River Tummel and Pitlochry Dam Pitlochry Scotland
A working hydroelectric dam on the River Tummel, offering scenic walks around Loch Faskally and a chance to see salmon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Salmon migration season
River Tummel and Pitlochry Dam Pitlochry Scotland
Best Time
Salmon migration season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A working hydroelectric dam on the River Tummel, offering scenic walks around Loch Faskally and a chance to see salmon.
"A nice, peaceful attraction to visit with great views on a clear day."
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks Galore
Explore paths around Loch Faskally and Faskally Forest for stunning views. Wear comfy shoes!
🐟 Salmon Spotting
Visit during migration season (spring/autumn) to see salmon ascend the fish ladder.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder
Pitlochry
Witness the impressive hydroelectric dam and observe salmon leaping up the specially designed ladder. A marvel of engineering.
Loch Faskally Walk
Adjacent to the dam
Scenic walking trails circle the loch, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding Perthshire landscape.
Faskally Forest
Near Pitlochry
Explore enchanting woodland trails, especially beautiful in autumn with vibrant foliage.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks Galore
Explore paths around Loch Faskally and Faskally Forest for stunning views. Wear comfy shoes!
🐟 Salmon Spotting
Visit during migration season (spring/autumn) to see salmon ascend the fish ladder.
💡 Free Visitor Centre
Learn about the dam's history and operation at the interactive, free visitor centre.
📸 Drone Views
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the dam and river. +1
Looking to go rafting in Scotland, looking for advice.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks Galore
Explore paths around Loch Faskally and Faskally Forest for stunning views. Wear comfy shoes!
🐟 Salmon Spotting
Visit during migration season (spring/autumn) to see salmon ascend the fish ladder.
💡 Free Visitor Centre
Learn about the dam's history and operation at the interactive, free visitor centre.
📸 Drone Views
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the dam and river. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Pitlochry Dam a charming and worthwhile stop, particularly appreciating the free, interactive visitor centre and the scenic walks around Loch Faskally. While some note it's not a 'break-taking' attraction, its peaceful atmosphere and the unique opportunity to see the salmon ladder make it a pleasant experience for those in the area.
"It is a small dam but perfectly formed, with main generation plant in behind the dam itself and windows along the walkway allow you to view inside, but not a lot to see. There are large booms across the loch to keep logs from doing damage and paths from here go round Loch Faskally so a good walking area. There is a new visitor centre if you want to find out more."
Joseph Kincaid
"A small working hydroelectric dam with a great visitor centre and a salmon leap series of pools , you can walk right over the top looking at the recently created loch Faskelly and down the Tummel valley"
Tork Mackenzie
"December 2024: Worth a visit if in the area. Lovely interactive (free) visitor centre and cafe on site. It is possible to walk across the dam wall, look into the pumping area and also see the salmon ladder. Great views on a clear day. A nice, peaceful attraction to visit. Car park on site next to the visitor centre or more car parks further in town a short walk away. Hope to revisit and see the dam in operation one day!"
Christian East
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The dam is easily accessible in Pitlochry. There's a car park on-site next to the visitor centre, with more parking available in town a short walk away. It's also a popular stop for tours exploring the Highlands.
Yes, Pitlochry is well-served by public transport. You can reach Pitlochry by train or bus, and the dam is a short walk from the town centre.
Walking is highly recommended! Trails loop around Loch Faskally and through Faskally Forest, offering beautiful scenery.
The dam and surrounding areas are generally accessible year-round, though weather conditions can affect accessibility. The visitor centre may have seasonal hours.
While there isn't a specific guided tour of the dam itself, the visitor centre offers information. Many local tour operators include Pitlochry Dam as a stop on their Highland tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Pitlochry Dam and the surrounding walking paths is free. The visitor centre is also free to enter.
The dam and walking paths are generally accessible at all times. The visitor centre has specific opening hours, which can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website.
The visitor centre at Pitlochry Dam is free to enter and offers interactive exhibits about the dam's history and function.
Yes, you can walk across the top of the dam wall, offering great views of Loch Faskally and the Tummel Valley.
The car park adjacent to the visitor centre is typically free to use for visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the working hydroelectric dam, the salmon ladder (especially during migration season), and enjoy panoramic views of Loch Faskally and the Tummel Valley.
There are windows along the walkway that allow you to view the main generation plant inside the dam, though it's not a full tour.
Absolutely! Paths circle Loch Faskally and extend into Faskally Forest, offering beautiful and varied walking experiences.
The best time to see salmon using the fish ladder is during their migration seasons, typically in spring and autumn.
Yes, the dam, the loch, and the surrounding forests offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially with drone footage capturing the scale. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on-site at the visitor centre. Pitlochry town also has numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a range of dining options.
There are lovely spots around Loch Faskally perfect for a picnic, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while you eat.
Pitlochry offers traditional Scottish pub fare, cafes with light bites, and more formal dining experiences, catering to various tastes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for the salmon ladder – it's a fascinating natural phenomenon that kids often find captivating. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the loch, and let the children explore the forest trails. It's a great spot for a relaxed day out that combines a bit of learning with plenty of outdoor fun.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the autumn for spectacular fall colours in Faskally Forest, or in spring/autumn to witness the salmon run. The combination of the impressive dam structure and the surrounding natural beauty provides a unique backdrop for any outdoor adventure. Don't forget your camera – the photographic opportunities are abundant.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Pitlochry Dam
The dam's design includes a vital fish ladder, a series of pools and channels that allow salmon to bypass the structure and continue their upstream journey to spawn. This feature is a testament to the consideration given to ecological impact during its construction. Witnessing salmon navigate this ladder, particularly during their migration seasons in spring and autumn, is a unique natural spectacle.
While the main generation plant is housed behind the dam, visitors can glimpse into this operational area through windows along the walkway. The large booms across the loch are designed to manage floating debris, ensuring the smooth operation of the dam and protecting the surrounding environment. The dam is a working hydroelectric facility, and while it's not always possible to see it in full operation, its presence is a constant reminder of renewable energy in action.
Exploring the Natural Beauty: Loch Faskally and Faskally Forest
Adjacent to the loch lies Faskally Forest, a beautiful woodland area that is a haven for nature lovers. The forest is crisscrossed with trails suitable for all fitness levels, inviting exploration of its diverse flora and fauna. It's a popular spot for photography, with opportunities to capture the interplay of light and shadow through the trees, the textures of bark, and the vibrant greens of mosses and ferns. The forest provides a peaceful retreat and a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Perthshire.
These natural areas are not just visually appealing but also offer a sense of calm and escape. Whether you're looking for a gentle walk to admire the water or a more immersive forest experience, the areas around the River Tummel and Pitlochry Dam provide ample opportunities to connect with nature. The combination of the dam's engineering and the surrounding natural beauty makes for a unique and memorable visit.
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