Drummond Hill
The forested slopes of Drummond Hill dominate the surrounding landscape and provide a fine backdrop to Taymouth Castle and the village of Kenmore, close to the entrance to the forest. Thought to be the site of Scotland's first managed forest, the hill was planted in the early seventeenth century by Black Duncan (also known as Sir Duncan Campbell), the laird of Breadalbane.
The predominance of pine in the upper parts of the forest made it a good choice for the re-introduction of capercaillie to Scotland in 1837, following its extinction by over-hunting and forest clearance. Capercaillie are again in national decline although the causes are unclear. However the population in Drummond Hill forest are thriving! The capercaillie is Scotland's largest woodland bird and is about the size of large turkey. Go quietly early on a spring morning and you might be lucky enough to hear its horse-like clop call in the woods. Also look out for elusive roe deer nibbling in the grassy glades.
In an elevated position on the north-east shoulder of Drummond Hill stands Caisteal MacTuathal, an Iron Age promontory hill fort. From this ancient fort there are clear views down Strathtay and towards Schiehallion - it's easy to see why our predecessors chose this panoramic viewpoint as the site for their fortifications. The fort covers a large area of the hill top and is part of a network of hill forts in Strathtay. To reach the fort take the Black Rock Walk and then climb to the hill top.
Just after the First World War Drummond Hill was one of the first purchases of the Forestry Commission, created to take on the huge task of replanting forests cleared after the war effort.
Today visitors can enjoy several moderate going waymarked walks such as the Black Rock Walk and the Taymouth Walk. Off-road cyclists are also welcome.
Contact
Aberfeldy Tourist Information Centre
Drummond Hill
Kenmore
Perthshire
PH15
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1887) 820276
Fax: +44 (1887) 829495
E-Mail: aberfeldytic@perthshire.co.uk
WWW: http://www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
