Local Guide

Walking

We’re surrounded by dozens of wonderful walking trails. From riverside paths to steep crags, to woodland walks and quiet glens – there’s something for everyone.

  • Enjoy peaceful riverside strolls along Fiddler’s Path, to the Hermitage or the ancient Birnam Oak. A short drive away, wander through Kinclaven Woods where bluebells carpet the forest floor in late spring. Or enjoy a scenic stroll along the river and estate tracks at the beautiful Murthy Castle.

  • You’ll see Birnam Hill, the highest hill in the area from our restaurant and gardens. It’s a beautiful circular walk with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. North of the village in Atholl Woods there is a short but beautiful trail to Lover’s Leap on Crag a Barns. Further north you’ll find the popular Corbett Ben Vrackie and a number of Munros at the start of the Cairngorms National Park.

  • Ramble through miles of moorland to the beautiful Loch Ordie or through Glen Garr and the Obney Hills.

Water

With several beautiful rivers and lochs right on our doorstep, Dunkeld is a haven for water lovers.

  • Enjoy a scenic paddle downriver on the Tay to our beer garden! Or head to the nearby Loch Clunie to visit an abandoned island castle. Loch Tay and the Tay by Grandtully are other popular spots not too far from us.

  • There are beautiful pools by Rumbling Bridge on the Braan, or head to the spot where it meets the Tay or the small beaches close to the Birnam Oak for somewhere closer by. The Linn of Tummel is another beautiful spot not too far away.

  • We’re just down the road from outdoor activity centre Nae Limits who offer canyoning, white water rafting, gorge walking and much more.

mountain biking activities dunkeld perthshire

Cycling

Explore the beauty of the surrounding area by weaving along the tranquil country roads or exhilarating mountain bike trails.

  • We’re surrounded by many quiet country roads and farm tracks that are perfect for road bikes. Head through Sma’ Glen to Crieff or along Tay Valley to Aberfeldy.

  • We have over 100 trails on our doorstep – Atholl Woods, Birnam Hill and Craigvinean Forest have some of the best. Check out some of the routes here.

Courtesy of Clair Irwin & Redwood Wines

Food & Drink

If you’d like to mix things up during your stay, there are plenty of great places nearby where you can sample Perthshire’s wonderful larder. Below are some of our favourites.

Redwood Wines
ARAN Bakery
The Grandtully Hotel
The Meikleour Arms
The Scottish Deli
Killiecrankie Hotel
The Inn at Loch Tummel
Livvi’s Little Lunchbox

Birnam Arts

Arts & Culture

We’re lucky to be in the centre of a thriving creative community of artists, musicians and makers. Birnam Arts is a bright and bold venue a short walk across the river, celebrating the arts in many forms and below are some of the other nearby venues and events you can visit during your stay.

LÒN Store

Local Shops

Head up Atholl Street to explore a variety of independent stores. There are lots of other great small businesses in the neighbouring towns too.

LÒN Store
Jeffreys Dunkeld
Corbenic Camphill Shop
The Birnam Reader
Little Trochry Farmstand
The Toy Shed
Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop
Homer Aberfeldy
Guardswell Farm Store
Yard 97
Rustic Rose Vintage
Rait Antiques Centre
The Blue Magpie
House of Bruar

Local Events

In addition to our weekly music nights, we host a number of our own events and gatherings in The Taybank Gardens. For more info on what’s on, visit our events page. There are a number of great festivals and bigger events in the area too.

Birnam Highland Games
Taybank Open-air Cinema Screenings
Neil Gow Festival
Long Table at The Taybank
Scottish Game Fair
Enchanted Forest
Birnam Book Festival
Pressed Cider Event
Guardswell Farm Markets
Soil to Slice at Little Trochry

Dunkeld Cathedral

Historic Sites

Perthshire has a rich historical heritage and several unique sites worth visiting. Below are some not too far from The Taybank.

Dunkeld Cathedral
Dunkeld Museum & Archive
Blair Castle
Drummond Castle Gardens
Scottish Crannog Centre
Scone Palace
St Marys Church
Murthly Castle Estate

Seasonal Guides

  • spring in dunkeld birnam

    Spring

    Explore local gardens, fish on the River Tay and attend a Scottish trad music festival.

    READ THE GUIDE

  • Summer

    Open-air cinema screenings, wild swimming and the Birnam Highland Games.

    READ THE GUIDE

  • Autumn

    Go foraging, discover Big Tree Country and age old country pursuits.

    READ THE GUIDE

  • winter dunkeld and birnam guide

    Winter

    A winter sauna experience, local skiing, candlelit shopping & festive gatherings.

    READ THE GUIDE