Killin’s attractions range from a prehistoric stone circle to architectural and industrial history. There are also the Falls of Dochart, a woodland circular walk and a cycling route that runs right through Killin. A helpful first question when planning your trip is whether you would like to focus on heritage, landscape or cycling.

Cultural history through the ages

The well-preserved Killin Stone Circle dates from the late Neolithic or Bronze Age. Its six stones are about 1.4 to 1.9 metres high. Finlarig Castle comprises the ruins of a three-storey Z-plan tower house dating from 1609. Its potential national significance lies in the possibility that archaeological investigations could provide important insights into the medieval and post-medieval history of Killin and the leading Campbells of Glenorchy family.

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church was built in 1876. Its timber construction, extensive wooden interior and corrugated iron cladding are notable; locally, it is known as the “Grouse Church”. Killin’s long connection with the Gaelic language dates back to the settlement of St Fillan, an Irish Gaelic-speaking priest, in the 8th century. The Healing Stones of St Fillan are located in a church in Killin.

Industrial and clan history also has tangible landmarks. The mill near the Falls of Dochart was built around 1840; tweed was woven there until 1939. Innis Buidhe is the ancient burial ground of the Macnabs, and Fingal’s Stone stands in Breadalbane Park. Nearby, Moirlanich Longhouse is a rare surviving example of a traditional Scottish longhouse in the Killin area.

Water, woodland and cycling routes

The Falls of Dochart are a broad, rocky series of rapids in Killin. This outdoor spectacle engages the senses through its sounds and sights, as well as the spray and smell of the water. The Falls thus offer a different perspective on Killin from its historic buildings: here, the river landscape takes centre stage.

Acharn Forest lies to the southwest of Killin. An easy circular walk there leads through planted and natural woodland. If you would like to include more trails, you can link the walk with other paths to explore Glen Ogle or Loch Breaclaich. For cycling visitors, National Cycle Network Route 7 (NCN 7) is relevant: it runs right through Killin.

Nearby, Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is managed for nature conservation and public access. The nature reserve’s car park is a starting point for the summits, as well as for the self-guided Edramucky Trail and the flatter Morenish Woodland Trail. These options offer different highlights: Acharn Forest has a circular walk through two types of woodland, while Ben Lawers offers summits and two named trails.

Tailor your stay to your interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Killin, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: would you like cultural history to play an important role, or would you prefer to include woodland trails and cycling?

Discover more destinations: Doune, Kinlochard, Crianlarich, Cambusbarron, Stirling, Gartmore, Callander, Stronachlachar.

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