Discover Glenalmond

Glenalmond combines a peaceful valley landscape with paths along the River Almond and a long architectural history. The area is known as a quiet valley west of Perth. The River Almond rises in the hills south of Loch Tay and flows through the Sma’ Glen. If you are considering Glenalmond for a hotel stay, you can focus on what interests you: walking and cycling, the architecture of Trinity College, or historic sites in the surrounding area.

Riverside scenery and trails

A footpath and National Cycle Network Route 77 connect Perth with Glenalmond and continue beyond it along the right bank of the River Almond. Check local route details before setting out. Near Glenalmond, a path leads upstream from Newton Bridge along the River Almond. It makes an approximately 24-kilometre walk to Ardtalnaig possible.

An optional wilderness extension of the Rob Roy Way connects Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy via Glen Almond and Glen Quaich. The route includes forest tracks, a cycle path, a disused railway formation and trails through heathland. The Rob Roy Way was originally designed for walkers and is potentially suitable for cyclists along almost its entire length. For comparison, there are some clear differences: the approximately 24-kilometre walk follows the River Almond upstream, while the optional extension features different types of path and named connections through the glens.

The roads through Glenalmond are also considered suitable for cycling. A minor road on the south side of Glenalmond passes Glenalmond College. For a break by the River Almond, the verge at Newton Bridge offers a place for a picnic; check its condition before visiting.

Architecture at Trinity College

The main building of Trinity College in Glenalmond is a large Gothic Revival structure built around three courtyards. The chapel was completed in 1851, and the library dates from 1904 to 1906. The college therefore features both a distinctive layout and specific historical dates for individual buildings.

The music practice and teaching rooms at Glenalmond College are listed as a Category C building. A fully glazed wall and a glazed corridor bring in the natural surroundings. The design of these rooms therefore also reflects their connection with the surrounding landscape.

Historic sites in the surrounding area

Fendoch Roman Fort lies near the confluence of the River Almond and Fendoch Burn. The Roman fort and its annex, dating from the 1st century AD, include remains visible above ground as well as those lying beneath the surface. Nearby, Glenalmond House is also listed as a Category B building, and Tulchan Gardens is a listed building.

The Bridge of Buchanty has a large segmental arch and a small side arch with a coat of arms bearing the date 1639. Salmon can often be seen at Buchanty Spout on the River Almond as they make their way upstream through the rushing water. The Sma’ Glen also has a connection to film history: it appeared in the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire”.

Discover more destinations: Kinloch Rannoch, Acharn, Blair Atholl, Kinfauns, Luncarty, Fowlis Wester, Braco, Morenish.

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