Taymouth Marina in Perthshire
There is nowhere quite like Scotland in the early autumn. From the light, golden and glowing, to the slow burn of the leaves as they turn from green to gold, this season brings out the best of Scotland and its countryside. I try and plan as many countryside escapes as I can in September and October in an attempt to savour every second of this seasonal shift. Which is why I was so delighted when Taymouth Marina invited me to stay.
On the road to Perthshire
Located on the banks of Loch Tay, close to the gorgeous village of Kenmore, Taymouth Marina is about a two hour drive from Edinburgh. So perfect for a weekend getaway. The countryside in Perthshire is some of Scotland's finest so the drive itself is a bit of a treat. Think towering trees, acres of lush forest, beautiful glens and rushing rivers.
View of Kenmore from the banks of Loch Tay in the autumn
Accommodation
We arrived at Taymouth Marina and were shown to our home for the weekend. A one-bedroom waterfront lodge overlooking Loch Tay (with its own hot tub!) Taymouth offer a variety of options with their lodges so you can pick and choose depending on what you require for you and your family/friends. We stayed in Beinn Doran, if you're curious or thinking of booking for yourself.
View from Beinn Doran lodge at Taymouth Marina
Master bedroom Beinn Doran lodge at Taymouth Marina
The lodges are comfy and cosy with everything you could need for a self-catered stay. It'd be lovely if the decor was a little bit more Scandi chic (like the main spa area!) but that's probably just my love of hygge talking. The view over the loch from the main living area was just gorgeous and being able to soak in the hot tub under the stars an unexpected luxury.
Watersports on Loch Tay
I have a confession to make. As much as I adore the sea, I am a big wimp when it comes to water sports. But all that changed at Taymouth Marina! We were blessed with the most incredible weather during our stay. It was sunny and unseasonably warm; as in, "don't need a coat" weather. Which basically never happens in September! So we decided to make the most of it.
Kayaking on Loch Tay
Taymouth offer a variety of different water sports but we opted for kayaking. They kitted us out with lifejackets and waterproof cases for our phones (so handy and meant we could document the experience without worrying about dropping our phones!) And off we went! I can't believe it's taken me so long to give this a try. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bobbing about on Loch Tay, basking in the early-autumn sunshine, admiring the colours of the trees was an experience I won't forget in a hurry.
Kayaking on Loch Tay at Taymouth Marina
Taymouth Marina's Hot Box Spa
Arms aching from all that paddling, I headed straight to the spa. When Taymouth Marina first got in touch, this was one of the things I was most excited to see! The spa area is the epitome of Scandi chic. Lots of wood, soft throws, cuddly blankets and an uninterrupted view over Loch Tay.
Spa area at Taymouth Marina
The Hydro Pool is essentially heaven on earth. Toasty warm, you can chill in the pool with a glass of bubbly from the bar, and lap up the view of Loch Tay. They also have the Hot Box: an enormous aspen-lined sauna with panoramic views of the loch. The crackling fire pit scents the air with woodsmoke. And if you're feeling hardy and fancy a spot of wild swimming, there's even a slide right into the loch itself!
I fell head over heels for this place. You can buy a day pass, book it exclusively for an event, or even take out a membership if you live locally. What a treat to have in such an idyllic location.
Spa area at Taymouth Marina
Hydro Pool spa at Taymouth Marina
Entertainment
We were so lucky that our visit happened to coincide with Taymouth Marina's first ever music festival: the "Last Chance Summer Dance". Sitting on the banks of the loch, a huge fire pit crackling away, listening to local musicians perform as the lights twinkled and the sun set really was a magical experience. If you're planning a stay at Taymouth Marina, definitely check to see if they have any events on! This was their first, but I highly doubt it will be their last.
Taymouth Marina Last Chance Summer Dance
A quick note on food and drink before I forget. The restaurant at Taymouth Marina had to be closed after a fire in 2019. Since then, they've worked hard to open a new dining area. It's rustic but perfect for grabbing a drink and relaxing by the loch. If you're staying at the marina and don't fancy cooking for yourself, be sure to book a restaurant in advance. We really fancied trying the Waterfront Restaurant at the Kenmore Club but just couldn't get a table last minute!
Last Chance Summer Dance sign at Taymouth Marina
Things to do Near Taymouth Marina
The first thing you'll notice when you drive up to Taymouth Marina is the Scottish Crannog Centre which sits proudly on the loch. I have always wanted to visit this place (it's a replica Iron Age crannog!) so was delighted to finally be able to explore it. You can read more about my adventures there here.
Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, Loch Tay
I'd also really recommend the walk up to the Falls of Acharn. It's quite an easy route and absolutely beautiful, particularly in the autumn. Read more about that particular adventure here!
Finally, a huge thanks to Taymouth Marina for inviting us and making our stay so special. Please note that this stay was gifted but all thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own.
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