Drummond Hill
Forestry Commission Scotland
The hill where Scotland’s first experiments in forestry took place, is cloaked in plantations featuring various mixed coniferous and broadleaved trees. The local laird, Sir Duncan Campbell, planted part of it in the early 17th century and today, the working forest offers a superb area for walks with fine views of Loch Tay.
Offering a choice of three separate signposted routes, you can access the pathways from three different points.
For those shortest on time, take the route begining either at the picnic site on Loch Tay or from the entrance at Kenmore. The walk ascends up Drummond Hill to Black Rock viewpoint, dramatically seated on a rocky outcrop with amazing views over Loch Tay, including the re-constructed Iron Age Crannog and Priory Island, burial place of the 13th Century Queen Sybilla of Scotland. The viewpoint features a stone wall, built in the style of the walls around the designed landscape of Taymouth Castle.
Heading eastward from the same starting point, the second route leads to a point overlooking Taymouth Castle. Built in 1801 for the Earl of Breadalbane, the castle’s gothic extravagance is partly captured in one of Magnus Jackson’s stunningly detailed photographs from the 19th century. It is in the throes of being transformed into a luxury hotel and golf resort.
The longest of the walks continues past Black Rock and over the ridge into Glen Lyon. On the far side of the glen, the village of Fortingall is home to Europe’s oldest living organism, the Fortingall Yew.
Amidst the possible bird and wildlife sightings, keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), reintroduced to Scotland here in the 1830s after being hunted to extinction.
For a well earned rest after your walk, dip your toes in the waters of Loch Tay at Dalerb picnic site on its shores. Future plans for the site include the construction of a pier which will allow a steam powered passenger ship to dock.
Visit any time of year.
Moderate-going walk of 2.5 miles/ 4 km to 3 miles/ 5 km.
Off-road cyclists welcome.
Location
At Kenmore, 4.5 miles/ 7 km west of Aberfeldy off the A827.
Public transport and other facilities
Take the bus from Aberfeldy to Kenmore.
There are two access points for Drummond Hill, the main car park and a secondary entrance at Peeler’s Gate for cyclists.
All facilities are available at Kenmore.