Glenalmond is considered a quiet valley west of Perth. The River Almond rises in the hills south of Loch Tay and flows through Sma’ Glen. The river landscape, paths and architecture give your trip different focal points: you can plan your stay around hiking and cycling, or explore historic buildings and scenic places.
Riverside paths and longer hikes
A route description from 2013 identifies a footpath and National Cycle Network Route 77 as a link from Perth to Glenalmond and beyond, along the right bank of the River Almond. Check the route details before setting out. The roads through Glenalmond are also suitable for cycling. A side road on the south side of Glenalmond passes Glenalmond College.
For a longer hike in the surrounding area, a path runs upstream from Newton Bridge along the River Almond. It is possible to hike about 24 kilometres along it to Ardtalnaig. By the river, the verge at Newton Bridge offers a place to picnic; check the condition of the facilities before your visit.
Another hiking option is the Rob Roy Way, with its optional wilderness extension: it connects Ardtalnaig with Aberfeldy via Glen Almond and Glen Quaich. The route alternates between forest tracks, a cycle path, a disused railway trackbed and paths across heathland. The Rob Roy Way was originally created for walkers; almost its entire length may also be suitable for cyclists. This potential suitability should be considered separately from planning a specific trip.
Architecture and history in Glenalmond
The main building of Trinity College is a large Gothic Revival structure built around three courtyards. The chapel was completed in 1851; the library dates from 1904 to 1906. The music practice and teaching rooms at Glenalmond College are listed as a Category C building. Their fully glazed wall and a glazed corridor incorporate the natural surroundings into the design.
In the surrounding area, Glenalmond House is listed as a Category B building. Fendoch Roman Fort is also nearby. The Roman fort and its annex, dating from the 1st century AD, include remains visible above ground and preserved below ground. The fort is near the confluence of the River Almond and Fendoch Burn. Bridge of Buchanty offers another historical connection: it has a large segmental arch and a small side arch bearing a coat of arms with the date 1639.
Landscape and further discoveries
Buchanty Spout is also located on the River Almond in the surrounding area. Salmon can often be seen there leaping upstream through the rushing water. Those interested in film history will find another connection in Sma’ Glen: the valley appeared in the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire”. Alongside the historic buildings, the river landscape and film history therefore offer different themes to explore on your trip.
Plan your stay around your interests
For architecture and history, Trinity College and the nearby monuments are relevant destinations; for outdoor activity, the cycling roads and the hiking trails described above are the main attractions. Compare the location and specific offerings of hotels with the destinations you want to include in your stay.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Grandtully, Inchture, Bridge Of Cally, Fowlis Wester, Kinloch Rannoch, Blairgowrie and Rattray, Morenish, Kinfauns
For the main travel overview: Perth And Kinross.
