Pitlochry to Northumberland

Dunkeld, Perthshire

Dunkeld is a compact but postcard-perfect Scottish town in the heart of Highland Perthshire, worth visiting this morning. Wander along the banks of the River Tay, see Dunkeld Cathedral, and explore the beautifully preserved conservation village.

Be sure to grab a pastry from modern, Scandi-style Aran Bakery. Known for its sourdough, flaky pastries, and patisseries, this is a must!

Parking: Tay Terrace car park.

Time: around an hour for Dunkeld.   

The Hermitage Forest Walk, Perthshire

Depending on how early you start today, I recommend a short forest walk at The Hermitage. You’ll find some of Scotland’s tallest trees here and an incredible waterfall accessed via an unexpected hall. There’s also a very good coffee and doughnut stall here!

Parking: Hermitage car park (£4 to park)

Time: around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how far you walk.  

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle has a long and distinguished history, including being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Tickets can be bought online. You’ll also see the Wallace Monument as you drive along the motorway (or take time to visit). Stirling is a compact town, but the historic streets around the castle are worth a wander.

Directions: Stirling Castle parking

Time: Note this is a detour from your main route, but it will only add around an extra 15 minutes of driving. But you’ll want around one to 1.5 hours in Stirling itself.

OR

Culross

Culross (pronounced coo-riss) is one of Scotland’s most charming and photogenic villages—an absolute gem tucked along the shores of the Firth of Forth. With its cobbled lanes, ochre-coloured 17th-century buildings, historic palace, and peaceful historic atmosphere, it feels like stepping straight into a storybook.

Directions: Culross West Car Park

Coffee/lunch: The very traditional Bessie’s Café or the very cosy Mercat Café. 

Time: Note this is a detour from your main route, but it will only add around an extra 10 minutes of driving. But you’ll want around one to 1.5 hours in Stirling itself.

North Queensferry

If you have time, stop in the tiny hamlet of North Queensferry. The view of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge is incredible (though there’s otherwise not much to see). But it is lovely for a leg stretch before crossing the bridge.

Parking: Battery Road car park

Time: around 15 minutes (add additional time for lunch) 

South Queensferry

Queensferry (also called South Queensferry) is a quaint seaside town with cobbled streets, coffee shops, bakeries and an amazing view of the Forth railway bridge that opened in 1890. Queensferry is where the car ferry used to cross the Firth of Forth towards Aberdeen before the road bridge was opened in 1964. The new road bridge (far left), called Queensferry Crossing, opened in 2017. This website has all the history of the bridges.

I recommend Brew Culture for a takeaway coffee and Dune for amazing pastries. Visit Rogue Bros for a breakfast roll. Walk to the pier via Harbour Lane for a great view of the bridges.

Directions: Queensferry Scotmid

Parking: park at Scotmid car park and walk into town. There’s a 2 hour limit.

Time: depending on what you see & do, this detour takes around 45 minutes.

Depart South