Introduction
Hiking in the rural area of Comrie, Perth and Kinross, is a treat for anybody who appreciates the outdoors. These gorgeous hills, woodlands, and lochs may be found in the very centre of Scotland. The path leading to Deil’s Cauldron is a perfect example of this.
There are trails in Comrie suitable for both serious hikers and those who prefer a more relaxed pace. There are several routes here that weave through beautiful scenery and provide spectacular vistas of the countryside.
The Comrie Croft trails are a set of well-traveled routes that wind through woods and fields, through babbling brooks and attractive farms, and are a favourite among local hikers. Trails with varying degrees of difficulty allow hikers of all experience levels and fitness goals to enjoy the outdoors.
The 9-mile Ben Chonzie Circuit is a challenging hike across the area’s hills and woodlands. This path provides stunning panoramas of the countryside and the opportunity to see native animals including red deer and black grouse.
Regardless of the path you take, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Scottish landscape. What’s the point of holding off? So lace up your hiking boots and go explore the outdoors; you won’t be let down.
We will walk today from Comrie to the riverbanks of the Lednock and back.
Route Map of the Deil’s Cauldron
Points of Interest Along the Deil’s Cauldron Route
Comrie White Church [1]
The White Church is a gorgeous and ancient church located in the centre of Comrie, a quaint Scottish hamlet. The White Church, which was constructed in 1805 to replace the ancient Tullichettle Church, is steeped in history.
The White Church’s tower, however, dates back to the time when an even older church occupied the same spot. After the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church reconciled in 1929, the congregation changed the church’s name to Comrie Old Parish Church. In 1956, Comrie Old Parish Church and St. Kesso Church merged to create Old and St. Kessog’s Church.
The White Church has survived the passage of time by acting as a place of worship and community meeting. Once a separate house of worship, the Old Church edifice merged with the Monzievaird & Strowan Church in 1964 and subsequently ceased operations. Currently, it serves as a gathering place for locals.
The White Church has taken on new functions, yet it is still an attractive structure. It’s basically a rectangle, but the clock tower on the southwest corner makes it instantly recognisable. The building’s walls are made of stone and harled, and it has a white external paint job, thus the moniker “the white house.” The windows are arched and framed in wood Y tracery, and the roof is slated. The main entrance is located on the northeast gable, and a massive arched three-light window is directly over the door.
The White Church is a stunning and historically significant landmark. The White Church is an excellent destination for anybody interested in history, architecture, or perhaps just a quiet area to wander.
Comrie and Strowan Parish Church [2]
At the centre of Comrie and Strowan, the parish church stands as a stunning and historic landmark. Beginning in the early 19th century, this church has served as a pillar in the community’s spiritual life ever since.
During the reformation, the Tullichettle Church became the parish church for Comrie, Monzievaird, Crieff, and Monzie. This church eventually evolved into what is now known as Comrie and Strowan Parish Church. Devastated by time and weather, the Tullichettle Church is in the centre of the old burial site, yet its significance to Comrie’s past cannot be overstated.
The tower of an older church was incorporated into the design of a new Church of Scotland parish church that was constructed in 1805 near the junction of the Earn and Ruchill rivers. Comrie Old Parish Church was the original name for this building. In 1843, however, the Disruption took place, prompting the establishment of the Free Church as a form of resistance. Tom-na-kessog was a hill between the town hall and the current Comrie Parish Church where services were held.
The cornerstone for the present-day Free Church was placed in 1879, and in 1925 the two Free Churches in Scotland merged to form the United Free Church of Scotland. The current Parish Church was renamed St. Kessogs Parish Church while the former Comrie Old Parish Church remained as Comrie Old Parish Church after the 1929 re-unification of the Established Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland.
These two churches merged in 1964 and began sharing the St. Kessogs structure. The other structure was donated to the town of Comrie and is still in use today. Comrie Parish Church was established in 1965 from the merger of the Comrie Parish and the Monzievaird and Strowan Parishes.
The Comrie and Strowan Parish Church has flourished into an integral element of modern life, serving the locals with worship, friendship, and charity.
Twenty Shilling Wood [3]
Twenty Shilling Wood at Comrie is a fascinating historical site that gives an insight into the past of this charming community in Perth and Kinross. The remnants of various structures may be discovered at the caravan park at Twenty Shilling Wood, primarily surviving as concrete footings.
Inhabitants of the area have speculated that these buildings were previously part of a construction workers’ camp used by Mitchell Construction for Hydro-Electric between 1954 and 1957, while the reservoir at nearby Glen Lednock was being built. The camp’s structures were reportedly destroyed in the late 1950s or early 1960s after housing 500 prisoners. The land was transformed into a mobile park in 1963.
Caravan parking areas now sit where the hospital, canteen, and living quarters formerly stood. A theatre and a neighbouring office that aren’t caravans are also visible. The theatre is easily identifiable by the conspicuous flight of concrete stairs that lead to the brick footings, which are around 10 by 15 metres in size.
In addition to the main building, a tiny brick boiler house and the nearby coke stand are still standing and being utilised as a shop.
The Deil’s and Wee Cauldron [4]
Located just north of Comrie, the Deil’s and Wee Cauldron are a strange and fascinating place. The sounds of the neighbouring river and the lush greenery surround this little circular pool.
The Cauldrons may be little, but they are big on local lore and history. Mischievous water fairies, who may be heard giggling and splashing around in the pool’s depths, are said to call this place home. Some people think that the waters of the Wee Cauldron may cure any illness if you drink them.
Some say that if you enter the water of Deil’s Cauldron at at the proper time, you will be transported to a mystical realm beyond this one.
The Cauldrons are significant to Comrie’s natural history in addition to being a source of legend.
It’s not always simple to locate the Wee Cauldron, despite the tranquilly of its surroundings. You’ll need to sift through a forest of trees to discover it. But if you’re up for the adventure, you’ll find a lovely, tranquil place that will do wonders for your soul.
Melville Monument [5]
Located in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, the Melville Monument is a stunning and historically significant structure close to the town of Comrie. Atop a hill overlooking the village, this tower provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside.
In1844, Sir Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, had the Melville Monument erected in his honour to honour his life and legacy. Sir Henry was an influential statesman who played a pivotal role in expanding the British Empire through his roles as First Lord of the Admiralty and Secretary of State for War and the Colonies.
The Melville Monument is a magnificent towering structure that has a Victorian Gothic style tower and pointed spire. The tower was crafted from crimson sandstone and adorned with elaborate decorations.
The Melville Monument is not only a renowned historical site, but also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. You may take in amazing views from the tower’s apex while enjoying a picnic or a stroll on the hill upon which it sits.
Dun More [5]
Those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors will find that the Hill “Dun More” in the vicinity of Comrie is a thrilling and exciting natural wonder. This hill, at an altitude of 622 metres, is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers due to the stunning vistas it offers.
The hill can be found near the centre of Comrie, a small village in Scotland famous for its beautiful scenery and long history. It’s a section of the Grampians, a range of mountains that stretches across Scotland and features some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery.
The exciting nature of hiking up Dun More lies in the fact that hikers can explore a wide range of landscapes. Lush forests, rolling hills, and open meadows all coexist on the hill. Hikers have the chance to see a wide variety of plant and animal life along the trail, some of which is found nowhere else on Earth.
It’s not too difficult to reach the top of Dun More via the well-defined paths that wind their way up the mountain. Depending on the hikers’ stamina, the journey could take anywhere from two to four hours. Many hikers make the ascent to the top of the hill time and time again to take in the breathtaking panoramas that reward them for their perseverance.
Dun More is not only stunningly beautiful but also steeped in history. Iron Age fortifications can still be seen on top of the hill where they were originally built. Hikers can learn about the area’s history as they take in the stunning scenery, making for a more rewarding hiking experience overall.
St Margaret’s Catholic Church [6]
The church may be reached quickly from Drummond Street, which is located on the village’s eastern boundary. Upon first sight, the church’s beautiful stone walls and slate roof stand out as distinctive and charming.
However, St. Margaret’s has more to offer than merely its aesthetic appeal. Indeed, it has a long and interesting history that dates back more than a century. The church was originally erected in 1914 by connecting two cottages, but it has since had several modifications and expansions, such as the installation of new sash windows on the east wall and the construction of two gables on the north and south sides made of brick.
Visitors entering the church through the current rectangular portal in the south gable will be welcomed by a stunning depiction of St. Margaret carrying a child, which is recessed inside a square frame and placed just above the doorway. Don’t miss the beautiful cross finial atop the church’s roof, a symbol of the congregation’s dedication to its religious beliefs.
Wildlife on the Deil’s Cauldron Route
It’s no exaggeration to say that the hills of Comrie are a veritable paradise for ecotourists and birdwatchers.
The red kite is a spectacular bird that may be spotted in the hills. These birds of prey are frequently spotted soaring overhead, easily recognisable by their forked tails and vivid red-brown plumage. They are most active from March to June, but can be observed at any time of the year.
The peregrine falcon is another beautiful bird that may be spotted in the hills of Comrie. Frequently spotted in the sky on the prowl for prey, these birds are renowned for their lightning-fast reflexes and nimble movements. April to June is peak viewing time since that’s when they reproduce.
The hills near Comrie are home to many different kinds of birds, not just raptors. These include the chaffinch, goldfinch, and coal tit. Even though these birds are regularly spotted year-round, they are most active in the spring and summer.
The hills near Comrie are home to many different kinds of animals, as well as a wide range of avian species. The red deer is one of the most recognisable, and although it may be seen at any time of year, the months of September and October are peak breeding months for this iconic animal. The fox, the rabbit, and the badger are just few of the other creatures that can be spotted in the hills.
Places to Eat and Drink Near the Deil’s Cauldron
Cafe Comrie (Cafe)
Deils Cauldron (Mediterranean)
Comrie Fish and Chip Shop (Fish and Chips)
Places to Stay Near the Deil’s Cauldron
Twenty Shilling Wood Caravan Park
Download the GPS for the Deil’s Cauldron
Komoot
GaiaGPS
Conclusion
Comrie, a picturesque village in Scotland, is ideally situated for nature lovers because to its proximity to so many beautiful hills and fields. Recently, I visited the region, and one morning I headed out on foot to take in the area’s scenic hills and forests. The scenery was spectacular, and the fresh, pure air and quiet environment were energising. The hills and ancient forests always left me in awe, and I could feel the air of tradition and history all about me. There were old stone walls and ruins and rural churches all around me, each with its own story to tell.
