Page 243 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 24: The Heart of Scotland 241

Left to right Dunkeld: Neo-Gothic fountain at
5 Dunkeld the market cross; part of the ruined wing of
Perthshire; PH8 Dunkeld Cathedral; the impressive Dunkeld
This charming market town, with shops, restaurants and a 14th-century Bridge, spanning the River Tay
cathedral makes a relaxing place to stop. It stands on one bank of the
River Tay, with the town of Birnam on the other. As well as excellent EAT AND DRINK
salmon and trout fishing on the Tay, the nearby woods and hills offer PERTH
plenty of fine walks – ask about these activities in the Tourist Office. 63 Tay Street moderate
There’s a contemporary feel to this fine
restaurant in the heart of Perth. Enjoy
A one-and-a-half-hour hours exploring with a local naturalist, risotto of Scottish lobster and scallops.
walking tour Charles Macintosh. The wildlife and 63 Tay Street, PH2 8NN; 01736 441 451;
From the car park, walk down Bridge countryside inspired Beatrix to create www.63taystreet.com; closed Sun, Mon
Street and over Dunkeld Bridge 1 such enduring characters as Peter MEIGLE
across the Tay. It was built in the early Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy Winkle, years The Joinery Coffee Shop inexpensive
19th century by Thomas Telford, and later. The exhibition includes a Lovely little café in a former joinery in
cost £15,000 (about £1m today). It’s a Victorian schoolroom, information Meigle. Come for homemade soups,
magnificent structure over 200 m panels and a Beatrix Potter Garden – freshly made panini and delicious cakes.
(685 ft) long. Keep to the left and, just the museum is an ideal place for The Square, PH12 8RN; 01828 640717;
www.joinerycoffeeshop.co.uk
over the bridge, take the steps down young children. There’s also a café.
to the river – a sign says Birnam Walk. To return to Dunkeld, either walk KIRRIEMUIR
Once under the bridge, go left to back along the river or follow Perth Lands of Loyal moderate
follow a path which offers picturesque Road in Birnam to cross the bridge. Seasonal produce, game and fish are
views of Dunkeld Cathedral 2, much ª Take the A9 north, after Pitlochry served in the restaurant of this grand
of which is in ruins, the result of turn left, onto the B8019, then right hotel just outside Alyth. After lunch,
enjoy a walk in the fabulous grounds.
damage during the Reformation onto the B8079 to Killiecrankie. The Alyth, Blairgowrie, PH11 8JQ; 01828
in the 16th century. Pass Visitor Centre is clearly signposted. 633 151; www.landsofloyal.co.uk
The most scenic and enjoyable
option from here is to retrace the walk
route under the bridge, keeping the
river now on the left-hand side.
After crossing a small footbridge,
there’s a mighty sycamore tree and DUNKELD
the Birnam Oak 3, its lower branches
Dunkeld
propped up with posts, like an elderly Cathedral
gentleman leaning on a stick. This B R I D G E S T R E E T Dunkeld
is the last survivor of Birnam Wood, Bridge
mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Tay
Follow this lovely tree-lined path
LITTLE
along the river to a blue painted DUNKELD Birnam
fishing hut 4 by the waters of the Tay. Oak
Return the same way along the river- P E R T H R O A D
side but, just before reaching the
Birnam Oak, turn left up a set of steps.
Follow the path to the road in Birnam, Beatrix Potter
and cross over to visit the Beatrix Exhibition BIRNAM
Potter Exhibition 5 (open daily). The 0 metres 500 Dunkeld and Birnam Fishing
Hut
children’s author Beatrix Potter used to 0 yards 500 Station
holiday in Birnam as a child, and spent
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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