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Perthshire

Pass of Killiecrankie

The wooded gorge of the River Garry north of Pitlochry, where the Jacobites under Bonnie Dundee routed a government army on 27 July 1689.

Welcome

North of Pitlochry, the River Garry squeezes through a steep, narrow gorge thick with oak, birch and beech, the old road north into the Highlands running along its rim.

Visited and photographed by Simon Hird

In autumn the whole pass turns copper and gold, and from the paths high above, the river glints far below between the trees, with the stone arches of the railway viaduct crossing the gorge.

On 27 July 1689 it was the scene of a famous battle. A government army of 3,500 under General Hugh Mackay marched up through the pass towards Blair Castle, and the Jacobites of John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, charged down on them from the hillside above. The Highlanders won the day, but Dundee, Bonnie Dundee of the song, was mortally wounded.

Paths lead from the visitor centre down into the gorge, to Soldier's Leap, where a fleeing government soldier is said to have jumped the river, and on along the Garry through the woods.

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The Daily for 31 October, from Scotland with love. A ring of standing stones set among mist and autumn birch
Before you go

Free, at any time.

Paths lead down from the visitor centre into the gorge, to Soldier's Leap and along the Garry towards Garry Bridge and the Linn of Tummel.

Where
The Pass of Killiecrankie, on the B8079 three miles north of Pitlochry.
Start
The Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, PH16 5LG.

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Did you know

A river winds through an autumn wooded valley, a distant viaduct crossing the forested hillside.
Did you know

Outnumbered and still winning.

Dundee led about 2,400 men against Mackay's 3,500.

A covered timber-decked terrace lined with bistro tables and benches runs along a woodland edge.
Did you know

No time to fix bayonets.

The Jacobite charge was so fast that Mackay's men had no time to stop firing and fix their bayonets.

Tall pine and birch trees rise from a moss-covered forest floor scattered with autumn leaves.
Did you know

A costly victory.

Some 800 Highlanders were killed, and their leader, Viscount Dundee, was mortally wounded.

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Where it is

On the River Garry between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.

Close byKilliecrankie.
  1. Soldier's LeapSoldier's LeapThe gap a Redcoat soldier jumped across the Garry, fleeing the Jacobites.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. Killiecrankie Visitor CentreKilliecrankie Visitor CentreA cafe and shop above the gorge, where the paths begin.Under a mile 2 min by road
  3. Wooden sign for Killiecrankie House, Restaurant & Rooms, framed by leavesKilliecrankie HouseA white country house by the Pass of Killiecrankie, now a restaurant with rooms, with tasting menus, a cocktail bar and whisky tastings.Under a mile 2 min by road
  4. River gorge cutting through autumn woodland at the Pass of KilliecrankieGarry Bridge2 miles 4 min by road
  5. Blair CastleBlair Castle3 miles 6 min by road
  6. Linn of TummelLinn of TummelWhere the Garry meets the Tummel, below Queen Victoria's obelisk.6 miles 10 min by road
Directions
Stone mill building with waterwheel beside a wooden footbridge and riverCafeBlair Atholl Watermill3.5 miles
Yellow pedal boats and a red rowing boat moored beside a wooden jettyAttractionsPitlochry Boating Station & Adventure Hire4.1 miles
Highland Soap Co shopfront with bay window on a stone corner buildingShoppingThe Highland Soap Company4.2 miles
Turquoise-fronted Hetties tearoom, offering "Great Food, Cakery, Takeaway" and ice creamCafeHettie's Tea Rooms4.2 miles
A stone farmhouse with dormer windows sits behind a timber post and rail fence, trees and hills visible beyond.Blair AthollMilton of KincraigieSleeps 4 · 4.2 miles
Wooden hut with stag emblem beside a picnic bench and lawnAttractionsPitlochry Putting Green4.3 miles
The Old Mill Inn's stone façade covered in ivy, with picnic tables outsideRestaurantsThe Old Mill Inn4.3 miles
Café Calluna storefront with hanging flower baskets and diners seated outsideCafeCafe Calluna4.3 miles
The Perthshire Gallery, PerthshireAttractionsThe Perthshire Gallery4.4 miles

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near the gorge, and when each is next free.

A stone farmhouse with dormer windows sits behind a timber post and rail fence, trees and hills visible beyond.Milton of Kincraigie
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Blair Atholl
  • 3 miles from the Pass of Killiecrankie
Check datesA stone cottage with a gabled dormer window catches evening light among autumn trees, a bench and picnic table on the gravel outside.Charlottefield
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Tulliemet
  • 7 miles from the Pass of Killiecrankie
Check datesA red sandstone and grey stone Victorian house stands wreathed in morning mist, a shrub with orange autumn leaves in the foreground.The House at Dun Aluinn
  • Sleeps 18
  • In Aberfeldy
  • 10 miles from the Pass of Killiecrankie
Check datesAn aerial view shows a stone and timber cottage with a round hot tub in the garden, hills rising behind a dry stone wall.Pheasant Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Kincraigie
  • 10 miles from the Pass of Killiecrankie
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in PerthshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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