Dunkeld
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The original village was near the cathedral, but was smashed up by a battle in 1689. Dunkeld was therefore rebuilt in the early 18th C, and is the best-preserved example in Scotland of the style of that era. In 1809 the Telford bridge was opened across the Tay, and highway and village became re-aligned. Dunkeld and Birnam long stood on the A9 main road north, but were bypassed in 1977, so the main street is now a minor loop road.
Dunkeld's Tourist Information Centre closed down in Nov 2018, so the nearest are now in Perth or Pitlochry.
Get in
By road
Dunkeld is just off the A9 main road from the south towards Inverness. Stagecoach bus 23 / 27 runs hourly from Perth via Birnam and Dunkeld (40 mins), continuing to Aberfeldy. But most intercity coaches along the A9 bypass Dunkeld, and there's usually only one or two Citylink buses per day direct from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.The A923 climbs east over the hills: Stagecoach Bus 60 winds along this road between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie 3-4 times a day, M-F only.
By train
is across the bridge, in Birnam. It has Scotrail trains every hour or two between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth en route to Inverness.Get around
Dunkeld is a small village, so it is generally easy to walk everywhere. Loch of the Lowes (2 miles) can be reached by the Fungarth Path.
Taxi: Birnam Autocabs, based at Perth Road, Birnam. Phone +44 1350 728828.
See
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address: Cathedral Street PH8 0AWBuilt between 1260 and 1501, the Cathedral is surprisingly large for such a small village.It's partly ruined but still holds services. It has lovely riverside grounds, which connect to the grounds of the Dunkeld House Hotel. The attached Chapter House Museum features relics from monastic and medieval times, as well as an insight into local history.
Do
- There are numerous walks around Dunkeld. Two easy strolls follow the river: west bank from Birnam Oak, under the A9, past Inver and onward to the Hermitage; east bank from the cathedral to the Dunkeld House Hotel.
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phone: +44 1350 727337address: Visitor Centre, Dunkeld, PH8 0HHThe largest of the chain of shallow, reedy, peaty "Lunan Lochs", Loch of the Lowes is a wildlife reserve with ospreys (Apr-Aug), beavers (May-Aug), red squirrels (Mar-Nov) and many other resident birds, and migratory birds especially early winter. There's an observation hide (always open) 200 m from the osprey nest. Dogs are welcome on the reserve, but only guide dogs in the visitor centre or hides.
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phone: +44 1350 728044address: 2 Cathedral St PH8 0AWPottery studio, gift shop with range of ceramics. You can paint your own - acrylic for decorative items, glaze for functional items.
Buy
- Malt whisky, smoked salmon, fine cheeses, and anything marketed with pictures of misty glens? Okay, but first check the prices and range available in the Perth supermarkets 15 miles south, which you can do online.
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phone: +44 800 146 780address: City Hall, Atholl StreetSells deerskin and leather goods including moccasins, shoes and gloves. You can also order online.
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phone: +44 1350 728028address: 1 Atholl Street PH8 0ARLong-established well-stocked delicatessen with cheeses, cakes, jams, chutneys and meat. Also with restaurant.
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phone: +44 1350 727639address: Brae StreetA small shop, selling wild and farmed salmon smoked on site, as well as various accompaniments. You can also order online.
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phone: +44 1350 728855address: 6 Atholl Street PH8 0ARContemporary art gallery, selling paintings, ceramics and sculpture. You can also buy online.
Eat
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Dunkeld Fish Bar
phone: +44 1350 727486address: 12 Atholl StA traditional fish & chip shop, serving fish suppers, smoked sausage and pies. -
phone: +44 1350 727343address: 26 Atholl StAvailable to sit in or take away, The Country Bakery offers a range of rolls, baguettes and light meals. Cakes, pastries and pies made fresh every day.
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phone: +44 1350 727427address: 3-5 Atholl StIndian / Bangladeshi cuisine, made with local produce when possible.
- Scottish Deli (listed above) has a cafe open shop hours, plus restaurant 18:30-22:30, daily in summer, winter evenings vary.
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Spill The Beans Cafe
phone: +44 1350 728111address: 6 Cathedral StChild friendly, offering breakfast, lunch, brunch, or coffee and cake.
Drink
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phone: +44 1350 727340address: Tay Terrace, PH8 0AQWelcoming pub with good range of drinks and hot meals. Outdoor seating on the terrace and riverside beer garden. Live music usually W & Th evenings.
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The Perth Arms
phone: +44 1350 727270address: High St, PH8 0AJPub with decent food. - There are public bars at the Atholl Arms and Royal Dunkeld hotels, listed below.
Sleep
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phone: +44 1350 727219address: Bridgehead, PH8 0AQSmall 3-star hotel, with public bar and Riverview Restaurant (daily 12:00-21:00).
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phone: +44 1350 728333address: Blairgowrie Road, Dunkeld, PH8 0HX4-star In large forested estate on banks of River Tay just west of Dunkeld. Rooms in new part fine: well appointed but not large. In old part, may be larger and river views. Good breakfast & dining, pleasant atmosphere. Free wifi internet access. Lots of shooting, hunting and fishing opportunities in the grounds and nearby. Or walks in the splendid scenery. No dogs in main hotel, but they're welcome in the two adjacent blocks, "General Wade's" and "Fisherman's Cottage".
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address: Bakehouse Cottage, St Ninians Wynd, PH8 0ATOff road parking for one car. Pets welcome at owners discretion.
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phone: +44 1350 727322address: Atholl Street PH8 0AR3 star in centre of village. Also with restaurant, public bar and beer garden in the rear courtyard.