Glen Lyon
Located in beautiful Perthshire, Glen Lyon is the longest enclosed glen in Scotland, stretching over a massive 32 miles (51 km). It forms part of the impressive 48,400 hectare Loch Lyon and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area. A trip to Perthshire is not complete without experiencing the wonder that is Glen Lyon, so if you are visiting the area, be sure to fit this majestic sight into your plans.
The famous Sir Walter Scott once described the glen as the ‘longest, loneliest, loveliest glen in Scotland’ and many other well-known names, such as Baden Powell, Wordsworth, Tennyson and Gladstone have also praised the area over the years.
Visiting Glen Lyon
Touring Glen Lyon is a great way to spend a day in Perthshire, and there is an easy route to follow so you can see some of the best sights throughout the 32-mile stretch. Starting on the Fortingall Way, follow the track along to Fortingall Village, where you can take a right onto a twisting single track road which runs directly through Glen Lyon. Surrounded by high mountains and the woodland banks of the River Lyon, this track is picturesque and offers some beautiful sights along the way.
Eventually, you will reach a four-arched bridge, which is the Bridge of Lyon, and from here, you can see MacGregor’s Leap. Throughout the rest of the journey, you will see the hamlets of Innerwick and the Bridge of Balgie. At this bridge, you can choose a shorter route by turning left and climbing over 1,500 feet to Lochan na Lairige.
What To See At Glen Lyon
Glen Lyon is packed full of beautiful sights and scenery, and there is so much to see during a day out at the glen. The River Lyon runs right through the glen and tumbles through various gorges, corries and riverine meadows along the way.
Near the Bridge of Balgie, there are accessible pools for visitors to enjoy, as well as a quaint little tearoom for a quick snack and a drink. In the upper reaches of the glen, there are two remote lochs, Loch Lyon and Loch an Daimh. Around here the stunning remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest can be seen.
