Killin – Black Duncan's Castle and Lunch by the Falls
A few hours.
The route
Killin sits where the River Dochart pours through its rocks near the west end of Loch Tay, and at the north end of the village a Campbell castle stands in ruins among the trees.
Finlarig was built by Black Duncan of Glenorchy, a laird known for his castles, and it has a story or two to tell. Then it is back through the village for lunch at the inn beside the falls.
The day
Killin
A short morning at both ends of Killin, from the ruin on its mound by the Lochay to the inn by the old bridge.
A morning, with lunch after
Finlarig Castle
An attraction
Park in the small parking area on Pier Road, opposite the cemetery at the north end of Killin; the ruined tower is in sight from there. Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, known as Black Duncan, built Finlarig early in the 1600s, probably over an older castle. The story goes that the Scottish Parliament was called to meet here in 1651, in the middle of a civil war, and only three members came. Folklore calls the stone-lined pit outside the north wall a beheading pit, though it was more likely a cistern for the castle's water. Just east of the castle is the overgrown Breadalbane mausoleum. Both are on private land and the ruins are unsafe, so this is a castle to see from the road.
More about Finlarig Castle
The Falls of Dochart Inn
Lunch
The Falls of Dochart Inn is on Gray Street by the old Bridge of Dochart, and customers park free once their registration is entered at the bar. The bar opens at noon every day, with an open fire, local real ales and stone-baked pizzas. The restaurant serves the inn's own smoked salmon, local venison, and fish and chips, and on the days it is shut, the bar and coffee shop serve soup and sandwiches. After lunch, step onto the bridge, minding the traffic, to see the falls.
If it rains
On a wet day, keep the castle short and linger over lunch.
Photographs by Geoffrey Dolfing and The Falls Of Dochart Inn via Google