Tay Forest Park

Tay Forest Park includes some of the most scenic areas in Highland Perthshire, where a favourable climate and rich soil have nurtured Scotland's finest forests.

Trees have covered this area for thousands of years providing a rich resource for man and a wide range of habitats for wildlife.

Modern day visitors to Tay Forest Park will find a variety of woodland areas, each with its own distinctive character and its own unique habitat and history.

Highland Perthshire in autumn is stunning: the mixed woodlands (conifer and broadleaved, Forestry Commission and private) combine with farmland and moorland to make a run in the country a world-class experience.

An enjoyable circuit

To link the autumnal best of Tay Forest Park and Highland Perthshire, take the A9 to Ballinluig then turn off onto the A827 towards Aberfeldy. At Aberfeldy, turn right at the traffic lights, and then across Wade's Bridge to Weem and Weem Forest, about a mile later.

To get the best views of Drummond Hill, return to Aberfeldy and head for Kenmore. Continue over the bridge and bear west to Fearnan where a right turn just before the hotel will swing you round the back of Drummond Hill and past the head of Glen Lyon (which is probably worth a detour of a few miles into the glen) and then the old yew at Fortingall.

On reaching the B846 again at Coshieville, turn left uphill to Tummel Bridge. When there, turn right down Strathtummel to Pitlochry passing Allean Forest, the Queen's View (worth stopping for) and then the gorge of the River Garry. Park at the west end of the Garry Bridge and wander down through the woods towards Killiecrankie or the Linn of Tummel.

Turn right across the Garry Bridge and Faskally wood is a mile towards Pitlochry on the right hand side. Make sure you have left enough time for a leisurely stroll around Loch Dunmore. The A9 can be rejoined just a few hundred metres south of Faskally, or after passing through Pitlochry.

Total driving time for the circuit is about two hours but allow plenty more for walking or just looking.

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8/Oct/2009