St Fillans lies on the eastern edge of the National Park and is designated a Conservation Village. Village history, walking trails, art in the National Park and activities on Loch Earn offer a range of ways to spend your stay. If you are looking for accommodation in St Fillans, you can start by considering whether walking, heritage, golf or water activities will shape your trip.
Village History and Heritage
Many magnificent stone houses with gables facing the main street date back to an earlier era and give the village the character of a spa town. Heritage is also present at various sites: the summit of Dundurn, also known as St Fillans Hill, is recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This reflects both its national significance and its former religious importance to Christians and Picts.
Southeast of the village lies the old, historically significant ruin of St Fillans Chapel. It is believed to be a 16th-century building on the site of an earlier chapel founded by St Fillan. The Chapel of Dundurn became the burial place of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich in 1586 and continues to serve as such today. The historical interest therefore ranges from the village's architecture to religious and commemorative sites.
The BLiSS Trail is a series of artworks linking places in the National Park and includes Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans. Its sections can be enjoyed in different ways: the full length of the trail can be explored on a scenic drive, while individual sections are suitable for walking or cycling. This offers a different way to get to know the four communities and the artworks in the National Park than taking a walk focused on the village itself.
Trails and Views
The description of the Circle the Village Walk, updated in February 2021, first follows the River Earn and then passes behind the village. The walk ends with a view of Loch Earn and the hills beyond. A 2021 community route description names the St Fillans Information Point and the footbridge as the start and finish points of the Hydro-Power Station Surge Shaft Walk. Two further sections of the Loch Earn Railway Path have been upgraded to “all ability” status. As route details, signposting and project status can change, check the latest information before setting out.
Golf, Sailing and Fishing on Loch Earn
Across the River Earn, St Fillans Golf Club has a nine-hole course. Visitors can book and pay for a tee time online through the club website or the Scottish Golf App. The course was designed by Willie Auchterlonie, a St Andrews professional and Open Champion. The Countess of Ancaster hit the opening shot on 8 August 1903. If you would like to include golf in your stay, you will find both a specific booking option and a course with a history stretching back to its opening.
On the north shore of Loch Earn, near the St Fillans end of the loch, is Loch Earn Sailing Club. It is a popular sailing club for members and offers relaxed family sailing and training in modern, fully equipped facilities. Loch Earn is considered one of Scotland’s most scenic inland sailing waters. Every year, the club also holds two open regattas in aid of charity, which non-members can also take part in. Event dates may vary; check dates and seasonal operating details before your trip.
Drummond Trout Farm on the shore of Loch Earn offers the opportunity to fish for brown trout, rainbow trout and char, or to hire one of the business’s boats. This gives you a choice of fishing or boat hire at the same location. Rules and availability may change; check them before making plans. The offerings provide different starting points for choosing a destination: village history and trails, golf or activities on the water.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Braco, Stanley, Acharn, Auchterarder, Comrie, Grandtully, Coupar Angus, Ardeonaig.
For the main travel overview: Perth And Kinross.
