Auchterarder: Paths, History and Architecture

Auchterarder combines an extensive network of paths with striking landscape views and a rich local history. The routes offer practical guidance for planning your trip: The Avenue is a short path with an estimated walking time, while other named paths offer views of mountains, the valley and Craigrossie. The area’s architectural history also stretches back a long way—from its status as a Royal Burgh around 1200 to churches and evidence of the local weaving industry.

Paths and Views Around Auchterarder

Auchterarder’s network of paths covers more than 50 miles, or 80 kilometres, of routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The Avenue is an easy route of about 500 metres; it takes approximately 15 minutes on foot. You can therefore set aside a short amount of time for this walk. Along the way, The Avenue offers views towards the Grampian Mountains.

Other paths differ in their locations and the views they offer. Black Road runs north to south through Auchterarder as a connecting route just off Abbey Road. Common Loan offers views towards Craigrossie. The Oak Walk affords views across Strathearn Valley towards the Grampian Mountains. So your choices include not only The Avenue’s length and walking time, but also different kinds of scenery: Craigrossie on the one hand, and the valley and mountains on the other.

Churches, Local History and Architecture

Auchterarder was granted the title of Royal Burgh around 1200. The Old Church Tower was built in 1660 using stones from Kincardine Castle. Weaving offers another perspective on the town’s history: a local industry developed here during the Victorian era. By 1892, Hally’s mill had 540 power looms. The tower and the details about the mill thus point to different historical periods—from the town’s early history to its industrial development.

St Mackessog’s Church is the surviving fragment of a late medieval church that once served as Auchterarder’s parish church. The existing building probably dates from the 15th or 16th century. Its crow-stepped gables survive, and fragmentary walls still stand up to 2.6 metres high. The church is of national importance. It may overlie the site of an earlier building from the late 12th or early 13th century and can contribute to our understanding of the development of medieval churches and settlements.

Barony Parish Church adds a building dating from 1904 to the mix. The Gothic Revival church on Auchterarder High Street features early pointed forms and red rusticated masonry. Other features include crow-stepped gables, a tower and a low pyramidal slate roof. Architecture enthusiasts will find it quite different in character from the late medieval remains of St Mackessog’s Church.

Auchterarder Castle refers to a building north of Auchterarder that is separate from Castlemains Farmhouse. It incorporates parts of the medieval Auchterarder Castle and stands on the site of the demolished castle. Most of the talks hosted by the Auchterarder and District Local History Association take place between autumn and spring at Aytoun Hall on Auchterarder High Street. This seasonal series of talks adds an activity for history enthusiasts alongside the buildings and historic sites.

More Places to Enjoy the Outdoors

Auchterarder Public Park is known for its high-quality play area, wildflower meadows and natural mounds. These features set the park apart from the longer routes and historic buildings: the focus here is on the landscaped play area and meadow scenery. Alongside the paths, the park offers another option to include in your plans, without requiring the same kind of outing as a walking route or a visit to historic architecture.

Discover more destinations: Kenmore, Scone, Aberargie, Morenish, Comrie, Inchture, Grandtully, Perth

For the wider travel guide: Perth And Kinross.