Are you looking for a day trip or a short getaway with the perfect mix of small town charm and time in nature? Dunkeld is the destination for you.
Set upon the River Tay in pretty Perthshire, no more than 2-hours by train from the cities, Dunkeld is like a breath of fresh air; quite literally.
From treats and cosy eateries, to beautifully scenic walks in and around the town, these are my go-to things to do in Dunkeld, and I’m sure you’ll love them too.
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THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DUNKELD
Dunkeld is a year-round destination and I love visiting during all four seasons BUT…
…autumn in Dunkeld is extra special!
Perthshire is one of the best regions in Scotland to feast your eyes upon the stunning display of autumn colours and Dunkeld puts on quite a show along the River Tay and on the many enchanting forest trails in and around the town; most popularly The Hermitage (more on that further down).
Dunkeld’s autumn scenes bring more visitors to the town during October; as does the annual Amber Festival with various events and live music.
If you’re planning to stay in the town during this time, be sure to book ahead.
Some businesses may operate on reduced hours during the winter months, but you’ll always find somewhere to have a bite to eat (just check opening times online).
WEE FACT: The Amber Festival celebrates the much-loved musician Dougie MacLean who grew up in Perthshire and is most famous for writing the beautiful Scottish folk ballad, ‘Caledonia’.
HOW TO GET TO DUNKELD
Dunkeld is easily accessible by public transport. It’s located on both the train and bus routes between Edinburgh/Glasgow and Inverness and there are local bus services operating within Perthshire. If you’re visiting Dunkeld for longer than just a day, you can use the town as a base to visit nearby Perth, Pitlochry or Aberfeldy.
DUNKELD BY TRAIN
Book a standard single or return tickets to Dunkeld on the day, or check 12 weeks ahead of travel for discounted advanced fares; purchase via ScotRail or TheTrainLine.
Dunkeld & Birnham Train Station is a 15-minute walk to the town centre.
The direct train journey times are:
> Edinburgh – Dunkeld: 1 hour, 40 minutes
> Glasgow – Dunkeld: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Some journeys have a short changeover in Perth (usually under 20 minutes).
> Dunkeld – Perth: 16 mins
> Dunkeld – Pitlochry: 12 mins
> Dunkeld – Inverness: max. 2 hours
DUNKELD BY BUS
The Citylink bus service drops you at Birnam Hotel which is a 10 minute walk to the town centre.
Book at least 48 hours ahead of travel to save money with advanced fares.
The bus journey times are:
> Edinburgh – Birnam (for Dunkeld): max. 1 hour, 55 minutes
> Glasgow – Birnam (for Dunkeld): max. 1 hour, 45 minutes (this service changes buses at Perth Broxden Park & Ride)
> Edinburgh – Birnam (for Dunkeld): max. 1 hour, 55 minutes
Stagecoach operate the local buses, allowing you to explore more beautiful Perthshire towns from Dunkeld.
The buses pass through the town centre itself; stopping at North Car Park and outside Royal Dunkeld Hotel depending on which direction you’re travelling in.
> Dunkeld – Aberfeldy: 40 mins (service 23)
> Dunkeld – Pitlochry: 35 mins (service 23 + service 24 with a quick bus change at Ballinluig)
WHERE TO STAY IN DUNKELD
Dunkeld is the perfect day trip from one of the cities, but if you fancy sticking around for longer, the town has a good selection of accommodation; although sadly the only hostel nearby is now closed, so there aren’t really any super budget friendly options.
> Atholl Arms Hotel – located right in the centre of town, this 19th century hotel is vibrantly decorated, super dog friendly and has a bar, restaurant, and lounge. Some rooms have views of the River Tay.
> 1 The Cross – a charming, 2 bedroom self-catering cottage located, as the name suggests, next to the Mercat Cross in the town centre. Complete with a gas wood-burning stove, this is a cosy home away from home.
> Dunkeld House Hotel – a gorgeous resort-style hotel in a scenic location on the River Tay with a bar, restaurant and leisure facilities; the hotel is a 15-minute walk from the town and 30-minute walk from the train station (local taxis are available but must be pre-booked)
> The Taybank – bright, stylish and luxurious, this attractive accommodation is at the higher end of the price range (it’s on my list to stay one day!). There’s outside seating, a bar/restaurant and the latest addition of the wood-fire Braan Sauna and plunge pool experience right on the riverside.
MY TOP THINGS TO DO IN DUNKELD
From the partially ruined cathedral and selection of independent business, to the tree-lined River Tay and scenic walking trails, these are my favourite things to do in Dunkeld.
If you’re visiting for the day, I recommend heading to the town centre for lunch/treats/picnic goodies before setting off on a scenic walk, then returning to the town afterwards for dinner and drinks. If you’re staying for longer, I challenge you to work your way through the whole list!
1) DISCOVER DUNKELD CATHEDRAL
Dunkeld Cathedral sits just shy of the banks of the River Tay in a perfectly picturesque concealment of trees.
Once a Pictish monastery and a safe keeping place for the relics of St Columba, the cathedral’s history travels further back through the centuries than the 13th century remnants you see today.
The cathedral is part-ruin (conservation and inspection works are ongoing) and a present day peaceful place of worship. Step inside for a moment of calm, and to discover an effigy of the infamous Alexander Stewart, the Earl of Badenoch at the back.
The scorned brother of the future King Robert III, Alexander was a furious, power hungry man who became notorious for his atrocious acts; namely setting fire to homes and religious buildings, including Elgin Cathedral in 1390. His evil acts earned him the nickname, the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’ and some believe the effigy is cursed.
WEE FACT: Dunkeld Bridge, which is best viewed from the riverside by the cathedral, was designed by renowned Scottish engineer, Thomas Telford, who was also responsible for the Caledonian Canal and the Dean Bridge in Edinburgh.
2) TREAT yourself AT ARAN BAKERY
This beautiful artisan bakery is an absolute must; so much so, that I have been known to plan my visit around the opening days/hours (9.30am-3.30pm, Tues-Sat).
ARAN Bakery was brought to brought to life by Flora Sheddon, a Dunkeld local, who reached the semi-finals on Great British Bake Off aged just 19, and has published two cookbooks since.
Expect outrageously good sourdough, sausage rolls, cakes, buns and pastries; hot drinks, of course, because what is a pastry without a coffee for company?
3) FEAST UPON THE SCOTTISH DELI DELIGHTS
Whether you’re picking up a picnic for your walk, stocking up to self-cater, or grabbing something to eat immediately upon purchase, The Scottish Deli is place to be.
This heavenly deli is a one-stop-shop for delicious, high-quality Scottish produce; the kind of place I’d like to buy one of everything: cheeses, meats, chutneys, crackers, pâté, jam and sweet treats.
During the day, you can sit-in for lunch: deli sandwiches and salads, fresh scones and homemade soup etc.
Even more excitingly, there is an evening dining option and the theme is tapas! View the menu here.
Phone 01350 728 028 for on-the-day bookings, or even better, even in advance to avoid disappointment; [email protected]
4) GET COSY IN THE CLOOTIE DUMPLING
Named after the warmly spiced, Scottish fruit pudding, The Clootie Dumpling is yet another gorgeous wee local business in the town centre. This super cute coffee shop and lunch spot gives off quaint, vintage tea room vibes with cosy indoor seating and a small outside seating area with views of Dunkeld Bridge and the River Tay.
Expect a warm welcome, comfort food and traditional treats; from homemade soup and savoury tarts, to the impressive selection of cakes and bakes, including a classic Victoria sponge and Clootie Dumpling, of course.
On my last visit, I had lunch in the cafe and ordered carrot cake to takeaway; I saved it for the end of a long autumnal walk. It was delicious!
5) HIT THE LOCAL INDEPENDENT SHOPS
I love to see streets dotted with small, independently owned businesses and this town has many to browse; high quality too (some higher than my price range!). You’ll struggle to find tacky souvenirs here.
Alive with colour and pretty patterns, The Blue Magpie is filled with a bit of everything: clothing, gifts, homeware, candles, stationery etc., lovingly sourced from independent makers in the UK and beyond. I recommend purchasing one of the cute, branded tote bags as an extra souvenir to carry your purchases.
Kettles of Dunkeld is a treasure trove of cookware and kitchen gadgets, knitwear and rugs, DIY and garden goodies.
Going Pottie & Jaggedy Thistle Gift Shop is not only a wee shop to pick up some delightful hand painted pottery (featuring Highland cows!), you can book in to paint your own tableware or dinosaurs, unicorns and gnomes.
I’m yet to visit LÒN Store, which focuses on local and artisanal products, but their Instagram page alone has me sold! The shop and monthly subscription boxes look absolutely gorgeous.
6) CHOOSE A SCENIC WALKING TRAIL
Whatever distance, duration or level of exertion you’re looking for, Dunkeld has a variety of walking trails starting from the town or nearby. If you’re short on time or low on energy, even a short stroll along the River Tay to Dunkeld House Hotel will be rewarded with picturesque Perthshire scenes.
Be sure to save or screenshot the walking routes before you set off (and potentially lose phone signal), pack suitable snacks & water, take a waterproof jacket depending on the weather forecast, and wear sensible shoes.
mY FAVOURITE walks from dunkeld
> Fiddler’s Path – a beautiful and flat walk from the centre of town passing Dunkeld Cathedral and Dunkeld House Hotel; follow the river upstream, cross after passing under the Jubilee Bridge, and return down the other side of the river.
> The Hermitage – without doubt, the most popular forest walk near Dunkeld and for good reason. A trail of towering trees leads to Ossian’s Hall and the powerful Black Linn Falls. To get there without a car this is (roughly) the route from the town; follow the signs for the ‘Inver Path’ rather than walking along the road.
> Loch Ordie – walk from the town centre to Cally Car Park to join this lengthy, scenic trail of countryside and lochs. If you’re feeling energetic, there is an optional detour up Deuchary Hill for incredible views.
> Birnam Hill – this is a relatively short hill but it does require a good burst of energy; the scenery and views are well worth it. While the route suggests going clockwise and saving the very steep section for the decline, we did it the other way round; brutal at first but a leisurely meander on the way back down.
7) BOOK IN FOR SUNDAY LUNCH AT Z’S BISTRO
After a healthy dose of fresh Perthshire air, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a comforting pub classics: Perthshire Steak Pie, Venison & Redcurrant Casserole, Macaroni Cheese, Seafood Basket, or Sunday Roast.
Z’s Bistro is part of The Atholl Arms Hotel and The Garden Terrace is open when the weather permits.
Always book in advance.
8) TRY THE bEST BURGERS FROM THE CRAFT DINER
The Craft Diner is an unassuming, easy-to-miss, street-food gem tucked away behind the public toilets at Atholl Street Car Park (previous location was at the train station).
Formerly a private chef, the owner Orkun is now running his own show, crafting delicious, juicy burgers with local, organic meat. Oh, and let me tell you, the accompanying chips are anything but an afterthought; they are also THE BEST.
Orkun is a bit of a character; funny, very direct and fiercely proud of his burger business which was awarded the Best Takeaway in Perthshire at the Scottish Business Awards in 2023.
Everything is cooked to order by one-man-band Orkun, so be prepared to wait. Absolutely worth it.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourite things to in Dunkeld.
I’m Kay, by the way; you can read more about me here.
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