Tummel Bridge
A peaceful riverside hamlet at the head of Loch Tummel, Tummel Bridge sits where the roads from Kinloch Rannoch, Pitlochry and Aberfeldy meet, making it one of the best-connected bases in Highland Perthshire.
Just 7 miles east of Kinloch Rannoch along the River Tummel, Tummel Bridge is small in size but big on scenery. Its famous 18th-century stone bridge, the sparkling waters of Loch Tummel and easy access to Queen’s View, Schiehallion and the Tay Forest Park make it a lovely spot for a quiet countryside break. Whether you’re touring Highland Perthshire by car, walking, fishing or simply looking for somewhere tranquil to switch off, Tummel Bridge puts the best of Rannoch and Tummel on your doorstep.
A Little History
The hamlet takes its name from the elegant humpbacked bridge built in 1730 as part of General Wade’s network of military roads through the Highlands. Constructed for the Board of Ordnance by local landowner John Stewart of Kynachan, at a cost of £200, the bridge is now a Category A listed monument. It’s reserved for pedestrians, with a modern road bridge alongside carrying today’s traffic, and two weathered milestones still stand at its northern end. It’s well worth a short stroll across for the view along the river.
Tummel Bridge is also home to one of Scotland’s earliest hydro-electric power stations, built in the early 1930s as part of the Tummel Valley hydro scheme and now a listed building. The wider area is rich in older history too, with ancient duns, forts and stone circles on the hillsides north of the loch.
Things to Do Around Tummel Bridge
Loch Tummel
Stretching around 11 km (7 miles) east from Tummel Bridge, Loch Tummel is ringed by woodland and hills, with quiet roads running along both shores. It’s popular for fishing, kayaking and sailing (Loch Tummel Sailing Club is based on the south shore), and the lochside lay-bys make perfect picnic stops.
Queen’s View
A short drive east along the north shore brings you to Queen’s View, one of Scotland’s most photographed viewpoints, looking west along Loch Tummel towards the peak of Schiehallion. Despite the popular link with Queen Victoria’s 1866 visit, the name may date back much further, to Queen Isabella, wife of Robert the Bruce. There’s a car park, plus a seasonal café and visitor centre run by Forestry and Land Scotland.
Allean Forest
Just west of Queen’s View, the waymarked Allean Forest trail (around 2.5 miles, 1–1.5 hours) climbs through woodland to a restored 18th-century farmstead and the remains of an Iron Age ring fort with fine views over the loch. There are picnic tables and toilets at the car park (parking charge applies).
Schiehallion
The “Fairy Hill of the Caledonians” towers over the area and is one of Scotland’s best-loved Munros. The main path starts from the Braes of Foss car park, a short drive south of Tummel Bridge on the B846 towards Aberfeldy. Allow 4–6 hours for the climb, and go well prepared.
Kinloch Rannoch & Rannoch Moor
Follow the River Tummel west for 7 miles to reach Kinloch Rannoch, with its café, hotels and walks along Loch Rannoch. Continue to the end of the road at Rannoch Station for one of Scotland’s great wilderness drives across Rannoch Moor.
Pitlochry & Aberfeldy
Both towns are within around half an hour’s drive. Head to Pitlochry for the Festival Theatre, the dam and salmon ladder, distilleries and shops, or to Aberfeldy for the Birks of Aberfeldy walk, Dewar’s Distillery and the Wade bridge over the Tay.
Where to Stay in Tummel Bridge
Accommodation in and around Tummel Bridge is ideal for families, couples and anyone touring Highland Perthshire.
Tummel Valley Holiday Park
Set on the banks of the River Tummel in the heart of the village, this holiday park offers lodges and caravan holiday homes, plus touring pitches. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, a bar and restaurant with a riverside terrace, a takeaway, a shop, play areas, crazy golf, nature trails, bike hire and fishing. The park is seasonal, typically open from spring to the end of October.
The Inn at Loch Tummel
A few miles east of the village on the north shore, this refurbished country inn combines comfortable rooms with a bar and restaurant overlooking the loch. It’s dog friendly and a great choice for a relaxed lochside escape.
Self-Catering & B&Bs
You’ll also find cottages, lodges and B&Bs scattered along the Tummel and Rannoch valleys. Browse our Kinloch Rannoch accommodation for more places to stay just up the road.
Eating Out
In Tummel Bridge itself, the bar and restaurant at Tummel Valley Holiday Park serve meals in season. The Inn at Loch Tummel is a short drive east, and Kinloch Rannoch, 15 minutes away, has a café and hotel restaurants. See our full guide to places to eat.
Getting to Tummel Bridge
- From Pitlochry (approx. 13 miles): Take the B8019 west along the north shore of Loch Tummel, passing Queen’s View.
- From Aberfeldy (approx. 12 miles): Follow the B846 north via Coshieville, passing the Braes of Foss car park for Schiehallion.
- From Kinloch Rannoch (approx. 7 miles): Follow the B846 east along the River Tummel.
- By rail: The nearest station is Pitlochry on the main Highland line. Rannoch Station on the West Highland Line is further west.
Public transport is limited, so a car is the easiest way to explore. See our local transport page and local map for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tummel Bridge is in Highland Perthshire, at the western end of Loch Tummel, about 7 miles east of Kinloch Rannoch and 13 miles west of Pitlochry.
The old stone bridge was built in 1730 as part of General Wade’s military roads. It’s now a Category A listed structure open to pedestrians.
Yes. The Braes of Foss car park, the main starting point for Schiehallion, is a short drive south of Tummel Bridge on the B846.