Killin & Loch Tay, Perthshire

Loch Tay is found in Perthshire northern reaches and is the sixth largest loch in Scotland. This glorious freshwater loch is around 14 miles long, and about 1 to 1.5 miles wide.

At Loch Tay's northern end is Ben Lawers, which is the 10th highest mountain in Britain.

At the Eastern edge of the loch is the village of Killin, with the beautiful Falls of Dochart situated in the center of the town.

Killin and Loch Tay: A Stunning Landscape for a Relaxing Holiday

The picturesque village of Killin and Loch Tay are situated in Stirling, near Dochart River and Lochay River.  The village of Killin runs from the Falls of Dochart and ends towards the west of Loch Tay.  To the north of Killin and Loch Tay lay the eight munros (mountains that are over 3000 feet tall).  They provide a breathtaking backdrop for the village and the loch, especially at winter when the mountains are covered in snow. 

Ben Lawers is the tallest of the munros.  Measuring at 3983 feet tall, it just falls short of the 4000 feet mark.  Some felt strongly about this fact that in 1879, a group of men spent one day at the top of the mountain building a cairn about twenty-feet high to keep its head above the 4000ft magic number.  The south and west ridge of Ben Lawers are steep cliffs where some of the most beautiful alpine flowers in Britain grow.   Due to its abundance of the rare alpine flowers, it is now designated as a national nature reserve.

Killin and Loch Tay history

Killin and Loch Tay history is both mystical and fascinating.  The area has a number of historical sites including the Finlarig Castle and the Standing Stone Circle. There is also the burial place of the Fingal and the burial ground of the McNab Clan.  The McNab used to control the village and had a violent history dating back over a thousand years ago. Myth has it that the last person buried here haunts and guard the island until another person is buried here.

Killin and Loch Tay hotels

The stunning landscape makes the area a wonderful place for a relaxing holiday or a romantic getaway.  The location offers visitors many outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, fishing or simply sight seeing.  Killin and Loch Tay hotels offer visitors comfortable accommodation and with great views of the loch and the mountains.

The Killin and Loch Tay walks are fairly level and quite short but offer great views of the loch and the rivers.  However, some parts of the trail may be impassable after a heavy rain.  If you want a more challenging walk, you can try the Ben Lawers and the Ben Ghlass walks.  The five to six hours hike is great for seasoned ramblers.