cafe
Mill Street
39 locals recommend
If you like books, art and good food - this is the place to go Don't miss this; we bring all our family and friends here Booking is essential (these days) and you can choose which table too! We book the comfy seats in the corner window. Opening hours 10am – 5.30pm Sundays 11am – 5.30pm
If you start the day with a good walk (or even if you don't) this is the place to go for a Full Scottish breakfast! Yum The cafe is only a part of the whole experience; check out the website for more info. Opening hours 9am – 4.30pm
54 locals recommend
Highland Safaris
B846
54 locals recommend
If you start the day with a good walk (or even if you don't) this is the place to go for a Full Scottish breakfast! Yum The cafe is only a part of the whole experience; check out the website for more info. Opening hours 9am – 4.30pm
Lunches and evening meals, broad menu, specialises in Mediterranean food - highly recommended Opening hours 12 noon – 9pm You need to pay in cash, and bring your own alcohol if desired Strongly advise advance booking
Checheks
7 The Square
Lunches and evening meals, broad menu, specialises in Mediterranean food - highly recommended Opening hours 12 noon – 9pm You need to pay in cash, and bring your own alcohol if desired Strongly advise advance booking
Lunches and evening meals Opening hours 12 noon – 3pm 5pm – 9pm Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays Make sure you call and book
17 locals recommend
Three Lemons
28 Dunkeld St
17 locals recommend
Lunches and evening meals Opening hours 12 noon – 3pm 5pm – 9pm Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays Make sure you call and book
Take-away only Opening hours 4.30pm – 7.30pm
The Plaice in Square
Take-away only Opening hours 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Don't be put off by the outside, the food is fab! Opening hours 12 noon – 2pm 5pm – 9.30pm Call ahead and book a table
KB's Italian Kitchen
25 Dunkeld St
Don't be put off by the outside, the food is fab! Opening hours 12 noon – 2pm 5pm – 9.30pm Call ahead and book a table
Not the place for a romantic meal for two as you might find yourself sitting next to other parties - but if you like Indian food, it is THE place to go. Opening hours 5pm – 10pm Closed on Tuesdays Strongly recommend booking ahead
11 locals recommend
Chillies
50 Dunkeld St
11 locals recommend
Not the place for a romantic meal for two as you might find yourself sitting next to other parties - but if you like Indian food, it is THE place to go. Opening hours 5pm – 10pm Closed on Tuesdays Strongly recommend booking ahead

Sightseeing

Scone Palace makes for a stunning visit and includes beautiful gardens and maze. With over 1000 years of history, it's the original home of the Stone of Destiny where Scottish monarchs were crowned..
108 locals recommend
Scone Palace
108 locals recommend
Scone Palace makes for a stunning visit and includes beautiful gardens and maze. With over 1000 years of history, it's the original home of the Stone of Destiny where Scottish monarchs were crowned..
Some of you might recognise this magnificent castle from various TV shows .... I'll leave you to guess which ones A 14th century courtyard castle in Doune, with a striking 100 ft high gatehouse and one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland
91 locals recommend
Doune Castle
Castle Hill
91 locals recommend
Some of you might recognise this magnificent castle from various TV shows .... I'll leave you to guess which ones A 14th century courtyard castle in Doune, with a striking 100 ft high gatehouse and one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland
This one's worth a day trip Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. In its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations.
321 locals recommend
Stirling Castle
Castle Wynd
321 locals recommend
This one's worth a day trip Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. In its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations.
Be sure to look up! This walk can be shorter or longer as you wish, it's mainly on track, level ground. This stretch of magical Perthshire forest was originally designed as a pleasure ground in the 18th century for the Dukes of Atholl. Douglas firs tower over the paths leading to the roaring Black Linn Falls, where the River Braan crashes down into the deep, foaming pools below. Overlooking the waterfall is the picturesque folly known as Ossian’s Hall, built in 1757 as the focal point in an extensive designed landscape. Decorated with mirrors, sliding panels and paintings, it has been refurbished to re-create the illusions of shock, surprise and amazement that were the aims of the folly’s original design. It makes a fine spot to contemplate the roaring, tumbling falls.
69 locals recommend
The Hermitage
Old Military Road
69 locals recommend
Be sure to look up! This walk can be shorter or longer as you wish, it's mainly on track, level ground. This stretch of magical Perthshire forest was originally designed as a pleasure ground in the 18th century for the Dukes of Atholl. Douglas firs tower over the paths leading to the roaring Black Linn Falls, where the River Braan crashes down into the deep, foaming pools below. Overlooking the waterfall is the picturesque folly known as Ossian’s Hall, built in 1757 as the focal point in an extensive designed landscape. Decorated with mirrors, sliding panels and paintings, it has been refurbished to re-create the illusions of shock, surprise and amazement that were the aims of the folly’s original design. It makes a fine spot to contemplate the roaring, tumbling falls.
Know your Shakespeare? The Birnam Oak is an iconic tree on the outskirts of the village and celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Birnam Oak and its neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are thought to the sole surviving trees of the great forest that once straddled the banks and hillsides of the River Tay. This forest is celebrated in Shakespeare's Macbeth as the famous Birnam Wood. The prophecy of Shakespeare's three witches did come true, with the branches of trees from great Birnam Wood, nearly 1,000 years ago, camouflaging the advancing army against Macbeth. It is believed that Shakespeare got inspiration for this section of `The Scottish Play` during a visit to Perth, Birnam and Aberdeen in 1599 as one of a troupe of comedians. The visit was arranged after King James VI sent a request for entertainers to Elizabeth 1.
Birnam Oak
Oak Road
Know your Shakespeare? The Birnam Oak is an iconic tree on the outskirts of the village and celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Birnam Oak and its neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are thought to the sole surviving trees of the great forest that once straddled the banks and hillsides of the River Tay. This forest is celebrated in Shakespeare's Macbeth as the famous Birnam Wood. The prophecy of Shakespeare's three witches did come true, with the branches of trees from great Birnam Wood, nearly 1,000 years ago, camouflaging the advancing army against Macbeth. It is believed that Shakespeare got inspiration for this section of `The Scottish Play` during a visit to Perth, Birnam and Aberdeen in 1599 as one of a troupe of comedians. The visit was arranged after King James VI sent a request for entertainers to Elizabeth 1.
Dunblane Cathedral is the larger of the two Church of Scotland parish churches serving Dunblane, near the city of Stirling, in central Scotland. The lower half of the tower is pre-Romanesque from the 11th century, and was originally free-standing, with an upper part added in the 15th century
19 locals recommend
Dunblane Cathedral
The Cross
19 locals recommend
Dunblane Cathedral is the larger of the two Church of Scotland parish churches serving Dunblane, near the city of Stirling, in central Scotland. The lower half of the tower is pre-Romanesque from the 11th century, and was originally free-standing, with an upper part added in the 15th century