Whether you’re planning to stay in Kenmore for a day or a week, you’ll find that there’s always something to do in this beautiful lochside town.
By: Graham Grieve
Over the past 25+ years Graham has travelled the length and breadth of the country on camping overnighters, hillwalking adventures, road trips and random getaways. During this time he has accumulated an intimate knowledge of Scotland.
We’ve briefly touched on the activities available at Loch Tay, like fishing and swimming, but there’s much more to see around this vast body of water. A day in Kenmore could have you visiting the fascinating Scottish Crannog Centre, Glen Lyon, and The Poet’s Bar, themed after a poem written by Robert Burns.
But before booking a trip here, read through our guide for the top things to do in Kenmore.
Scottish Crannog Centre
Right by Loch Tay and Kenmore is the Scottish Crannog Centre, your look into what the Scotland of 2,500 years ago looked like!
This excellent visitor centre is one of the most popular places for tourists to see, and the enthusiastic tour guides are essential in getting familiar with Scotland’s past. The centre is open air and sits on top of the loch, granting splendid views out over Tay.
Greenland Stone Circle
The Greenland Stone Circle is entirely complete, a fact that is quite rare to see when exploring the sights of Scotland.
An unbeatable atmosphere cloaks the stone circle, immersing those who visit in the annals of history. The Greenland Stone Circle is an excellent point to stop by and see as you head to your next sightseeing locations near Kenmore.
Taymouth Castle
If you want outdoor activity, the trail loop around the stunning Taymouth Castle is one of the best.
This 18-century castle, previously known as Balloch Castle, will drop your jaw with its picturesque architecture and design. Although the castle and course are under repair, Taymouth Castle is a grand centrepiece of a great loop walk.
Loch Tay Safaris
Hopping aboard the loch safari tours from Kenmore harbour is an utterly irresistible temptation.
Feeling the wind in your hair as you skim across the waters of Scotland’s deepest loch is a thrill that you can’t get anywhere else. Highlights of the trip include the informative and personable guides, the spectacular wildlife, and delectable bites of history as you explore Loch Tay.
If you’re looking for something to do near Kenmore, a trip with Loch Tay Safaris is well in order!
Mains of Taymouth Golf Course
The Mains at Taymouth is a beautiful course that entices golfers from all over the world.
With one of the finest 9-hole courses in Perth and Kinross, the Mains of Taymouth Golf Course is one attraction you can’t miss. The county park and course are set at the foot of Tay Forest Park, which means you receive grand views as you tee off!
No matter your handicap, a round at this excellent course will brighten your day.
Drummond Hill
One of the best walks from Kenmore is to the top of Drummond Hill.
Drummond Hill is considered the first managed forest in Scotland, and you can thank Sir Duncan Campbell for the wide variety of oak, birch, and Scot pines within Drummond Hill.
You can see a brilliant view of the north side of Kenmore, Loch Tay, and a few other nearby places from the top of Black Rock Viewpoint.
See the River Tay
As Loch Tay transitions to the River Tay, you can enjoy some stunning views as it curves towards Dundee.
You’ll likely see this attraction as you explore the area around Kenmore, but it’s always a good idea to set aside an hour or two to have a picnic or go for a fishing trip if you’re so inclined.
Following it to the east end of Scotland, you’ll find cosy villages like Perth and Aberfeldy.
Visit the Red Deer Centre
As part of the extremely popular Highland Safaris, you can enjoy near Kenmore, make sure to stop by this centre.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience lets you get up close and personal with one of the largest mammals in Scotland. The centre is usually a part of one of the excellent Highland tours offered nearby to Kenmore, but you can check out the centre without taking a safari.
Make sure to check out their website for more information.
Falls of Acharn
A beautiful trail walk with a view, the Falls of Acharn are a spectacular attraction and great for a morning hike!
The falls themselves are fabulous and are comprised of the upper and lower falls, with plenty of curious and strange things to see along the way! Best of all are the views you get of the small village of Acharn and Loch Tay.
Although the hike itself is only about two kilometres, it’s best to set aside about 60 minutes at least to fully take in the breadth and width of this hiking trail.
Kenmore Beach
It’s only natural that there’d be a stunning beach paired with this lochside location. Any sunny days you have in Kenmore mean that you should enjoy some time at Kenmore Beach.
With the dramatic backdrop of Ben Lawers, Scotland’s 10th tallest mountain, Kenmore Beach is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to try out the water activities like water skiing and jet biking on Loch Tay – keep your eye out for the ‘Isle of Holy Women’.
Kenmore Highland Games
The Kenmore Highland Games are a celebration of unique Scottish traditions, and every year in July, you too can experience these Highland Games.
The best part about the Kenmore Highland Games is that they are friendly games, meaning that they are open for anyone to join – feeling up to put your dance moves to the test? You’ll find that the atmosphere and energy of these games are unlike anything you’ve experienced.
Throw in some delicious brews and food, and you have an excellent attraction every single year.
Fortingall Yew Tree
One of the most mystical attractions you can find near the pretty village of Kenmore is the Fortingall Yew Tree, which some claim is the oldest tree in Europe!
You can find the Fortingall Yew Tree in between Aberfeldy and Kenmore; it’s a heritage tree of international importance and is at the geographical heart of Scotland. The tree dates back 3,000 to 9,000 years ago and used to have a nearly 10-metre circumference!
Don’t miss out on this ancient attraction – there’s nothing else quite like it!
Try a Highland Safari
We’ve touched briefly on Highland Safaris when speaking about red deer, but if you want to see the sights in an off-road vehicle, make sure to book a tour.
Offering a mixture of transport options, from hiking, driving, and driving, there’s no better way to see what Scotland offers than with a Highland Safari. Local tour guides are excellent at entertaining and informative, ensuring that it’s an experience to remember.
Castle Menzies
The towering Castle Menzies near Aberfeldy is a gorgeous attraction you can see while enjoying your time in Kenmore.
You can take a castle tour at a reasonable price and discover the exhilarating historical artefacts and period-piece furniture. Discover how this 16th-century castle was built, the clan that inhabited it, and the turbulent history that took place here.
Bolfracks Garden
This privately-owned garden is a lush paradise just waiting to be explored.
This lush and verdant garden in the Highlands is perched on the riverbanks of the River Tay and lets you enjoy some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Bolfracks Garden is also quite central to many other attractions near Kenmore, making a trip here with family or friends a great way to start the day.
St David’s Well
Near the town of Aberfeldy sits St David’s Well, an ancient holy well that sits at the Rock of Weem.
This religious site is easily reached by a trail hike, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. If you’re keen on some outdoor activity near Kenmore, check out the climb to St David’s Well.
Visit the Kenmore Hotel
The Kenmore Hotel is a contender for Scotland’s oldest inn, making it a great attraction to spot while exploring Kenmore.
The hotel was commissioned by Sir Colin Campbell, who was known then as Laird Colin Campbell. It provides accommodation and is an excellent attraction to see while exploring Kenmore.
Visit: Graham Grieve for more great trip ideas and watch this space as we continue to share his travels
