Dunkeld Town Centre – Dunkeld Cathedral loop from Dowally

Dunkeld Town Centre – Dunkeld Cathedral loop from Dowally

Moderate

riders

Dunkeld Town Centre – Dunkeld Cathedral loop from Dowally

01:37

34.1km

410m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 25.7 km for 155 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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5.76 km

Bench With View of Polney Loch

Highlight • Viewpoint

Polney Loch, (also known as the Goat's Pool), lies beneath the imposing cliffs of Craig a' Barns. Close to the edge of the lochs, stealthy grey herons can often be seen waiting motionless to spear an unsuspecting fish or frog.

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8.09 km

Loch of the Lowes Nature Reserve

Highlight • Lake

Approx 2 miles South-east of Dunkeld is the wildlife reserve where you can use the hides and see a pair of ospreys which nest there from April to late August. You have to pay to get access to the hides but there is also a live webcam. Beavers can be seen around dawn and dusk time if you are lucky as well as farrow deer and red squirrels and variety of other birds including nuthatches.

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9.65 km

Loch of the Lowes

Highlight • Viewpoint

Quite a busy single-track road along the loch's southside. Plenty of scenic spots to take a break and a photo. Coffee and toilets at the loch visitor centre.

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25.7 km

View of the River Tay from Dunkeld Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Dunkeld Bridge was built by Thomas Telford in 1809 and was the main road north to Inverness until the A9 was built in 1977. Today, it provides excellent views up and down the River Tay.

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25.8 km

Dunkeld Town Centre

Highlight • Settlement

Choice of 2 national cycle routes from Dunkeld heading north.

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26.2 km

Dunkeld Cathedral

Highlight • Religious Site

There's been an important place of worship here since the early Celtic Church of the 9th century, but no trace of this building remains. The present cathedral dates from 1318. It was damaged during the reformation in 1560.

The choir is now roofed and holds regular Sunday services, but the rest of the cathedral is ruined. It's preserved as a historic monument by Historic Scotland.

In winter 2022, the Cathedral was closed due to dangerous stonework. It's currently under repair and should open again soon but there is no set date. Check dunkeldcathedral.org.uk for updates.

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26.5 km

Dunkeld Town Centre

Highlight • Settlement

A lovely town along the River Tay, Dunkeld is a wonderfully picturesque town in Perthshire.

The town centre feels like a step into history, albeit with delicious modern bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and independent shops.

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