Scotland’s ‘oldest tree’ is in cute little village perfect for summer day out

If you are looking for a Scottish day-trip destination that is as unique as it is beautiful, then Fortingall could be perfect.

Nestled in Glen Lyon in Perthshire, the tiny village is situated just a few miles west of Aberfeldy. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Fartairchill’, which means ‘Escarpment Church’.

Unsurprisingly, then, the main feature of Fortingall is its historic parish church that is believed to have been constructed on an early Christian site dedicated to the Bishop of Iona. The church is open to the public, and should be the first sight you check out when arriving in the village.

The church itself isn’t even Fortingall’s most historic attraction, however. That honour belongs to the Fortingall Yew, an ancient tree situated in its own walled enclosure within the churchyard.

Believed to date back around 5,000 years, the tree is considered to be the oldest in Europe. According to VisitScotland, it may even be the “oldest living thing on Earth”.

There are signs that the area was inhabited by our ancestors all the way back when the tree was just a sapling, such as a cairn that dates back to the Stone Age. It is even thought that the Fortingall Yew was seen as sacred by pagans and early Christians.

Although the trunk of the tree was once measured at a massive 16 metres in 1769, it has shrunk significantly in the centuries since. However, it remains healthy and it is thought that it will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.

Elsewhere, there is plenty else to see around Fortingall — especially if you are keen for a good hike. The 1.7-mile Fortingall Circular Walk in particular is a great shout, taking in many of the area’s most spectacular sights.

Meanwhile, there is also a hotel in Fortingall for those looking for a proper peaceful getaway. The four-star Fortingall Hotel features luxury guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms, an exquisite restaurant that makes use of local and seasonal produce, and a cosy bar with an open fire to curl up beside.

If you are still looking for travel inspiration, check out the Daily Record’s most recent .

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