Birks of Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy £
Beautiful woodland walk with waterfalls that inspired Robert Burns — an easy circular route through a dramatic gorge near Aberfeldy.
Things to Do
Guides, attractions, and experiences worth travelling for
Your Essential Guide
Loch Tay sits in one of the most naturally rewarding corners of Scotland. Whether you're chasing Munro summits, paddling the loch at dawn, or just looking for a good pub with a fire — here's everything we think is worth your time.
Things To Do
9 Unique Places to Stay Around Loch Tay
Forget bland hotel rooms. The area around Loch Tay is home to some of Scotland's most imaginative places to sleep — from an underground hobbit house to dreamy lochside cabins with hot tubs. Here are nine worth booking.
Explore Loch Tay·12 February 2026
Directory
Activities & Attractions
Bookable experiences and places to visit around Loch Tay
Breadalbane Folklore Centre
Killin £
Local history museum housed in the historic St Fillan's Mill, telling the stories and legends of the Breadalbane Highlands.
Castle Menzies
Aberfeldy £
Magnificent 16th-century Z-plan castle, lovingly restored by the Clan Menzies Society — open for tours April to October.
Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
Aberfeldy ££
Whisky distillery tours and tastings just 20 minutes from Loch Tay — the home of Dewar's blended Scotch.
Fortingall Yew
Fortingall £
One of the oldest living things in Europe — an ancient yew tree estimated at 3,000–5,000 years old, in the peaceful Fortingall churchyard.
Historic Ally Tours
Stirling ££££
Bespoke and small-group Scottish cultural tours with BBC presenter Alistair Heather — history, music, whisky, and storytelling.
Killin Outdoor Centre & Mountain Rescue
Killin ££
Outdoor adventure activities including kayaking, gorge walking, and climbing — based in Killin.
Loch Tay Safaris
Killin ££
Guided boat tours and wildlife safaris on Loch Tay — see the loch from the water with expert local guides.
Loch Tay Sailing Club
Kenmore ££
Dinghy and yacht sailing on the beautiful waters of Loch Tay, with visitor sessions available from the Kenmore base.
Scottish Crannog Centre
Kenmore ££
Award-winning open-air museum with a reconstructed Iron Age crannog on Loch Tay — one of Scotland's best heritage experiences.
Taymouth Castle
Kenmore £
Grand Gothic Revival castle built for the Campbells of Breadalbane — currently being developed as a luxury hotel, with grounds occasionally accessible.
Must-reads
Essential Reading
In-depth guides to the best of Loch Tay
Culture
10 Stunning Lochs of Central Scotland You Need to Visit
Everyone knows Loch Lomond and Loch Ness, but central Scotland is scattered with dozens of lochs that are just as beautiful and far less crowded. Here are ten of the very best — from vast wilderness reservoirs to tiny hidden gems you can have entirely to yourself.
Explore Loch Tay·12 February 2025
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Attractions
Falls of Dochart Visitor Guide
The Falls of Dochart are one of Scotland's most spectacular and accessible waterfalls, cascading through the heart of Killin village at the head of Loch Tay.
Explore Loch Tay·10 February 2025
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Culture
Loch Tay in Film, Literature & Legend
Monty Python fought the Killer Rabbit here. James Bond's house was here. Robert Burns scribbled on a hotel wall. Pontius Pilate may — just may — have been born here. Loch Tay's cultural footprint is far bigger than most visitors realise.
Explore Loch Tay·10 February 2025
Things To Do
Top Things to Do Around Loch Tay
Explore the best things to do around Loch Tay, from walking and watersports to heritage sites, wildlife watching, and hidden gems in the Breadalbane Highlands.
Explore Loch Tay·1 February 2025
Things To Do
The Ultimate Guide to Killin
Killin is a vibrant Highland village at the head of Loch Tay, famous for the Falls of Dochart, outdoor adventures, and warm Scottish hospitality.
Explore Loch Tay·20 January 2025
Things To Do
The Ultimate Guide to Loch Tay
Discover the complete guide to Loch Tay — from stunning walks and watersports to cosy accommodation and world-class dining. Plan the perfect Highland escape.
Explore Loch Tay·15 January 2025
Adventures
On the Water
The loch is 14 miles of calm freshwater waiting to be explored
Fishing on Loch Tay
Loch Tay is one of Scotland's finest freshwater fishing destinations. From brown trout to salmon, here's everything you need to know about fishing the loch.
Read the guide
Watersports on Loch Tay
From kayaking and SUP to sailing and wild swimming, Loch Tay offers some of Scotland's best freshwater watersports in a stunning Highland setting.
Read the guide Mountain Tales
Tales from the Hills
First-hand stories from the mountains, glens, and ridges around Loch Tay. Written by those who know these hills best.
Mountain Tale
Chasing the Flower Moon on Ben Lawers
Mountain writer and photographer Alan Rowan recounts a magical night ascent of Ben Lawers to catch the Flower Moon and a perfect Highland sunrise — with a BBC Scotland film crew in tow.
Alan Rowan·15 June 2025
Mountain Tale
Running on Empty: A Day of Struggle on the Tyndrum Corbetts
Mountain writer Alan Rowan recounts a humbling day on the Corbetts above Tyndrum — when energy deserts you halfway up and every step becomes a battle on some of Scotland's steepest small hills.
Alan Rowan·1 November 2025
Mountain Tale
Perthshire's Hidden Gems: Why Size Isn't Everything
Mountain writer Alan Rowan makes the case for Perthshire's overlooked smaller hills — from Glen Almond to the shores of Loch Tay, these hidden gems pack a punch far beyond their modest heights.
Alan Rowan·15 October 2025
Mountain Tale
Shifting Moods on Snowy Cruach Ardrain
Mountain writer Alan Rowan describes a day of dramatic contrasts on Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean — from freezing fog to brilliant sunshine on snow-covered peaks above Crianlarich.
Alan Rowan·1 October 2025
When to visit
Seasonal Guides
Every season brings something different to Loch Tay
Loch Tay in Winter
Winter around Loch Tay offers snow-dusted mountains, atmospheric walks, cosy pubs with roaring fires, and a peaceful Highland escape.
Loch Tay in Autumn
Autumn around Loch Tay brings spectacular colour, the haunting deer rut, quiet trails, and some of the best photography conditions of the year.
Loch Tay in Summer
Summer at Loch Tay means long daylight hours, watersports, hill walks, outdoor dining, and festivals — the Highland's most vibrant season.
Loch Tay in Spring
Spring brings new life to Loch Tay — from lambing season and wildflower meadows to longer days perfect for walks, cycling, and early-season watersports.
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