This easy and varied walk takes in pretty Kenmore and the banks of Loch Tay. It then follows a good path along the River Tay, a popular salmon fishing river with good views. After crossing Chinese Bridge there is a chance to divert to view Taymouth Castle before returning along the banks of the wide River Tay. NB. Chinese Bridge is locked as at 4/11/09 preventing the return down the far bank of the river. This circuit is intended for inclusion in the council's core paths plan for the area and hopefully the bridge will be opened again shortly. If anyone can provide an update on this please use the error report link at the bottom of the page.
Summary
Good, clear paths; no waymarking.
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1. There is layby parking at the south end of Kenmore near the lochside, there is also a car park next to the Taymouth Tearoom. From here follow the small road around the lochside past the pier and boat hire centre. There are good views out over Loch Tay and to the excellent Crannog Centre beyond. The thatched crannog that can be seen, sitting on stilts in the water, is a replica of similar family homes that have been found by archeologists in lochs all over Scotland. Keep following the road as it curves around the tree-clad promontory and eventually reaches the main road. Cross the road and then turn left and cross the stone bridge over the River Tay.
2. Once over the bridge turn right through a gate to follow a path on the river bank following the River Tay downstream. The river is one of the best salmon rivers in the UK and people come from all over the world to fish Atlantic salmon here. It is also home to the largest rod-caught salmon in Britain. Weighing in at 64 pounds the fish was caught by a Miss Georgina Ballatine in 1922, and this remains the British record even today. Follow the wide track along the riverside through the trees, ignoring a smaller path which leads down closer to the water.
3. Keep following the North Terrace, as the track is known, and soon Maxwell's Temple is reached. A replica Queen Eleanor's Cross built in 1831 as part of the landscaped grounds of Taymouth Castle. Despite having category A listed status the remains are derelict and moss covered. Once past the Temple the walk follows an elegant avenue of lime trees with a golf course on the left. At the end of the last green, and before a small parking area is reached, take a turning on the right heading downhill on a clear path through the rhododendrons.
4. The path reaches the river near the metal and wood Chinese Bridge. The bridge is part of the local paths plan and should be open but is locked as at 22/9/08 - see summary. Cross the bridge. Once on the far side there is a chance to divert from the route to view Taymouth Castle. To do so continue straight ahead along a road passing the remains of the Castle's time as a Polish Army wartime hospital and more recently a civil defence college. At the castle go around to view the front which faces the golf course which surrounds the building. The early part of the building dates back to 1806, with various additions being completed until 1834, and further rooms remodelled especially for Queen Victoria's visit in 1842. After years of neglect and lying empty, work began in 2004 to transform the building into a luxury holiday resort. Despite some restoration work, these plans have since languished and at the present time the Castle's future again looks uncertain.
5. After looking at the Castle, return along the road to Chinese Bridge and turn left along the grassy river bank to follow the Tay upstream. The grassy path joins a track at some large stones and continues through the trees. At the next junction keep right to follow a narrow path nearer to the water, rather than the surface road which is used as the driveway to the golf club. The path follows a crenellated wall, more evidence of the grandeur of the estate in past times, and widens to follow an avenue of trees along a delightful section of the river. The route briefly joins the main driveway again, but keep an eye out for a track heading right and follow that downhill, past a metal farm gate, to rejoin the riverbank.
6. The track leads back to Kenmore passing the landing stage of the Hotel and then leading up to the main road near the bridge. Turn left here to walk through the pretty centre of Kenmore and pass the main gates to Taymouth Castle. The estate cottages lining the road are very pretty with white picket fences and rose clad walls. Turn right before the Castle gateway to return past the Kenmore Tearoom and the parking areas at the start of the walk.
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