Drummond Hill, Kenmore
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 4.8 kms | 01:30 (hrs:mins) | 160 metres | Explorer 379: Dunkeld, Aberfeldy & Glen Almond |
Description
The forested slopes of Drummond Hill dominate the surrounding landscape and provide a fine backdrop to Taymouth Castle and the village of Kenmore, close to the entrance to the forest. Thought to be the site of Scotland's first managed forest, the hill was planted in the early seventeenth century by Black Duncan (also known as Sir Duncan Campbell), the laird of Breadalbane.
Today, visitors can enjoy two waymarked routes through the forest plus a number of other tracks which are shown on the appropriate Ordnance Survey map. The Black Rock Walk zig-zags up the forest road from the main car park, steadily climbing on a relatively easy gradient before turning westwards to the Black Rock viewpoint with a spectacular panorama of Loch Tay and the village of Kenmore far beneath.
The Taymouth Walk is a more easterly circular route offering fine views of the Tay valley and across the river to Taymouth Castle - a magnificent Victorian building currently undergoing conversion to a luxury resort hotel. The forest routes on Drummond Hill also provide superb opportunities for mountain biking.
The predominance of pine in the upper parts of the forest made it a good choice for the re-introduction of capercaillie to Scotland in 1837, following extinction of the species by over-hunting and forest clearance. Capercaillie are again in national decline although the causes are unclear. However the population in Drummond Hill forest are thriving! The capercaillie is Scotland's largest woodland bird and is about the size of large turkey. Go quietly early on a spring morning and you might be lucky enough to hear its horse-like clop call in the woods. Also look out for elusive roe deer nibbling in the grassy glades.
Just after the First World War Drummond Hill was one of the first purchases of the Forestry Commission, created to take on the huge task of replanting forests cleared after the war effort.
Access Info
Drummond Hill rises above the small conservation village of Kenmore on the banks of Loch Tay. Two Forestry Commission car parks are located off the minor road that extends round the base of the hill and links Kenmore and the B846. The main car park is at GR 772462.
Additional Info
Drummond Hill is part of the Tay Forest Park. See www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland A Tay Forest Park guide, with clear maps of all routes, is available from all Perthshire Tourist Information Centres. Refreshments are available in Kenmore.
Other attractions in the Kenmore and Aberfeldy area include Dewar's World of Whisky, The Scottish Crannog Centre, Cluny Gardens, Bolfracks Gardens, The Fortingall Yew, Birks of Aberfeldy and the Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop.
Free Big Tree Country Guide also available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre. Packed with information on walking, cycling and wildlife watching at over 65 woodland and countryside sites, this is the ideal companion to help you explore Perthshire's great outdoors. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
