Pitlochry
Linn of Tummel
The Linn of Tummel is a stunning sight to behold, striking rocky rapids give off a roar when the River Tummel is in spate.
Loch Faskally is a man-made reservoir stretching for approximately 2 miles, retained by Pitlochry Dam, constructed between 1947 -1950. Before 1950 the River Tummel made a plunge fall to join the River Garry, now the two rivers meet in a pool (Gaelic - Linne, a pool). Prior to the construction of Pitlochry Dam the waterfall was more magnificent, Queen Victoria visited the Linn of Tummel in 1844 to see the splendour of the falls, an Obelisk stands on the spot today.
The woodland surrounding The Linn of Tummel is worth discovering, below is a small insight to the seasons:
Spring
Beneath the Oak trees the spring flowers emerge carpeting the ground in a flurry of colours, including Dog's Mercury, Wood Anemone & Lesser Celandine. The white flowers of the Blackthorns burst into flower. Later we see the robust flowers of the Wild & Bird Cherries blossom.
Migrant birds return including the Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler & Redstarts, hear them singing in the trees above. The Gooseanders can be seen by the river in courtship displays. On the River Tummel tadpoles can be seen grazing on the algae coated rocks.
Summer Meadows are awash with wildflowers, species include Meadow Cranes-Bills, Yarrow, Field Scabious, Knapweed & Ox-Eye Daisy. An abundance of insects can be seen due to the high levels of nectar. Butterflies such as Orange Tips & Scotch Argus are commonly seen fluttering about the meadows.
Kingfishers dive for fish, whilst Buzzards are circling above for looking for prey & the Swallows are swooping in on the insects.
Autumn
The mighty Atlantic Salmon are often seen battling upstream through the rapids at this time of year. The golden colours surrounding The Linn of Tummel are awe-inspiring, trees such as Beech, Larch, Rowan & Oak contribute to this remarkable golden glow. Listen hard, you may hear the roar of the Red Deer on the hilltops or skein of geese above.
Winter
The Linn of Tummel can be a serene place in the depths of winter, you may see a Goldeneye or a Mallard. The River Garry can often be a frozen sheet of ice in the harshness of winter.
