Head north out of Aberfeldy on the B846, passing the Black Watch Memorial
before you cross the Tay by 18th century Wade’s Bridge. After a mile or so you reach the village of Weem with its historic kirk and attractive forest walks.
Just beyond the village lies the impressive 16th century Castle Menzies, seat of the Clan Menzies, which hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie on his way to the Battle of Culloden in 1746. A short distance from the castle you can browse the speciality wines, foods and art of House of Menzies set in the original doo’cot and castle court, before continuing to the Highland Adventure Safari Lodge, where you can learn about local wildlife, visit the deer park and discovery garden or try your hand at goldpanning.
A few miles on, turn left at Coshieville and follow the road into Fortingall, a village of picturesque thatched cottages. There was once a Roman camp here and legend has it that this was the birthplace of Pontius Pilate. In the churchyard stands the famed Fortingall Yew – a mighty tree over 3,000 years old and Europe’s oldest living resident.
Continue through Fortingall to Fearnan on the north shore of Loch Tay where you’ll find Loch Tay Pottery. From here, take the A827 into Kenmore, a charming conservation village that houses the speciality shopping of Taymouth Courtyard and the Scottish Crannog Centre, an award-winning reconstruction of an Iron Age loch dwelling.
On the way back into Aberfeldy, pass 19th century Taymouth Castle, and pop in to see the hillside woodlands and spectacular views of Bolfracks Gardens.