Aberfeldy and Loch Tay
Aberfeldy & Loch Tay
Aberfeldy: Small Town, Big Adventure
Charming, vibrant, and full of character, Aberfeldy is a firm favourite among visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and culture. Surrounded by stunning Highland scenery, Aberfeldy and Loch Tay offers a rich mix of activities, attractions, and local experiences. Whether you’re into hiking, history, water sports, or browsing independent shops and galleries, there’s plenty to discover in and around this welcoming town.
First made famous by Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, today Aberfeldy is Scotland's first Fairtrade town and retailers and attractions throughout the area do their best to promote Fairtrade, organic and environmentally friendly products. Burns is celebrated with a statue at the foot of the Birks of Aberfeldy Walk.
Wades Bridge (also know as Tay Bridge) is a historic, five arch bridge crossing the River Tay bulit in 1733. It is one of fourty such bridges built by General George Wade, and is the only one still in use today.
Just six miles west of the town, Loch Tay is the largest loch in Perthshire, framed by majestic mountains and hillside farms and cottages. As well as being the popular playground of sailors and watersports enthusiasts, the loch is home to 18 ancient dwellings called crannogs. Nearby to the north, Glen Lyon is often described as the longest and loveliest glen in Scotland, and has a wonderfully mystical atmosphere.
We hope you enjoy exploring the area.
Things to See and Do in Aberfeldy & Loch Tay
With so much on offer, deciding where to start can be tough! Here are some of the top activities and attractions worth a visit:
Loch Tay
The nearby, breathtaking Loch Tay is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the loch offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and a variety of watersports. You can hire canoes, fishing boats, water trampolines, and more from Taymouth Marina. For those seeking relaxation, there’s even a lakeside sauna to unwind in after a day of adventure.
Swimming and Fitness
The Breadalbane Community Campus offers visitors swimming facilities, fitness classes, a gym, and ea climbing wall—great for keeping active during your stay. There's also spots to wild swim in the River Tay at Wades Bridge and in Loch Tay.
Shopping, Arts and Crafts
Aberfeldy’s independent shops offer everything from gifts to outdoor gear and local crafts.
Here are a few favourites:
Taymouth Courtyard Shop
A charming deli and gift shop featuring local Perthshire produce, handmade gifts, and souvenirs. This independent retailer showscases local produce, is a quintessential food faye emporium and Scottish Food hamper supplier.
Aberfeldy Gallery
Open since 1983, this gallery has showcased the best of Scottish art, with rotating exhibitions and original works for sale.
The Gallery represents over 50 artists and makers from across Scotland at any one time and is recognised for its diverse range of contemporary art.
Keltneyburn Smithy Gallery & Workshop
Discover inspiring sculptures by local artist Heather M. Cummings, whose work adorns many parts of Highland Perthshire.
Places to Eat
After a day of exploring, Aberfeldy offers plenty of unique cafés and restaurants:
- Cow & Parrot: Offering a warm welcome, with friendly staff and a terrific selection of homemade pastries and specialist brews.
- Glen Lyon Coffee Store: Passionate, ethical coffee roasters serve up delicious brews, and a selection of goodies, in a funky, industrial setting. Always a great vibe and loved by locals and visitors alike.
- Fitka Coffee Shop: A dog-friendly independent café serving homemade food, cakes, and coffees, with great vegetarian and vegan options—a perfect spot after a long walk.
- Three Lemons: A charming restaurant and bar known for its quality, affordable food—try one of their famous burgers or delicious pizzas.
- Thyme Bistro: Perched above Aberfeldy, chef-owner Paul Newman showcases local produce blended with global influences. With an onsite deli, this is the perfect spot for brunch, lunch and dinner.
- Taymouth Marina Restaurant: Enjoy stunning views over the water of Loch Tay and Drummond Hill while dining on locally sourced Scottish produce at the atmospheric Taymouth Marina.
Map view of Aberfeldy & Loch Tay Self Catering Properties
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Guest Reviews
August 2022
July 2025