Itinerary Overview
1 DAY – DUNKELD, GRANDTULLY, ABERFELDY, LOCH TAY, KILLIN, LOCH EARN, COMRIE CROFT (DRIVE TIME 3 HRS)
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1-Day Itinerary: Heart of Scotland
At Nomadic Scotland, we are so lucky to be located at the very heart of Scotland and the gateway to the Highlands. Our winter offerings now include day hire, giving you the chance to discover for yourself the beauty we have right on our doorstep. To help spark the imagination, we have put together a tried and tested 1-day itinerary, packed with scenic drives, stunning views, waterfalls, whisky and chocolate!
Stop 1: Discover Dunkeld
Pick up your Land Rover in Perth and embark on a scenic 20-minute drive to the charming village of Dunkeld. As you approach the village on the A9, be ready for an awe-inspiring view as the road bends to reveal a stunning vista of towering evergreen trees – a perfect photo opportunity.
Kick off your day with a delicious pastry from the Aran Bakery. Owned and run by bake-off semi-finalist Flora Shedden. The almond croissants here are a must. After indulging, take a leisurely stroll around the village. Wander along the riverside path, which offers stunning views and leads you past Dunkeld Cathedral.
Just 3 miles further on, discover the Hermitage. This gentle woodland walk along the River Braan features spectacular waterfalls and towering trees. The highlight of the walk is Ossian’s Hall, offering an unforgettable view of the Black Linn Falls. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, as the path, while mainly flat, can be a little uneven.
2 - Grandtully & Aberfeldy
Next, take a 20-minute drive to the village of Grandtully and stop at the renowned The Highland Chocolatier by Iain Burnett. Indulge in a chocolate tasting experience, (booked through Nomadic Scotland), or browse their delightful gift shop. Don’t forget to pick up some signature truffles as a treat for later on!
Continue to Aberfeldy, famous for the Birks of Aberfeldy – a beautiful woodland walk immortalised by Robert Burns. Before reaching the town, we recommend a couple of stops. Consider visiting Dewar’s Whisky Distillery, home to Scotland’s world-famous single malt whisky. Here you can enjoy learning about the process of making whisky on one of their tours.
If whisky isn’t your drink of choice, or it’s a wee bit early for a dram, head to Glen Lyon Coffee. This renowned speciality coffee roaster is celebrated for its ethical sourcing and commitment to sustainability. The cafe is a cosy haven, with the delicious aroma of coffee filling the air. Relax on the comfy couches by the warmth of the wood burner while you wait for your coffee to be freshly ground.
3 - Loch Tay & Killin
Continue your journey as you pass through the picture-perfect village of Kenmore. You’ll find a beach here, perfect for launching a paddleboard or for a refreshing dip if you are feeling adventurous. Then enjoy a stunning 40-minute drive along Loch Tay. As the largest body of water in Perthshire, Loch Tay offers breathtaking views at every turn. Be sure to snap a few photos of the stunning landscapes along the way – although it’s always hard to do them justice.
You’ll next arrive at Killin, a charming village nestled at the western end of Loch Tay. The village is framed by stunning natural beauty. With the dramatic slopes of Ben Lawers and other Munros on one side, and the serene waters of Loch Tay on the other.
Explore the village and discover the Falls of Dochart, a dramatic set of rapids and small waterfalls running right through the village. Killin also offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing and Munro bagging. After all the fresh air and exercise be sure to check out The Falls of Dochart Inn. A great stop for lunch – make sure to try their incredibly tasty haggis and sausage rolls!
4 - Homeward Bound
After a day of adventure, hop back in your Landy and head along the tranquil shores of Loch Earn. This long, narrow loch stretches for over 7 miles, surrounded by dramatic hills and quaint villages. For future trips – you’ll find plenty of camping spots along its shoreline, offering the perfect setting to enjoy peace and beauty.
If still have time and energy, visit Comrie Croft, an outdoor adventure space offering eco-accommodation, bike hire, scenic woodland views and a charming farm shop. If you want to experience any activities at Comrie Croft, let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange your bookings.
Finally, enjoy a 30-minute drive through Comrie, Crieff and Methven before arriving back at our base in Perth. Drop off your Land Rover and share your memorable experiences with us – we love hearing about your tips and recommendations. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures along the way, it’s the best way to remember and share your journey through the heart of Scotland!
4x4 vehicle and camping hire Scotland
Book online today or contact us here if you need any further information. We are here to help! Did you know that we offer a friendly shuttle service from the airport or train station? And drop you back at the end of your holiday. Please don’t hesitate to ask. Also, remember that our vehicle pickup and drop-off times are flexible. When booking it only offers a set time. But this can be amended post-booking.
Enquire OnlineTestimonials
The best way to see Scotland! We had a brilliant adventure exploring Assynt and the north west Highlands in June ’24. On our last night, having camped in an isolated glen, we unzipped the tent only to see a juvenile sea eagle fly right by us! First and only holiday I’ve ever seen three sea eagles before breakfast. Such a treat.
The car was great, the tent was comfy and all the kit and accessories were top of the range. It comes ingeniously packed with everything you need – and with plenty of thoughful extras, such as outdoor games for the kids.
Special shoutout to Sandy, who couldn’t have been more helpful in talking us through all the kit, preparing us for the trip, and going out of his way to pick us up and drop us off at our next destination. Knowing that he was on the end of the phone, in case of any issues (there weren’t any) made a massive difference – thanks again, Sandy!
Practicalities: We had an overspill tent but in the end, didn’t need it. Our dog slept in the car and there was enough room for the five of us (two adults, three kids under 10) to fit in the tent.
It’s also worth noting that you’re not allowed to overnight camp in a lot of beauty spots or on private roads, so it can also be worth booking spots at campsites, as well as “wild” camping. We did a bit of both.
We found Nomadic to be a fantastic company. The kids weren’t the only ones disappointed we couldn’t keep the Defender 🙂