Dunkeld
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Tucked away at the foot of thickly wooded hills you will discover one of Perthshire’s gems - the cathedral town of Dunkeld. And that’s not all!! Resting on the opposite bank of the River Tay is the Victorian village of Birnam.

Together the beautifully restored buildings and rich heritage are an inspiration for lovers of history, the arts and the great green outdoors.

Ecclesiastically Dunkeld represents a national landmark; it was proclaimed the first ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, by Scotland’s first king, Kenneth MacAlpin. The majestic ruin of the Cathedral still dominated Dunkeld today.

The only way to truly appreciate Dunkeld and Birnam is on foot; it is small, compact and so easily explored with something of interest round every corner.

The Cross in Dunkeld is a good starting point. The Atholl Memorial fountain at the centre of the cross was erected in 1866 by public subscription in memory of the 6th Duke of Atholl. From here a walk down pretty Cathedral Street leads out to Dunkeld Cathedral standing idyllically amidst lawns that sweep down to the River Tay. Today part ruin and part Parish Church the Cathedral features the splendid tomb of the notorious ‘Wolf of Badenoch’.

The brightly coloured ‘Little Houses;’ of Dunkeld were built in the early 1700s. In the 1950s they were beautifully restored to provide homes for local people and are now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). Another NTS property is the Ell Shop featuring the original ‘ell’ measure, just over a metre long, used for measuring cloth.

 On the other die of the cross visit the Museum of the Scottish Horse Regiment which is packed with memorabilia illustrating the history of this remarkable regiment.

For the adventurous one might consider off-road driving at the Dunkeld Hilton Activities Centre.

4 x 4 Driving School in Dunkeld

Alternatively a walk along Atholl Street will prove fascinating with a variety of specialist shops and restaurants. A riverside path provides excellent views of Dunkield Bridge, one of the finest achievements of Thomas Telford. Built in 1809 the seven arched bridge and its tollhouse can still be seen today.

Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle are very much at home here and are honoured with a special garden - The Beatrix Potter Garden. Beatrix Potter drew inspiration for ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ from childhood holidays spent along the banks of the River Tay.

If a keen walker your choice of walks is extensive. In the splendid woodland area of The Hermitage you will find the tallest tree in Britain. The walk to the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s centre at Loch of the Lowes is wonderful at any time of the year and a further extensive system in the ‘Dunkeld and Birnam Walks’ leaflet available from he Tourist Information Centre. Look in and let them show you the way.