Dunkeld
Dunkeld
Dunkeld and its near neighbour Birnam are on the A9 about 16 miles north of
Perth. Driving to Dunkeld from Perth you pass Redgorton, reputed to be named from the gore
in one of the many battles fought around here. Next comes Bankfoot where you can visit the
'Perthshire Visitor Centre' and the 'MacBeth Experience'. As you continue up the A9 (or
the loop road via Bankfoot) the counrtyside slowlt changes to a hillier nature as you
approach the Highlands. At the highest point before you start the decent to the Tay valley
there are some lovely views to the north and 'Craig-y-Barnes', much loved by the rock
climbing fraternity. The road now drops steeply, passing Birnam hill and Dunkeld station
before reaching Birnam and Dunkeld.
At Dunkeld Cathedral around which a battle raged during the Jacobite
rising, the 
lawns slope down to the river Tay where you can see
theold Telford bridge which eventually joined the previously separate towns of Dunkeld and
Birnam - the Birnam of 'MacBeth' fame. Near to the cathedral is the old town with its
little white houses and the 'el' shop - named after the ancient Scottish yard measure seen
outside. Beatrix Potter spent many holidays here when she possibly had the inspiration for
the Peter rabit stories - you can meet the heros of her stories in the exhibition over the
bridge in Birnam.
Loch of the Lowes
Just through the town of Dunkeld, you can turn right for a lovely drive of about 4 miles
to the Loch of the Lowes, a nature conservancy area where if you are lucky you may see an
Osprey.
Dunkeld Hermitage
Back to the A9 and turning north, watch for signs to the Hermitage. This is a folly
created by the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th C, built above a spectacular warefall on
the River Braan. Around the hermitage are some of the tallest trees in Britain and a
beautiful informal walk up the riverside through woodlands with the sound of tumbling
rapids in your ears.
Rumbling Bridge
If you follow the narrow road past the Hermitage access, climb to meet the Crieff road
then turn right, you can watch for a sign to the right for 'Rumbling Bridge'. This is a
bridge over the river Braan where it passes through a narrow gorge with a 70ft waterfall
right below the bridge. If you have the time, especially after rain, its a trip well worth
while.
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