Top 20 Lakes around Dunkeld And Birnam

The lakes around Dunkeld and Birnam are rich in wildlife. At Loch of the Lowes, you can observe ospreys from April to August, along with red squirrels, beavers (April to September), great-spotted woodpeckers, and various wildfowl. Loch Faskally's woodlands are home to red squirrels and woodland birds, while Loch Ordie offers chances to spot fallow deer and mute swans. Polney Loch is frequented by herons and moorhens.

Yes, Loch Clunie features a single island believed to be a human-built 'crannog,' which houses the ruins of Clunie Castle, a 16th-century tower house. Additionally, Loch Faskally is notable for the Pitlochry Dam, which includes a salmon ladder, a popular attraction allowing salmon to ascend annually.

Several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Loch of the Lowes has a visitor center with interactive displays and a gift shop, making it engaging for all ages. Mill Dam Lochan and Polney Loch are picturesque lochans often included in popular walking circuits, ideal for picnics and birdwatching with kids.

At Loch of the Lowes, there is a wheelchair-friendly path connecting the car park to the visitor centre, making it accessible for many visitors.

The best time depends on your interests. For osprey viewing at Loch of the Lowes, visit between April and August. Beavers are also visible from April to September. Autumn and winter are excellent for observing wildfowl. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and cycling, while autumn provides stunning foliage.

The region offers numerous routes. You can find cycling routes like the 'Five Lochs loop from Dunkeld' or 'Mill Dam – Loch Ordie loop from Dunkeld' in the Cycling around Dunkeld And Birnam guide. For walkers, routes like the 'Atholl Woods Path' or 'Dunkeld and Loch of the Lowes Loop' are available in the Running Trails around Dunkeld And Birnam guide. Loch Faskally also has circular walks, such as the route from Pitlochry to Killiecrankie.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Loch Faskally is a good spot for anglers, offering opportunities to catch brown trout, grayling, pike, and migrating salmon. Loch of Butterstone is particularly known for fly-fishing, especially for rainbow, brown, and blue trout.

For a tranquil experience, consider Polney Loch and Mill Dam Lochan, both picturesque and surrounded by mature woodland, often included in popular walking circuits around Dunkeld. Loch of Butterstone, part of the 'Lunan Lochs' chain, is also known for its clear water and peaceful, wooded surroundings.

The visitor center at Loch of the Lowes offers refreshments, coffee, and toilets during opening hours. Loch Faskally has the Faskally Boating Station, which provides refreshments. Many walking routes around lochans like Mill Dam Lochan are ideal picnic spots.

Visitors appreciate the diverse scenery, from the quiet, scenic ascents and descents of South Loch Tay Road to the varied landscapes around Loch Ordie. The tranquility of spots like Mill Dam Lochan for picnics and the wildlife viewing opportunities at Loch of the Lowes are also highly valued.

While the guide does not specifically mention designated wild swimming spots, the clear waters of Loch of Butterstone and the general natural setting of many lochs in the region might appeal to those interested in wild swimming. Always exercise caution and be aware of local regulations and safety guidelines.

The visitor centre at Loch of the Lowes is located in the loch's southwest corner. There is a car park available, and a wheelchair-friendly path connects it to the centre. The road along the south side of the loch is also popular for cycling to reach the centre.

Loch Faskally is a scenic, man-made reservoir created as part of a hydro-electric power scheme. It's known for its steep, wooded hills, popular angling opportunities for various fish species, and the Pitlochry Dam with its famous salmon ladder. Circular walks along the loch and River Garry are also a highlight.

Yes, several lochs are integrated into circular walking routes. The Atholl Woods circuit from Dunkeld often includes Mill Dam Lochan and Polney Loch. Loch Faskally also offers circular walks, such as the route from Pitlochry to Killiecrankie. Longer circular routes are popular around Loch Ordie for both walkers and cyclists.