Picturesque Scottish Highland town named 'must visit' by international visitors
The Highland village near Loch Tay has quietly earned praise as one of Scotland's best small towns
While many visitors flock to well-known spots like Plockton, Braemar and the island harbours of Portree or Tobermory, one lesser-known Highland village has quietly earned international acclaim, and it sits right in the heart of Scotland.
Killin, perched on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park near the western shores of Loch Tay, has been named one of the best small towns to visit in Scotland by travel site Planetware.
With dramatic scenery, rich history and a charming village centre, it's little wonder global travel experts consider it a must-visit, Scottish Daily Express reports.
The village's crown jewel is the spectacular Falls of Dochart, a roaring series of rapids and waterfalls that flow beneath a stone bridge into the River Dochart.
The nearby Falls of Dochart Inn is a favourite resting point for visitors, with one TripAdvisor reviewer boldly declaring its pizza "better than anything you will find in Italy."
Travel writer Bryan Dearsley praised the village's location and appeal: "Located on Loch Tay and an easy drive from the historic town of Stirling, the quaint village of Killin should be on everyone's list of the top places to see in Scotland."
Despite its peaceful, remote feel, Killin is only around 90 minutes from Glasgow by car, a route that winds through some of the most scenic parts of the country.
Killin is also a favourite base for exploring both Perthshire and Stirlingshire, offering an ideal mix of outdoor adventure and natural beauty.
Loch Tay draws in watersports enthusiasts and anglers, while the surrounding Breadalbane mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities.
Killin itself sits at the edge of the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, making it a perfect spot for wildlife watching, outdoor activities and walking.
The village also provides a range of accommodation, dining options and local shops, making it a comfortable and convenient place to stay.
Nearby Munros include Beinn Ghlas and the imposing Ben Lawers, the 10th highest mountain in Scotland at 1,214 metres. Both peaks form part of a ridge walk that gives hillwalkers a chance to bag multiple summits in one go.
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History lovers will find plenty to explore in and around Killin. The atmospheric ruins of Finlarig Castle, once a stronghold of Clan Campbell, sit nearby.
So too does the Moirlanich Longhouse, a rare surviving example of a traditional Scottish longhouse, now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
For golfers, Killin boasts one of the most scenic nine-hole courses in the country, with each hole offering stunning Highland views. Fourteen tee options allow visitors to vary their round and take in more of the landscape.
Other local highlights include the B-listed Old Mill, the prehistoric Killin Stone Circle, and the Dochart Viaduct, a disused railway bridge now popular for scenic walks.
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