Top Things to Do Around Loch Tay

Loch Tay sits in one of Scotland’s most naturally rewarding areas. Whether you’re after adrenaline-fuelled adventure or quiet contemplation, there’s no shortage of things to fill your days. Here are the very best things to do.

1. Visit the Falls of Dochart

No trip to Loch Tay is complete without seeing the Falls of Dochart in Killin. These broad, dramatic rapids cascade right through the village centre — free to visit, stunning in every season, and especially spectacular after heavy rain. Walk across the old stone bridge for the classic view, then explore the ancient MacNab burial island.

2. Climb Ben Lawers

At 1,214 metres, Ben Lawers is the highest peak in the southern Highlands and the 10th highest in Scotland. The well-maintained path from the NTS visitor centre car park makes this surprisingly accessible for a Munro — a fit walker can reach the summit in around 3 hours. The reward? A 360-degree panorama that can stretch from Ben Nevis to the Forth.

3. Kayak on the Loch

Paddling on Loch Tay is a magical experience. The loch stretches 14.5 miles, giving you plenty of room to explore sheltered bays, tiny beaches, and the ruins of old lochside settlements. Several operators offer guided trips and equipment hire for all abilities.

4. Discover the Scottish Crannog Centre

This award-winning open-air museum brings Iron Age life to vivid reality. A reconstructed crannog (loch dwelling) stands on stilts over Loch Tay, and costumed guides demonstrate ancient crafts, fire-making, and daily life as it was 2,500 years ago. Brilliant for families.

5. Walk Glen Lyon

Scotland’s longest enclosed glen is one of its most beautiful. The single-track road winds for over 30 miles past tumbling burns, ancient forests, and mountain peaks. Walk the lower sections for gentle riverside paths, or tackle the Munros at the head of the glen for a serious day out.

6. Explore Kenmore

This pretty estate village at the east end of Loch Tay is one of Scotland’s oldest planned villages. Wander the green, pop into the Kenmore Hotel (which claims to be Scotland’s oldest inn, dating from 1572), and enjoy the views across to Taymouth Castle’s grounds.

7. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding

SUP on Loch Tay is becoming hugely popular. The loch’s relatively sheltered waters (especially in the morning before any wind picks up) make it ideal for beginners. Several operators offer lessons and board hire.

8. Visit the Fortingall Yew

In the quiet churchyard at Fortingall stands a yew tree that is possibly the oldest living thing in Europe — estimated at between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. The tree was ancient when the Romans marched through Scotland. A remarkable and humbling sight.

9. Fish for Salmon and Trout

Loch Tay is one of Scotland’s premier freshwater fishing destinations. The loch holds brown trout, and salmon run up the River Tay system. Fishing permits and boat hire are available locally, and the setting while you cast is world-class.

10. Go Wild Swimming

The loch has several accessible wild swimming spots. The shores near Kenmore are popular, as is the bay at Ardeonaig. The water is cold year-round (this is Scotland, after all), but on a warm summer’s day, there’s nothing more refreshing.

11. Cycle the Quiet Roads

The road along the south shore of Loch Tay is one of the best cycling routes in Perthshire — quiet, scenic, and rolling rather than mountainous. Glen Lochay beyond Killin is another gem: virtually traffic-free and beautiful.

12. Visit a Whisky Distillery

While there’s no distillery on Loch Tay itself, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is just 20 minutes east. The visitor centre offers excellent tours and tastings, and the town of Aberfeldy is worth exploring in its own right — don’t miss The Watermill bookshop and café.

Rainy Day Ideas

Scotland’s weather can be changeable. When the rain comes (and it will), try:

• Breadalbane Folklore Centre — Local history and legends in Killin
• Scottish Crannog Centre — Much of the experience is undercover
• Local pubs — Settle in with a dram at the Falls of Dochart Inn or The Courie Inn
• Aberfeldy — The Watermill bookshop/café and Dewar’s distillery
• Local produce — MacGregor’s Community Store & Café in Killin, Tombreck Farm Shop on the south shore, and Thyme Deli & Bistro above Aberfeldy

Planning Your Days

A long weekend gives you time to hit the highlights, but this area truly rewards a week or more. The pace of life is slower here — embrace it. Leave room for spontaneous detours, long pub lunches, and simply sitting by the loch watching the light change on the mountains.