AUTUMN COLOURS ON THE RIVER TAY.
Due
north of Perth the River Tay has cut a pleasant and verdant swathe
through the hills on either side. The A9 is the main road that curves
up the valley with impressive vistas as the roadside wild flowers and
ferns give way to wooded slopes and massive, rounded hills beyond.
The Tay is famous for its salmon fishing and is a magnet for many sports
fishermen from throughout the British Isles and Europe.
Just north of Perth at Bankfoot is the Perthshire Visitors
Centre with an information centre, shop, restaurant and audio visual
room. Here also is the Macbeth Experience, a multi-media exhibition
on the 11th c. warrior king. Dunkeld is the first town of any
size heading north up the Tay Valley which nestles in trees just off
the busy main road. The town has a relaxed atmosphere although it services
more the needs of the local population, than the visitor. Just south
is The Hermitage (National Trust) with its lovely walks
and river views.
The Tay then takes a leisurely arc westwards and along the river are
several outdoor pursuit centres with white water sports and canoeing.
At Grantully the small single lane bridge gives an excellent
vantage point to view the watersports below. Along the far bank little
cottages and houses occasionally peek out of the trees revealing their
idyllic setting.
Aberfeldy is a charming Victorian town complete with an excellent
putting green in its centre. There is a distinct 50’s atmosphere
here and there are some quality stores — Huggards’
is one, long established for tweeds and woollen wear.
There is a fine example of a restored mill at the Aberfeldy Water
Mill (open Easter-Oct Mon-Sat 10.00-17.30, Sun 12.00-17.30) where
milling continues in the traditional way.
At the eastern entrance to the town is the substantial Aberfeldy
Distillery with its manicured lawns and rhododendron bushes. Here
the popular Dewar's whisky is distilled, continuing the tradition of
the original John Dewar who was born close by. Open Easter-Oct Mon-Fri
10.00 - 16.00.
Just past Aberfeldy, at Weem is Castle Menzies (16th c.)
(pronounced Men-gies), standing starkly amidst barley fields. It was
the seat of Clan Menzies for 400 years and is more a fortified stately
home than a castle being constructed to an unusual Z plan. There is
a tea room and small shop.
Loch Tay itself is over 14 miles long and surrounded by impressive
mountains — the Mountains of Breadalbane lying to the south.
Here the outdoor life rules supreme with serene, picturesque views —
a mecca for walkers and hikers.
