River Lyon

Glen Lyon stretches for 55 kilometres through Perth and Kinross, enclosed by hills from Loch Lyon in the west to Fortingall in the east. The glen is known in Gaelic as Gleann Lìomhann and was once called An Crom Ghleann, the Bent Glen. It forms part of the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area, one of forty such areas in Scotland set aside to protect exceptional scenery. Sir Walter Scott called it the longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland. Apart from Fortingall and Bridge of Balgie, only scattered farms and cottages mark the landscape. A small primary school in the glen teaches Gaelic each week. The glen has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with many archaeological sites marking its past. It was home to clans such as the MacGregors, Lyons, Menzies, Stewarts and Campbells. In the late 11th century, the de Leons arrived with Prince Edgar and later gave their name to the glen. Robert Campbell of Glenlyon led troops during the Glencoe massacre in 1691. A 16th-century silver-gilt brooch belonging to the Campbell lairds is now in the British Museum. Early Christian monks, including Adomnán, lived here, and the glen contains Meggernie Castle and the ruins of Carnbane Castle. Visitors walk through a quiet valley where history is visible at every turn. The primary school keeps Gaelic language alive in weekly lessons. Fortingall’s churchyard holds one of Europe’s oldest yew trees, said to be over 3,000 years old. The River Lyon winds through meadows and birch woods, offering clear pools for fishing. A single-track road follows the river, passing old farm steadings and stone bridges. The air carries the scent of heather and damp earth after rain. At dusk, the hills glow with light from the setting sun.