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Reeds and trees are mirrored in the still surface of a woodland pond.
Perthshire

Loch Faskally

The loch made by the Pitlochry dam between 1947 and 1950, two miles of still water among steep wooded hills just north of the town.

Welcome

Just north of Pitlochry, the River Tummel widens into a long, still loch between steep hills of oak, birch and pine.

Loch Faskally is not old: it was made between 1947 and 1950, when the Pitlochry dam was built across the river as part of the Tummel hydro-electric scheme, and the water rose to fill the valley.

It runs for about two miles, narrowing between the woods, and on calm days the hills lie upside down in the water. At the town end, the dam carries a footpath across the river and a salmon ladder lets the fish climb past it. On the north shore, Faskally Wood has paths among tall conifers and small lochans, and each autumn it fills with light and sound for the Enchanted Forest.

Paths lead right round the loch from the dam, and on along the Garry towards Killiecrankie, and in summer rowing boats can be hired at the boating station.

A short drive awayThe Old Mill InnA family-run inn in a former corn mill off Atholl Road in Pitlochry, with a bistro and bar of local food, a courtyard, live music and rooms.4 min by roadSee itThe Old Mill Inn
Before you go

Free, at any time.

Paths run round the loch from the dam at Pitlochry, and through Faskally Wood on its north shore.

Where
Just north-west of Pitlochry, above the dam on the Tummel.
Length
About two miles.

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Where it is

Above the Pitlochry dam, between the town and Killiecrankie.

Close byPitlochry.
  1. Linn of TummelLinn of TummelWhere the Garry meets the Tummel, below Queen Victoria's obelisk.2 miles 2 min by road
  2. Pitlochry Boating Station & Adventure HirePitlochry Boating Station & Adventure HireA family-run boating station and lochside cafe on Loch Faskally, hiring rowing boats, pedalos, kayaks, paddle boards and bikes.2 miles 4 min by road
  3. Blair Athol DistilleryBlair Athol Distillery2 miles 4 min by road
  4. Pitlochry Putting GreenPitlochry Putting Green2 miles 4 min by road
  5. Pitlochry Dam Visitor CentrePitlochry Dam Visitor CentreThe story of the hydro dams, and the salmon, at the dam.3 miles 5 min by road
  6. Quiet high street with canopied shopfronts and a red telephone box in the distancePitlochryA Victorian resort town on the Tummel.3 miles 5 min by road
Directions
Highland Soap Co shopfront with bay window on a stone corner buildingShoppingThe Highland Soap Company2.3 miles
Turquoise-fronted Hetties tearoom, offering "Great Food, Cakery, Takeaway" and ice creamCafeHettie's Tea Rooms2.3 miles
Café Calluna storefront with hanging flower baskets and diners seated outsideCafeCafe Calluna2.4 miles
The Old Mill Inn's stone façade covered in ivy, with picnic tables outsideRestaurantsThe Old Mill Inn2.4 miles
Corner sign reading "Escape Route Café, Licensed, Pitlochry" on a whitewashed buildingCafeEscape Route2.4 miles
The Perthshire Gallery, PerthshireAttractionsThe Perthshire Gallery2.5 miles
Victoria's restaurant on a stone corner building with green awnings and topiary shrubsRestaurantsVictoria's2.5 miles
Stone facade of the Atholl Arms Hotel with flags and flower basketsRestaurantsAtholl Palace Hotel2.5 miles
Loch Tummel viewed through autumn trees from Queen's View, PerthshireAttractionsQueen's View2.7 miles

Recommend to a friend

The Daily for 22 October, from Scotland with love. An aerial view of the Kylesku Bridge curving across a sea loch at sunset, Sutherland

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Stay nearby

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

A 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
  • 5 miles from Loch Faskally
Check datesA 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
  • 6 miles from Loch Faskally
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
  • 7 miles from Loch Faskally
Check datesLittle Pheasant, PerthshireLittle Pheasant
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Perthshire
  • 7 miles from Loch Faskally
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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