£ Birks of Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy
Beautiful woodland walk with waterfalls that inspired Robert Burns — an easy circular route through a dramatic gorge near Aberfeldy.
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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.

Forget bland hotel rooms. The area around Loch Tay is home to some of Scotland's most imaginative places to sleep — from an underground cave house voted one of the UK's best to a riverside cottage in Killin with a roll-top bath and hot tub. Here are nine worth booking.
Voices we admire writing about the places we love. Original stories and photography from mountain writers, local experts, and adventurers.
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
munromoonwalker.com
Must-reads
In-depth guides to the best of Loch Tay

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.

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.

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 the best things to do around Loch Tay, from walking and watersports to heritage sites, wildlife watching, and hidden gems in the Breadalbane Highlands.

Killin is a vibrant Highland village at the head of Loch Tay, famous for the Falls of Dochart, outdoor adventures, and warm Scottish hospitality.

Discover the complete guide to Loch Tay — from stunning walks and watersports to cosy accommodation and world-class dining. Plan the perfect Highland escape.
Adventures
The loch is 14 miles of calm freshwater waiting to be explored
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
From kayaking and SUP to sailing and wild swimming, Loch Tay offers some of Scotland's best freshwater watersports in a stunning Highland setting.
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Ben Lawers is the highest peak in the southern Highlands, famed for its arctic-alpine plants, stunning views, and rewarding hill walks for all abilities.

Whether you're a road cyclist tackling the 35-mile loch loop or a mountain biker exploring forest tracks, Loch Tay offers some of Scotland's finest cycling.

Perthshire likes to call itself 'Big Tree Country', which makes it sound like a forestry brochure. But behind the marketing sits one of the most historically strange, geographically fascinating, and culturally rich counties in Scotland. Here are seven things you almost certainly didn't know.

Breadalbane — the ancient Highland territory centred on Loch Tay — has a tourist trail, and it's a good one. But the best things here aren't on any trail. They're down unmarked side roads, behind unlocked gates, and at the end of tracks that look like they go nowhere. Here are eight of them.
When to visit
Every season brings something different to Loch Tay

Winter around Loch Tay offers snow-dusted mountains, atmospheric walks, cosy pubs with roaring fires, and a peaceful Highland escape.

Autumn around Loch Tay brings spectacular colour, the haunting deer rut, quiet trails, and some of the best photography conditions of the year.

Summer at Loch Tay means long daylight hours, watersports, hill walks, outdoor dining, and festivals — the Highland's most vibrant season.

Spring brings new life to Loch Tay — from lambing season and wildflower meadows to longer days perfect for walks, cycling, and early-season watersports.
Directory
Bookable experiences and places to visit
£ Aberfeldy
Beautiful woodland walk with waterfalls that inspired Robert Burns — an easy circular route through a dramatic gorge near Aberfeldy.
£ Killin
Local history museum housed in the historic St Fillan's Mill, telling the stories and legends of the Breadalbane Highlands.
£ Aberfeldy
Magnificent 16th-century Z-plan castle, lovingly restored by the Clan Menzies Society — open for tours April to October.
££ Aberfeldy
Whisky distillery tours and tastings just 20 minutes from Loch Tay — the home of Dewar's blended Scotch.
££££ Stirling
Bespoke and small-group Scottish cultural tours with BBC presenter Alistair Heather — history, music, whisky, and storytelling.
£ 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.
££ Killin
Outdoor adventure activities including kayaking, gorge walking, and climbing — based in Killin.
££ Killin
Guided boat tours and wildlife safaris on Loch Tay — see the loch from the water with expert local guides.
££ Kenmore
Dinghy and yacht sailing on the beautiful waters of Loch Tay, with visitor sessions available from the Kenmore base.
££ Kenmore
Award-winning open-air museum with a reconstructed Iron Age crannog on Loch Tay — one of Scotland's best heritage experiences.
£ Kenmore
Grand Gothic Revival castle built for the Campbells of Breadalbane — currently being developed as a luxury hotel, with grounds occasionally accessible.
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