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Dunkeld was proclaimed the first ecclesiastical capital of Scotland by Scotland's first king, Kenneth MacAlpin and the majestic ruin of the Cathedral dominates the town.
The only way to truly appreciate Dunkeld and Birnam is on foot and you'll quickly discover something of interest around every corner. The Cross in Dunkeld is a good starting point. The Atholl Memorial fountain at the centre of The Cross was erected in 1866 by public subscription in memory of the 6th Duke of Atholl. From here a walk down Cathedral Street to Dunkeld Cathedral standing idyllically amidst lawns that sweep down to the River Tay. Today part ruin and part Parish Church, the Cathedral features the splendid tomb of the notorious 'Wolf of Badenoch'.
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The brightly coloured 'Little Houses' of Dunkeld were built in the early 1700s. Restored to provide homes for local people, they are now in the care of The National Trust For Scotland (NTS). Another NTS property is the Ell Shop featuring the original 'ell' measure, just over a metre long, used for measuring cloth. A walk along Atholl street's variety of specialist shops will prove fascinating. A riverside path provides excellent views of Thomas Telford's Dunkeld Bridge.
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The Birnam Institute is home to the Beatrix Potter Exhibition & Garden. Beatrix Potter drew inspiration for 'The Tales of Peter Rabbit' from childhood holidays spent along the banks of The River Tay. The Birnam Institite also offers art exhibitions, a café and a shop. Music lovers will be welcome at The Taybank where spontaneous live music is often found and Birnam's Tap Inn which has weekly traditional and other music sessions in an enjoyable smoke free setting.
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If you are a keen walker, your choice of walks is extensive. In the splendid woodland area of The Hermitage (NTS) you will find one of the tallest trees in Britain. The walk to the Scottish Wildlife Trust's centre at Loch of the Lowes is wonderful at any time of the year, and a further extensive system of linked and way-marked walkways is detailed in the 'Dunkeld and Birnam Walks' leaflet available from the Tourist Information Centre situated at the Cross.
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Tucked away at the foot of thickly wooded hills, you will discover one of Perthshire's gems - the cathedral town of Dunkeld. Resting on the opposite bank of the River Tay is the Victorian village of Birnam. Together, the beautifully restored buildings and rich heritage are an inspiration for lovers of history, the arts and the great green outdoors.
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