Dunkeld is a pretty little Perthshire village that sits on the banks of the River Tay across from neighbouring Birnam. Dunkeld is well known for it’s exquisitly preserved square and surrounding streets, it’s cathedral and the Thomas Telford Dunkeld Bridge. Neighbouring Birnam is well known for it’s Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit connections.

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Attractions in Dunkeld

Visit the square in the middle of Dunkeld to be wisked back in time (if only it weren’t for the cars). Many of the well preserved houses are looked after by the National Trust for Scotland.

Visit the Cathedral. Once the center of Christianity in Scotland, Dunkeld Cathedral has a long and interesting history. There is a newer and an old section. Do make sure that you explore fully and you should find the grave of the Wolf of Badenoch, one of Scotland’s more colourful historical characters. The postition of the cathedral on the bank of the river is breathtaking.

Visit the Ospreys at Loch of the Lowes. A bird sanctuary with regularly returning ospreys, just outside Dunkeld on the road to Blairgowrie.

Music in Dunkeld

Birnam Institute
The Birnam Arts and Conference Centre in the Centre of Birnam often has live music as well as theatre and exhibitions.

The Taybank
The Taybank in Dunkeld has become the place to go in Perthshire for live folk music and impromptu sessions. Well worth a visit for the atmosphere, if not for a bowl of Taybank Stovies.

A few of the other hotels in Dunkeld and Birnam also put on live music and entertainment. Check locally.

Walking in Dunkeld

Walk round The Hermitage, near Dunkeld
Just across the A9 from Dunkeld lies the Hermitage. This pleasant forest walk follows the River Braan for a mile or so up the glen. This is another National Trust for Scotland Property

Walk from the Cathedral to the Dunkeld Hilton
This is another pleasant flat walk following the Riverside for around a mile upstream from Dunkeld. Stop at the hotel for afternoon tea on the terrace.

Walk the riverside on the Birnam Side
Walking downstream along the river on the Birnam side brings you to an old tree known as the Birnam Oak.

Walk up Birnam Hill
If you’ve got a half day to spare, a walk up Birnam Hill is a great way to gain some splendid views and get some exercise.

Rock Climbing at Dunkeld

Just north of Dunkeld, Polney Crag and Uper Cave Crag on Craig-a-Barns gives some good rock climbing. Polney crag dries quickly being south facing and exposed. More at: http://www.scotclimb.org.uk/dunkeld.shtml

Golf at Dunkeld

Dunkeld has a very enjoyable 18 hole golf course.

Dunkeld Fishing

There is a lot of fishing available around Dunkeld, notably on the River Tay and at Butterstone Loch.

Where to Stay in Dunkeld

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