The Complete Guide to Comrie, Perthshire
I spent a week with my partner in Perthshire last year, and it made such an impression that we returned in late summer for a weekend away. Of all the places we explored, the one that stayed with us most was Comrie.
Tucked into the folds of Highland Perthshire, this small village has a way of drawing you in quietly – with its pretty main street, independent shops, and restaurants that feel rooted in their landscape.
It sits at the meeting point of glens and rivers, right where the Lowlands tip into the Highlands, giving it exceptional access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside.
Its location also makes it a brilliant springboard for wider adventures: with a quick detour, you’re on the A84, opening up easy routes into the western Highlands and the Trossachs. Or a quick trip takes you further into Perthshire, with the nearby villages of Crieff and Muthill just around the corner.
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Add to that a historic market square, cosy pubs, and the kind of old-world charm you only find in Highland villages, and you have a place that works effortlessly as a day trip or as a base for exploring the region.
From riverside walks to great food, and from easy local trails to big-sky landscapes just a short drive away, Comrie is very much worth visiting.
This is our travel guide to Comrie, where to eat, and how to visit.
Quick Guide: The best things to do in Comrie
This is our quick guide to Comrie for busy travellers who want a snapshot, but you’ll find all the important details below:
Explore the village
Walk Deil’s Cauldron
Go hiking on Ben Chonzie
Farm shop, cafe, sauna, and glamping at Comrie Croft
Pastries and sourdough at Wild Hearth Bakery
Deli goods at Hansen's Kitchen
Shop at the boutique stores (list below)
Flower picking at Tomnah’a
Fireside food and drinks at The Royal Hotel
History at Cultybraggan Camp
Heritage at Drummond Castle
Day trip to Loch Earn, Crieff, or Trossachs.
Where to stay in Comrie, Perthshire
The Royal Hotel: for a cosy, country stay in the village centre.
Cultybraggan Hut 36: for the most unique glamping pod experience.
No7 Drummond Street: for a stylish group cottage stay in the village.
Helpful Guides To Plan Your Perthshire Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Perthshire, we’ve got plenty of Perthshire guides to help you plan. Check out the best places to stay in Perthshire, the most charming Perthshire villages, and detailed guides to Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Crieff, and Aberfeldy. Plus, this forest-and-foodie 3-day getaway.
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Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The best things to do in Cromie
Spend time in the village
Like any charming village in Perthshire, the experience always begins with a proper walk in the centre. Comrie is compact, and I’d advise just following the bustling high street, little lanes, and alleys (our favourite is the aptly named Pudding Lane).
You can’t get too far until you need to turn the next way.
Along the way, there are a few sights worth seeking out and popping into; you’ll likely cross paths anyway. Remember, while Comrie doesn’t have grand museums, there are culturally important sights to see, including the White Church, the pretty Parish Church and its towering steeple, the riverside snowdrops, the old bridge, the riverside trail, and a host of charming, stone-built cottages.
The high street itself, though short, is a thriving spot and always busy. Dotted with cafes, boutique stores, delis, and bakeries, come here during the day when it bustles with local village energy.
Pastries at Wild Hearth Bakery
One of our favourite spots on the High Street is Wild Hearth Bakery. A local bakery, Wild Hearth, has gained a loyal following in Perthshire and beyond, thanks to its quality breads, sourdoughs, and pastries. You’ll find their bakes in heaps of delis and cafes across Scotland, but the best place to pick up freshly baked goodies is their stylish shop in Comrie.
We make a beeline for this place every time we visit, and generally leave with a bag of croissants, a fruit loaf, and a classic sourdough.
The shop has some counter seating, so you can sit in and enjoy flaky pastries with barista-style coffee, delicious cakes, and sweet treats.
Deli goods at Hansen's Kitchen
Another foodie favourite on Comrie’s high street, Hansen’s Kitchen is the place to stop if you love thoughtful deli produce and well-curated pantry staples.
Shelves are lined with local cheeses, Scottish charcuterie, small-batch chutneys, artisan biscuits, and an excellent selection of jams and marmalades. You’ll also find fresh breads, olives, pastries, and a rotating range of takeaway salads and sandwiches perfect for picnics.
Shop at the boutique stores
Comrie’s independent shopping scene is one of its quiet surprises, with a handful of small boutiques that make browsing here genuinely enjoyable. Scattered along the high street and tucked just off it, these spots bring together thoughtful design, local craftsmanship, and a sense of place that reflects the village’s creative energy.
No.1 Dunira is a beautifully curated lifestyle store that blends homeware, gifts, and seasonal pieces with a modern Scottish aesthetic. Expect ceramics, textiles, candles, and little treasures you didn’t know you needed.
A short stroll away, Studio 52 brings a creative edge to the village with artwork, prints, and handcrafted pieces from Scottish makers. The space has a calm, gallery-like feel, and it’s an excellent stop if you’re looking for something distinctive to take home.
Just along the road, The Hideaway offers a curated mix of accessories, seasonal homewares, and garden essentials. This family-run home and garden store offers a thoughtful selection of candles, cosy throws, and fresh flowers, all displayed in their charming, fairy-light-filled space. They also host regular seasonal events and workshops (from planting sessions to food-focused evenings) so it’s well worth keeping an eye on their socials for upcoming dates.
Walk Deil’s Cauldron
One of Comrie’s best-known short walks, Deil’s Cauldron is a dramatic gorge and waterfall tucked into the woods just above the village. The trail follows a well-marked path from the lower car park on Glenlednock Road, climbing gradually through the trees until you reach the viewing platform overlooking the churning falls.
It’s an easy-to-follow route, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour return, depending on how long you linger at the viewpoints.
The path winds alongside steep drops in places, but the route is straightforward and suitable for most walkers with sturdy footwear. After rainfall, the waterfalls are especially impressive, with the water funnelled through a narrow cleft in the rocks before plunging into the cauldron below.
Note: At the time of writing (May 2026), there is significant storm damage here, with a fallen tree blocking part of the trail, and sections of the path show erosion. Take extra care, especially after wet weather, and be prepared to detour, stop, or turn back at the obstruction. Local updates are often posted in the village, so it’s worth checking before you set off.
Hike Ben Chonzie
If you’re looking for a hike that’s more challenging, then Ben Chonzie is one of the most accessible Munros in the region, and its proximity to Comrie makes it an ideal outdoor adventure for anyone looking to bag a summit.
Often recommended as an “easier Munro” and a great option for first-time Munro walkers or anyone wanting a straightforward peak close to Comrie, it’s known for its steady gradients and clear paths.
That said, it’s still a mountain day: proper hiking gear, navigation skills, and a close eye on the weather are essential, especially as the plateau can be featureless in low cloud.
On clear days, the climb rewards you with wide views across Highland Perthshire and towards the Southern Highlands.
The route takes around five hours return, with the nearest amenities found in Comrie. There’s roadside parking at the trailhead, but it can get busy, especially at weekends, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a space.
Visit Comrie Croft
Just a few minutes outside the village, Comrie Croft is a vibrant little hub that brings together a farm shop, café, outdoor experiences, and family-friendly activities in one place. We often stop in for the excellent farm shop and the Gorse Café.
For those staying longer, the croft offers a mix of glamping options, including their well-loved Nordic-style kata tents (high on our Perthshire bucket list), which are cosy, atmospheric, and ideal for slow evenings by the firepit.
There’s also a bookable woodland sauna tucked into the hillside for a post-walk warm-up. The site is especially popular with mountain bikers thanks to its network of trails, and it can be lively in summer holidays, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking for an active base just outside Comrie.
Flower picking at Tomnah’a Market Garden
Set within the grounds of Comrie Croft, Tomnah’a Market Garden is a lovely spot for seasonal flower picking and hands-on workshops.
From late spring through autumn, visitors can join pick-your-own sessions among colourful beds of dahlias, cosmos, and wildflower-style blooms, with staff on hand to guide you in creating your own arrangements.
Food and drinks at The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel is one of Comrie’s most inviting places to settle in after a day exploring. We visited recently in autumn and fell in love with the warm, traditional, cosy lounge bar, with crackling fires and a good selection of local beers, wines, and whisky to round out the evening.
There’s a restaurant here too; expect a menu built around Scottish produce and comforting favourites alongside seasonal dishes like roasted lamb rump with dauphinoise potatoes, fish and chips, burgers, and steaks.
We haven’t stayed, but the rooms look elegant and cosy.
History at Cultybraggan
Just south of the village lies Cultybraggan Camp, one of the best-preserved World War II camps in the UK.
Walking through its Nissen huts and open spaces gives a vivid sense of the site’s layered history, from its wartime origins to its later use as a training centre.
Today, the camp is community-owned and home to small workshops, local businesses, and exhibitions that tell the story of its transformation. It’s a thought-provoking stop that adds real depth to any visit to Comrie, and a must-visit, especially for WW2 history buffs.
Heritage at Drummond Castle
A short drive from Comrie, Drummond Castle is famous for its formal gardens - easily some of the finest in Europe. The Renaissance-style parterres, sweeping terraces, and long tree-lined avenues make exploring here feel like stepping into another era.
Allow at least an hour or two to wander, enjoy a coffee and cake from the excellent Wee Red cafe-horsebox, and appreciate one of Perthshire’s most impressive historic estates.
Drummond Castle is open from 1st May to 31st October, with entry available between 11am and 5pm (last admission is an hour before closing). Tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £5 for children, or £30 for a family, while season passes are available if you’re planning to return.
Perthshire, Highland, & Whisky Day Trips
Comrie’s location makes it an ideal base for wider day trips.
Loch Earn is just a short drive west, offering easy waterside walks, picnic spots, and gentle paddleboarding on calm days. Head east and you’re in Crieff, with its food scene, independent shops, and attractions like The Glenturret Distillery and its flourishing foodie scene. Or take the scenic route south towards the Trossachs, where lochs, forest trails, and mountain viewpoints open up some of Scotland’s most accessible Highland landscapes.
All three are within easy reach, giving you plenty of variety without long drives.
Comrie Travel FAQ
Where should I park in Comrie?
The main car park in Cromie is on Station Road near the recycling point (here). There’s also on-street parking along the High Street, though spaces can fill quickly during weekends or summer holidays.
What’s the best way to get to Comrie?
Driving is the simplest way to reach Comrie, particularly if you want to explore the surrounding Highland Perthshire, the Trossachs, or nearby villages. The village sits just off the A85, with easy access to the A84 for trips west towards the Highlands.
Local Stagecoach bus services connect Comrie to Crieff, Perth, and other regional towns, but schedules are less frequent, so a car offers greater flexibility.
Is Comrie easy to get around?
Yes - the village is compact and walkable, with shops, cafés, and pubs all within a few minutes of each other. The terrain is gently rolling rather than flat, so comfortable footwear is recommended if you plan to wander the lanes or walk to nearby trails like Deil’s Cauldron.
How long should I spend in Comrie?
A half-day is enough to enjoy a wander, stop at the cafés, and browse the boutique shops. To explore the nearby walks, try local produce at Comrie Croft, or include a Munro like Ben Chonzie, plan for a full day or an overnight stay. Comrie also serves as a good base for trips to Drummond Castle, Loch Earn, Loch Tay, or the Trossachs.
Is Comrie worth visiting?
If we haven’t already sold you on it, Comrie is absolutely worth visiting, and its location makes it perfect for slow travel in Highland Perthshire. From woodland walks and waterfalls to boutique shops, stays, and farm-to-table cafés, there’s a balance of nature and village life. The village also has a rich history, from ancient standing stones to its heritage and nearby castles, adding layers of interest for visitors who enjoy combining outdoor adventures with local culture.
A Quick Note on Comrie’s History
Comrie was once a centre for local weaving and estate trades, and you can still feel that heritage in its streets, where traditional cottages and former workshops now house small independent shops, cafés, and antique finds.
Look a little further back, and the story deepens: the surrounding hills hold traces of Roman settlement, along with standing stones, stone circles, hill forts, and ancient burial mounds that hint at thousands of years of human activity.
Geography has shaped Comrie’s more recent past, too. Perched on the Highland Boundary Fault, it earned the nickname “Shaky Toun” thanks to the small tremors once recorded here, and the old Earthquake House remains a distinctive reminder of its early seismology experiments.
These days, Comrie is best known as a desirable residential village, prized for its scenic setting and historic charm.
