Beach and dog-friendly campsites near Aberfeldy

Take Robert Burns’ word for it when he writes, “Come let us spend the lightsome days, in the birks of Aberfeldy.

Popular camping styles for Aberfeldy

2 top beach and dog-friendly campsites near Aberfeldy

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Lochearnhead, England

When travelling in Scotland, you will want to have the confidence in the quality of your accommodation, knowing that it will play a big part in the whole pleasurable experience of your holiday. Our location in Lochearnhead provides an ideal base for walking, water-sports, cycling, with flora & fauna and wild life in abundance. There are many local historic places to inspire you and bring the history of the highlands to life. Or perhaps you'd simply choose to curl up with a good book and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a slower pace of life. Wester Auchraw is located on the A84, Cycle Route 7 and the much loved walk 'Rob Roy Way'. It sits amongst spectacular scenery in Highland Perthshire yet is only 1 hour's drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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Beach and dog-friendly campsites near Aberfeldy guide

Overview

Aberfeldy is a Perthshire gem and an excellent jumping-off point to explore the isolated valleys, remote peaks, sprawling lochs and rolling countryside of central Scotland. Just off the main railway line that stops in Dunkeld and Pitlochry, it’s easy enough to reach without a vehicle. Cyclists and hill walkers will find plenty to keep them busy for a few days in the region, and along with its caravan park, campgrounds can be found in surrounding villages.

Where to go

The Birks of Aberfeldy

In the woodland gorge above the Moness Burn, Scotland’s favourite poet Robert Burns drew his inspiration. Climb the steep pathway into the trees following the waterfalls, even sit on the same stone seat where Rabbie Burns was said to have written his poem, The Birks of Aberfeldy. The short walk begins right from the centre of Aberfeldy’s high street.

Loch Tay

The largest loch in Perthshire is hemmed in by the peak of Ben Lawers and the Tarmachan Ridge to the north. From the woodland walk along the Falls of Acharn to the Crannog Centre’s Iron Age settlement to the scenic byway and national cycle route of South Loch Tay road, the area is one of central Scotland’s delights. Campsites will mostly be found near the villages of Killin and Kenmore which book-end the loch.

Glen Lyon

The “longest, loneliest, and loveliest glen in Scotland,” as described by Sir Walter Scott, runs for more than 50 kilometres roughly between Keltneyburn and Bridge of Orchy. In Fortingall, what’s thought to be one of the oldest living things in Europe, the Fortingall Yew, sits in the village churchyard as it has for around 3,000 years. In Glen Lyon you’ll feel far removed from the busy villages of Perthshire. Campsites can be found in nearby Kenmore and the north side of Loch Tay.

When to go

Summer in Perthshire is hard to beat, but it can also be hard to escape the crowds. Timing your visit in late September or early October means fewer crowds and lots of autumn foliage. Visiting even later, as long as you’ve carefully planned your camping adventure around shorter daylight hours and colder, wetter weather, is an option.

Know before you go

Public transport around Loch Tay and Glen Lyon is near non-existent. The best way to get around without a car is by local taxi, and many of the companies are used to offering pick-up and drop-off services for walkers.
The weather in the remote stretches north of Loch Tay, especially around Schiehallion, can change abruptly. It’s always recommended to have a basic understanding of wilderness skills when hiking.
Adventure tours in the area tend to book up quickly in summer months, so it’s best to book in advance.