Welcome to Kenmore

Highland Safaris

Armed with cameras and binoculars, climb aboard a Land Rover or Pinzgauer and journey to the high tops through a land sculptured by the elements and steeped in history, culture, nature, and breathtaking views with no shortage of photo opportunities.

You may even be lucky enough to see the Majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle as you travel through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks. This Safari will inspire you with an insight into this magnificent natural wilderness and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Loch Tay

Loch Tay is popular with sailing and water-sports enthusiasts and the small shingle beach perfect for sunbathing in summer near Kenmore only a 10 min walk from Taymore lodge . At Dalerb, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of Kenmore (off the A827) there is a parking area and picnic tables close to the water.

It’s the largest loch in Perthshire and one of the deepest in Scotland. To the north, the loch is flanked by the impressive bulk of the Ben Lawers mountain range, much of which is designated as a National Nature Reserve. The main A827 road runs high above the loch, west from Kenmore. The contours are gentler on the southern shore and Sustrans Cycle Route Number 7 runs along a quiet unclassified road.

Crannog Centre

A 15 minute walk from Taymore Lodge, the Crannog Centre is an award-winning and interactive centre which shows what Iron Age life was like with a reconstructed prehistoric loch-dwelling.

Built as an archaeological experiment based on discoveries underwater, the thatched roundhouse, in the shallows of Loch Tay, is a living museum on the water. This reconstructed thatched wooden house is built on stilts over the water, it overlooks the remains of 4 of the 18 ancient crannog settlements preserved in the loch, with the picturesque village of Kenmore to the east, and stunning views towards Ben Lawers and Killin to the west, this is a must see.

Taymouth Castle

Take a walk round the extensive gardens of Taymouth Castle, and enjoy the amazing views and tranquil atmosphere. The existing Taymouth Castle dates from the 19th century, but the first castle on the site was built in 1550 by Sir Colin Campbell. It was Balloch Castle and became the seat of the Campbell Clan whose lands, at the height of their powers, extended over 100 miles from Taymouth to the West Coast of Scotland.

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The 1st Marquis of Breadalbane demolished Balloch Castle and built Taymouth Castle. A far grander building than its predecessor, it included a landscaped deer park. Final additions and alterations were completed in readiness for the visit in 1842 of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Drummond Hill & Black Rock

Feeling adventurous, you can enjoy several moderate way-marked walks such as the Black Rock Walk and the Taymouth Walk, up Drummond Hill and awe at the spectacular view of Loch Tay and Kenmore Village.

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The forested slopes of Drummond Hill dominate the surrounding landscape and provide a fine backdrop to Taymouth Castle and the village of Kenmore, close to the entrance to the forest.

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In an elevated position on the north-east shoulder of Drummond Hill stands Caisteal MacTuathal, an Iron Age promontory hill fort. From this ancient fort there are clear views down Strathtay and towards Schiehallion and the fort is part of a network of hill forts in across Strathtay.

Falls of Acharn

The Falls of Acharn, a wonderful sight to behold, is approximately a 50 min walk from Taymore Lodge.

The walk takes you up a farm track, which is steep in places, but it is definitely well worth the walk. When you arrive at the dark Hermit's Cave, enter and walk through the cave to reach this impressive wooded amphitheatre with viewpoint for the lower Falls, follow the signs to reach the upper gorge, with its own viewing platform, and finally the Upper Bridge. From the viewing platform you can see views north to Drummond Hill above Kenmore and the majestic Ben Lawers range.

Glen Lyon

Take a drive through Kenmore and and along the North bank of Loch Tay, then up towards Glen Lyon.  The glen stretches for 32 miles and forms part of the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area. Glen Lyon was described by Sir Walter Scott as the "longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland".
 

The River Lyon runs through the glen and tumbles through corries, gorges and riverine meadows. The pools near Bridge of Balgie are accessible, with the added benefit of parking and a little tearoom nearby.

Two remote lochs (Loch Lyon and Loch an Daimh) lie in the wild upper reaches of the glen and the hauntingly beautiful remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest are also visible.

Birks of Aberfeldy

Take a walk along the well defined path which is overhung by mature trees from where they can admire the birch, oak, ash and elm trees. The path also offers excellent views to the roaring white water of the falls and, during winter, across to Strathtay. Much of the gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its botanical features and it is likely that there has been continual woodland cover at the site for up to 8,000 years. The gorge is a place of immense natural power and beauty in any season but perhaps most photogenic in the cooler days of late autumn.

The Birks of Aberfeldy were named after a poem of the same name by Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, who penned The Birks o’Aberfeldie in 1787.

Dewars Distillery

Take a tour at Dewar’s Distillery at the Northeast entrance to Aberfeldy. Explore the interactive exhibition, before tasting whisky and soaking up the atmosphere in the Whisky Lounge and cafe.

Discover the Dewar family’s pursuit of Scotch whisky perfection in the distillery they built in 1898. Producing the beautifully balanced single malt at the heart of the Dewar’s blend, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is the spiritual home of America’s top selling Scotch.

Tour the distillery to see the distinctive honeyed richness is created in the spirit and soak up the  atmospheric warehouse and learn about the process of double ageing for extra smoothness.