The Most Exciting Things to See And Do in And Around Dull, Scotland

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A must for any Instagram account overflowing with artsy travel shots, go for gold with a selfie next to the iconic Dull sign. This funny sign proves Dull’s twin status with Boring and is the butt of many a joke. Just think — the yawn-inducing puns are endless! Make sure to say hello to the locals, who are always more than happy to divulge in Dull conversations.

Set amidst a wooded backdrop of hypnotic colours, the parish church of Dull, which was dedicated to St Adamnan, is no longer in use but still watches over its ancient kirkyard with knowing eyes. After delving deeper than its rubble-built exterior, archaeologists believe that it may date back to the 17th century. However, there’s also a strong chance that its roots rest firmly in an Early Christian monastic settlement. Its curious collection of ancient stones include a 9th to 10th century cross, part of a Pictish Stone and a cross slab. Outside the south-west end of the church is an early medieval stone font carved from a sizable boulder.

Between the epic cruise on Loch Tay from the comfort of a modern swanky boat, the Land Rover safaris (complete with kilted guide) across forests and mountains, walking safaris, biking safaris, 4×4 off road driving, gold panning and the Red Deer Centre, Highland Safaris is anything but dull! This action packed five-star visitor attraction takes Culture Trippers on whirlwind adventures filled with nature galore and wildlife spotting — think grouse, roe deer, red deer and red squirrels, to name a few.

Owned and operated by the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology, The Scottish Crannog Centre showcases an accurate reconstruction of a Scottish loch dwelling or crannog from the Iron Age. The ancient loch abode is modelled after archaeological excavation findings from Oakbank Crannog, a 2,500-year-old dwelling on the north shore of Loch Tay at Fearnan. Visitors can anticipate a riveting tour of the crannog itself by guides adorned in period garb, a fascinating exhibition space and the chance to try their hand at some Iron Age crafts.

The don of Scotland and the UKs’ outdoor adventure scene, Splash offers adrenaline junkies the chance to go wild with white water rafting, canyoning, river bugging, stand up paddle boarding, river duckies, abseiling, climbing and paintball, all from the splendour of Scotland’s magical rivers, rocks and outdoors. Between the first-class guides, state of the art equipment and untainted natural setting, there’s no better way to channel your inner adventurer.

Just a stone’s throw from Dull in the unassuming village of Fortingall rests what many deem the oldest living thing in Europe — the Fortingall Yew. This wise old tree is an evocative reminder of a bygone past, with each branch alluding to the many secrets of a time that’s no more. Found within Fortingall churchyard, the yew is rumoured to be between 3,000 and 9,000 years old, hence its status as one of Europe’s oldest living things.

Castle Menzies, the ancestral seat of Clan Menzies and the Menzies Baronets, is a mere 8-minute drive from Dull. Dating back to the 16th century, this historic fortress is deeply woven into Scotland’s historical fabric and even played host to Bonnie Prince Charlie who stayed there while on his way to Culloden in 1746 during the second Jacobite rising. The Menzies Clan Society rescued Castle Menzies in 1957 and restored it to its former glory.

Beautiful beyond belief, the Birks of Aberfeldy are home to a network of cascading waterfalls flowing and gushing like waving ribbons dancing in the wind. This circular wooded walk caught the eyes and heart of Scots Bard Robert Burns and inspired his 1787 poem The Birks o’Aberfeldie. Before Burns’ wee ode to the birks (Scots for birch trees), the area actually went by the name the Dens of Moness, with the waterfalls being the Falls of Moness. Punctuated with tribes of birch, oak, ash and elm trees, this beautiful walk is perfect for musings and striking photo moments.