Dunkeld Cathedral & The Hermitage

An incredible history. Majestic Glens. Wonderful wildlife. It can only be Perthshire.

Join Stravaigin on this historically informative and visually enchanting one day trip to ‘Big Tree Country’ as it’s proudly known. Some of the tallest trees in the UK stand proudly in the lush green landscape making for breath taking views.

Standing on the North Bank of the River Tay is the alluring Dunkeld Cathedral. Our first port of call, this architecturally eclectic masterpiece shows mixed Gothic, and Norman elements intermingled throughout the structure. Having marvelled at the Cathedral in all it’s splendour, we head up into the trees for a relaxing stroll to The Hermitage and Ossian’s Hall which sits above the bewitching Black Linn Falls.

The Hermitage (officially The Hermitage Pleasure ground) is a National Trust For Scotland protected site which sits on the banks of the River Braan in Craigvinean Forest. Nestled in it’s grounds are Ossian’s Hall Of Mirrors and Ossian’s Cave. Built by the Dukes of Atholl in the Eighteenth Century to honour the blind bard Ossian, join past visitors Queen Victoria, Wordsworth, Turner and Mendelssohn and wander freely around this magnificent designed landscape with it’s dramatic natural features. The Black Linn Falls are truly spectacular and you may spot salmon trying to leap the falls, often in good numbers!

Time permitting on this blissful tour, we may drop into The Scottish Crannog Centre. A Crannog is a type of ancient Loch dwelling found throughout Scotland dating from 2,500 years ago. An important part of our heritage, many Crannogs were built out in the water as defensive homesteads and represented symbols of power and wealth.

Stravaigin has a very special treat for you on this particular tour. This is the only trip where we pay a visit to the renowned and award winning ‘Highland Chocolatier’. Located in the pretty village of Aberfeldy, their lovingly handmade chocolates are specially crafted to give you a authentic taste of the Highlands. These distinctive treats would make wonderful gifts for friends and family at home, or perhaps you’ll just want to enliven your taste buds and indulge yourself? Go on – you know you deserve it!

Next? It’s Killin – an idyllic wee village at the Falls Of Dochart, a truly spectacular series of rapids at the Western end of Loch tay. The rapids dramatically flow through the village and under it’s old stone bridge, cascading past the ancient burial ground of the Clan McNab. Perhaps lunch in Killin at one of the many pubs, restaurants or tearooms before we head home?

As we wend our way back home through the serenity of Loch Lomond and the beauteous mountains and glens of The Trossachs National Park, this popular Stravaigin tour will linger long in the senses.