Getting There
Sat Nav: PH2 8QQ
Northbound route only
At Junction 10 keep in lane for Perth A912.
After passing a school on the left hand side, turn right onto Rhynd Road.
Turn left, brown signed Elcho Castle, and follow the lane as it goes through a farm yard and the car park is a few metres further on.
Return to M90 northbound
Go back through the farmyard and turn left at the T-junction. At the next T-junction turn left. Drive over the river and continue on this road to rejoin the motorway at Junction 9.
Elcho Castle
This is a quirky one – but once we’d found Elcho ‘castle’ it was impossible to leave it out!
Elcho Castle is a 16th century fortified tower house, and a good representative of ‘stout’ domestic architecture. It’s worth a visit to experience a real feel of history, and the strange balance of intimacy, eccentricity and self-preservation in the construction of this remote home.
Well-mannered dogs will enjoy an on-lead stroll around the grounds, and if you’ve remembered picnic necessaries the handy tables are well-spaced and welcoming. Some snacks are available at the kiosk – but of the sweet and sticky variety.
If you have kids on board, they’ll have a great time dressing up in Elizabethan clothes for a photo, and counting the gunholes at ground level in the very thick walls will occupy the curious for ages.
More active dogs can be taken down to the banks of the River Tay for some off-lead fun (check for livestock first though) and swimming.
Facilities
Free parking. Picnic tables. Ice-cream and pre-packed snacks. Castle open 0930 to 1700 in Summer, 0930 to 1630 in Winter.
Entry to castle: £3.20 adults.
In Bridge of Earn (on returning to motorway): The Cypress Inn and The Village Bar in Side Street.
Useful Links
Elcho Castle
Visit website