Local Area
There are many beautiful places to visit within the surrounding countryside.
We have listed just a few below, in order of proximity, all with their own character and charm.
Ben Lawers
Ben Lawers is situated to the North of Old Lawers Village and Loch Tay, and is the highest peak in Perthshire at just over 1,200 metres high.
Often described as the gateway to the Munros, of which there are seven relatively close to each other, it is home to areas of arctic-alpine plants and is a National Nature Reserve.
A lesser-known route for hillwalkers to enjoy the views from Ben Lawers can be started from the village of Lawers on the A827, following the Lawers burn uphill and via the east ridge.
The Scottish Gaelic name for the mountain is Beinn Labhair.
Killin
Killin can be found approximately 8.5 miles to the southwest of Old Lawers Village. It is at the extreme western end of Loch Tay.
As a settlement within the Breadalbane historic region, it is now a conservation village and is part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Home to the River Dochart and the picturesque Falls of Dochart (pictured), Killin (or Cill Fhinn in Gaelic) is a popular tourist attraction for both day-trippers and longer stays. There are a number of inns and hotels to choose from. At some points of the year, the nearby 19th Century Moirlanich Longhouse can be visited.
This is a well known central point for adventure and wildlife tourists.
Kenmore
Kenmore is found at the point where Loch Tay becomes the River Tay and travels eastward. Around 7.8 miles north-east of Old Lawers Village, it was firstly named Balloch when it came into being in the 1500’s.
It is documented that some of the building stones still found within the ruins at Old Lawers, were supplied and taken by boat from the Kenmore area.
The present-day village was planned around 1760 by the then Earl of Breadalbane.
The renowned Kenmore Hotel has been in existence since the mid 16th century. Queen Victoria visited the area in the middle of the 19th Century when she stayed at Taymouth Castle.
Aberfeldy
As the River Tay continues to meander northwards and eastwards, the scenic village of Aberfeldy can be found, 6.5 miles from Kenmore.
Wade’s Bridge crosses the river here, designed by William Adam, and subsequently constructed in 1733.
The Highland Railway served the burgh until 1965, now with no evidence of the past station within Aberfeldy. There is a picturesque walk – the Birks of Aberfeldy, which can be approached, south of the town via the A826.
It is home to a population of around 2,500 inhabitants. Alan Cumming (actor) was born in the town.
Pitlochry
This town within Perthshire has a population of around 2,700 people. It can be visited by rail as the station is still operational, since it’s introduction around 1863.
It blossomed into a tourist destination after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited in the mid 1800’s, around the time when they acquired Balmoral Estate as their highland retreat. Pitlochry still boasts many examples of Victorian architecture.
While here, visitors have enjoyed attractions such as Blair Athol Distillery, the ‘salmon ladder’ near the power station dam and Pitlochry Highland Games in September.
Perth is 26 miles south of Pitlochry.
