On the first day of Christmas, the wee yin said to me…...let’s go see Dunkeld Cathedral!
We happened to chance upon Dunkeld after a day trip through to the Falls of Bruar. I have driven past the House of Bruar sign on the A9 for the last 20 years and always thought it was just a shopping complex and to be honest shopping is not my forte! Lorna had read up on the falls and thought it was worth a look. I did have my suspicions with all those shops a bit close by.
We actually chose a day that was raining hard to see falls at full flow. So after coffee in the Campervan, it was on with full waterproofs off, we set. It’s a 2.5 km walk that should take around an hour and a half. It’s not a hard walk but does have a few wee climbs. All that said it is so worth the effort, the falls are absolutely spectacular. I remember seeing something like this in Australia and travelling for hours to get there. The way in which the water cuts through the rock is stunning and the size and falls breathtaking. Genuinely, if you haven’t been its a great walk and start to a day. One word of warning though, leave your wallet in the Campervan! Coming back through the House of Bruar shopping complex it’s hard not to find something you think you desperately need
So from here, we decided to make their way to Dunkeld for a bit of brunch and to have a look at the historic Dunkeld Cathedral. Lorna had already scouted out a few spots to visit so first up was @aranbakery on the high street for some well-earned coffee and cake. Absolutely beautiful. The coffee was exceptional and the cake beautiful and light. A great find.
We then proceeded on to the Cathedral which was closed due to the pandemic. We meandered around the outside and read the information about the historical significance of the town and cathedral. Did you know that the bones of Saint Columba are said to have rested here until the time of the Reformation! A beautiful building and well worth a visit. The fact it has a wee charity shop - Three Churches Charity Shop just next door is also a bonus. Who cant resist a Charity shop? Here we also popped into Going Pottie @jaggedthistle_goingpottie, a real cool pottery studio. I was looking for a painted tile to complete an upcycled hall stand project but they didn’t have the size i needed in stock. It did, however, have some gorgeous pieces that would make a perfect gift.
A walk around town revealed a number of small independent retailers all offering individual gifts and ideas. Perthshire is also very highly regarded for its culinary offerings and the range available in town again didn’t disappoint.
One of my favourite finds was the Corbenic Cafe and shop. Set up to help support the local community and in particular offer work experience to people with special needs. We didn’t eat here however the smell of the homemade soup did kick in my appetite. Also, some great local arts and crafts for the community workshop. One definitely to come back too.
Lunch location was very hard to choose, Lorna had her eye on afternoon tea at the grandiose Dunkeld House, former residence of the Duke of Atholl, but seeing so many local treats on offer we decided to stay in town and try The Taybank @thetaybank. The main reason for this was she could also pop in next door into Jeffrey Interiors - one of those independent furniture shops like most towns used to have. Some really fantastic unique pieces and it was tough to get the wee yin out. She was seriously eyeing up a large 3 seater sofa!!! Back to lunch, the Tay was lovely, in particular, the friendly and courteous staff. A good choice.
Fed and watered it was back to the local shops and first up The Blue Magpie @BraeStDunkeld. A magic wee gift shop with all the individual gifts you could ask for, particularly the card range. Lorna was keen to also visit Kat n Kat @katnkatdunkeld which again was jammed packed with stunning locally designed silver jewellery and textiles. Again, the wee yin was ready to batter the credit card until i managed to intervene. Next was my choice and the Dunkeld Whisky Box @dunkeldwhiskybox
really this was more a tease than anything. As I was driving I couldn’t try any of the Craft beers or spirits but what a range.
Last but not least was Lon Store @lonstore for a nosey and some culinary inspiration. A really well-stocked deli also with coffee and sandwiches available. There was so much on offer we decided to make another visit and pick up those wee essentials that can be hard to find. Again, an essential stop whilst in town.
Bellies full and wallets intact we decided to hit the road and find out spot for a night of wild camping. Dunkeld just oozes history and is one of those beautiful Scots towns you marvel at. Historical, friendly, warm and welcoming. Don’t drive past, honestly pop in, you are in for a real treat.
