Kenmore

In the heart of stunning Scotland, the small but perfectly formed village of Kenmore, Perthshire, is ready and waiting to enchant visitors with its beauty.

While people come for the array of water sports and activities on offer thanks to the village’s location perched on the northern end of Loch Tay, many stay for Kenmore’s character, charm and even one of Scotland’s top heritage sites – the Scottish Crannog Centre.

That’s without exploring the fact that Kenmore lies within easy reach of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Dundee, and equidistant from Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. There’s so much to see and do in and around Kenmore, it’s a true hidden gem of the Scottish Highlands.

Getting there and things you should know

Kenmore is located in the heart of Scotland, just six miles along the A827 from Aberfeldy and less than two hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Perth and Dundee are even easier to reach, while both Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park are a short hop away, giving fantastic access to urban and rural exploration.

Nestled in the crook where the River Tay flows into Loch Tay, and in the shadows of Ben Lawers, it’s ideally situated for outdoor adventurers and those simply looking for some breath-taking scenery alike.

Things to see nearby

Kenmore may be a small village but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to things to see and do. Its location lends itself to a plethora of outdoor activities, whether your preference is on land or water.

Highland Safaris and Red Deer Centre is a hugely popular and well-regarded attraction, being voted ‘Best Visitor Experience’ in Scotland. They offer a range of experience options, including Land Rover safaris, Loch Tay safaris and biking and walking safaris, allowing visitors to choose their preferred method of exploring the surrounding natural beauty and wildlife.

If a gentle cruise across Loch Tay seems pleasant but somewhat tame, thrill-seekers can up the ante with a white-water rafting trip along the River Tay. Starting in Aberfeldy, the adrenaline-surging excursion takes in Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids, including ‘Zoom Flume’, ‘The Washing Machine’ and ‘The Grandtully Rapid’.

For adventures on dry land, Drummond Hill boasts several challenging walking trails, while Glen Lyon – Scotland’s longest enclosed glen at 32 miles – boasts numerous Munros and Corbetts to tackle. Also nearby, the Birks of Aberfeldy offer a scenic, circular walk, taking in mature woodland, the dramatic Moness Gorge and the spectacular, cascading Falls of Moness.

After all that activity, a well-earned visit to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery could be in order. A fascinating tour gives great insight into the production of Aberfeldy Single Malt, while there are, of course, plenty of opportunities to taste the honeyed richness of the spirit.

Birks Cinema is a great rainy-day option, showing the latest blockbusters, plus it even brings the drama and beauty of opera, ballet and theatre to the big screen, while Taymouth Castle – which stands on the site of the previous Balloch Castle – is a neo-Gothic beauty, well worth a visit.

But the jewel in Kenmore’s crown is the Scottish Crannog Centre. The living history museum is among Scotland’s top heritage sites and showcases the life of those who lived in and around the area more than 2,500 years ago.

Places to eat and drink

Just up the road, Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop, Gallery and café is a glorious spot for a relaxed light lunch or freshly ground coffee.

For something more substantial, the Ailean Chraggan Hotel and Taymouth Marina Restaurant both serve up fantastic options, or pop north of the River Tay to the Kenmore Club for a special occasion.

Slightly further afield, those with a sweet tooth will want to set aside time to visit the Highland Chocolatier, where connoisseurs can sit down in the Chocolate Lounge and experience the award-winning chocolate in various delicious forms.

Did you know…

The village is said to be home to Scotland’s oldest inn, the Kenmore Hotel, located in The Square. There is even a poem written on one of its walls by Scotland’s most revered and famous poet, Robert Burns, who visited in 1787.

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