Things to do in Birnam and Dunkeld
“If I’d known there was so much to do here I’d have arranged to stay longer”.
We get that a lot. So here’s a taste of some of the things that you might want to do – there’s something for everyone …
Find out more by clicking on the titles below.
Walks & hills - Open here
Whether you want low level, Munros, climbing, wheel chair accessible, long distance or local, we have LOADS of options.
Local Walks
Dunkeld Path Network leaflet has 8 detailed self guided walks. Click here to view ...
Spread your net a little further and you’ll find 18 excellently documented walks in this area covering around 165km.
Wheelchair / Pram Friendly Walks
These links will help those pushing prams or with different access abilities to get a taste of outdoor Perthshire.
-
Explore routes highlighted by the Fieldfare Trust: http://www.phototrails.org/default.cfm?page=home
-
Perth & Kinross Council - accessible paths: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/15370/Accessible-paths-Highland-area
-
Schiehallion (Munro, 3,553 feet) is Scotland’s first wheelchair accessible Munro. The Fieldfare Trust have excellent details on this and other routes.
Long Distance Walks
The Cateran Trail is a superb circular long distance route that takes its name from the maurading bands of cattle thieves known as Caterans. The Trail is divided into five stages that can comfortably be walked within five days. There is also a mini trail that takes in the Trail's best bits and can be walked in a weekend.
Mountain and Hill Walks
For the more ambitious walker, we have 35 Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet) as well as 17 Corbetts.(2,500-3,000 feet) within an hour’s drive.
Climbing
Just 1 mile from away is the local climbing spot, Craig a Barns, with 2 pitch climbs of all grades and 77 routes in total.
Adventure & activities - Open here
The Birnam and Dunkeld area is a wealth of activity for all ages and abilities including golf, fishing, off
roading and water sports.
There are also plenty of walks for all abilities from a hike up Birnam Hill or a gentler paced walk to the Hermitage waterfall.
The Loch of the Lowes is the home to the rare Ospreys and a host of other birds and wildlife are also encouraged into the area by the Visitor Centre staff.
Fancy something to get the adrenaline going? We have the most amazing selection of activity providers:
Off Road / Mountain Biking
We are surrounded by mountains, glens, pathways and country roads, so you have many options ranging from family friendly to teeth rattling.
- You’ll find some suggestions here Off Road Mountain Biking Suggestions
Geocaching
Perthshire has in excess of 1,000 caches, making it the geocaching capital of Scotland.
Progression Bikes, Dunkeld
Highland Offroad
Dunkeld Park, Dunkeld
Join Highland Offroad in Dunkeld for a Quad Trek Adventure.
Rain = Mud = Adventure!
Treks run throughout the day from Wednesday through to Sunday inclusive. Waterproofs and safety helmets are provided. Outdoor footwear is required! Keep an eye on the website for special family and group offers.
Land Rover Experience Scotland
Butterstone Loch, Dunkeld
Immerse yourself in the capability of Land Rover and book an off-road driving adventure with Land Rover Experience Scotland. Book anything from a 1-hour introduction to a full day off road adventure.
The more rain, the more mud and the more fun you will have!
Nae Limits, Ballinluig
We have over 14 adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities for you to experience, whatever the weather. Tackle some white water rafting, quad biking and clay pigeon shooting, canyoning, adventure tubing or white water mambos.
Highland Safaris
by Aberfeldy
ombine exhilarating award winning Land Rover Safaris, our new Red Deer Centre, inspiring walking and biking activities and Perthshire's only Gold and Gem Panning Centre. Relax and enjoy our award-winning café and shop.
Scottish Quads
With a fleet of over 50 Quad Bikes, treks to suit all abilities and having more than 1000 acres of farmland as your playground the possibilities are endless. In addition to our Quad biking Treks we boast a fantastic Clay Pigeon Shooting range and of course not forgetting the all impressive Argocats.
Tiso Perth Outdoor Experience, Perth
One of the biggest interactive outdoor shops in the UK! Huge range of outdoor clothing and equipment, ski department, Alpine Bikes. Also within the store is Tiso Tots, a staffed soft-play and a 30’ indoor climbing wall which is free to use for local climbers and organisations. Fit Food café and excellent selection of outdoor equipment to hire including bikes & canoes.
Outdoor Explore, Blairgowrie
We are experienced in providing tailor made outdoor events: touring & sea kayak ventures, archery sessions, exploring loch & rivers in central and east of Scotland and you never know what wildlife you might meet!
The Canyoning Company
Paddle Surf Scotland are Scotland's Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Specialists.
Family friendly / general - Open here
One common complaint from visitors is that they wish they'd planned to stay for longer because there's so much to see and do.
So before you plan your trip, have a look at these suggestions…..
You don’t have to be an adrenaline junky or have a bottomless wallet to have fun. These are some of the most popular things that visitors do when they visit the area.
Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam
Going Pottie, Dunkeld
Create fabulous pottery for yourself or a unique personalised gift. We have lots to choose from…..dinosaurs and fairies to mugs, jugs, plates and bowls. Ideal for family outings……..no experience necessary!
Dunkeld Cathedral
Erigmore Estate Leisure Park, Birnam
Community Archive, Dunkeld
Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, by Dunkeld
Active Kids, Stanley
Noah’s Ark, Perth
Stewart Tower Dairy – Ice Cream Café, near Stanley
The Scottish Crannog Centre, near Kenmore
Stanley Mills, Stanley
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
The Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
Queen’s View Visitor Centre, by Pitlochry
Food and drink - Open here
EATING OUT
Eating & Drinking in Birnam
- Birnam Arts Centre – day-time café/bistro
- Birnam Inn – specialises in Italian food
- Birnam Hotel
- Chattan Tea Rooms – day time cafe
- Birnam Reader - coffee, cakes, books
Eating & Drinking in Dunkeld
- Atholl Arms - Riverside Restaurant & riverside terrace cafe
- Atholl Arms – Z's Bar Bistro (pub grub/bistro/ specialist dietary requirements)
- Dunkeld Fish & Chip Shop
- Dunkeld House - restaurant
- Z's Bar Bistro
- Perth Arms – pub grub
- Royal Dunkeld Hotel – restaurant & pub grub
- Taybank Inn – pub grub, cocktail bar, terrace eating
Daytime Cafes - Dunkeld
- Clootie Dumpling
- Palmerstons,
- Livvi’s Little Lunchbox
- Aran Bakery
- Corbenic Café
- Scottish Deli – evening tapas
Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or chocolate fiend, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample, buy or visit local producers. Just don’t expect to drop a dress size in the process.
Pubs – there are lots of pubs – and you have to work your way around each one to appreciate just how wonderful and individual they are. We see it as our duty to keep testing them all out on your behalf. No really, we feel that we must. Most also do food and you’ll find samples of their menus in a green folder in our lounge. Some specialise in local ales, traditional music, food – they’ve all got their own character
Dunkeld Smoked Salmon
Scottish Deli, Dunkeld
Stewart Tower Dairy – Ice Cream Café, near Stanley
Edradour Whisky Distillery, by Pitlochry
Inveralmond Brewery
The Highland Chocolatier/ Scottish Chocolate Centre, Grandtully
Dunkeld Whisky Box
Aran Bakery
Local Music - Open here
You’d be amazed at how many people come here just for the music, whether it’s a spontaneous pub session or Dougie McLean’s Perthshire Amber Festival. You’ll find music all year round with opportunities to listen, play or learn a few tunes.
Rewind Festival, Scone Palace
An annual two day celebration of 1980’s music held in July in the magnificent grounds of Scone Palace. Regularly feature artists such as Rick Astley, The Human League, ABC, Go West, Banarama & Jason Donovan. Get your shoulder pads & leg warmers out.