The Coronation Road and Elcho Castle

Richard Hardy

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The route through Rhynd was long ago part of the Royal route from the palace at Scone to the palace at Falkland called the Coronation Road - This route is a very old carriage road that must have seen a great deal of traffic over the centuries. One theory as to why it is called the Coronation Road is because the Earl (or Mormaer as they were then known) of Fife had the hereditary responsibility of Crowning the King and so would have had to travel to Scone. This journey would have had to take place presumably often at short notice and with a great retinue. If this is the case then the road must date to the very early Medieval Period as the Stone of Destiny was taken to London by Edward I.

Another theory is that it was used by the Scottish Royal Family to travel between the Royal Palaces at Scone and Falkland. If this is the case then it would have been in use quite a bit later as Falkland was not a particularly favoured Royal residence until James III in the 15th century.

Elcho Castle stands close to the old ferry point to Kinfauns and is a lovely example of a Scottish fortified tower, well worth the admission fee, and the chance to rest up with a cup of tea in the orchard

Both the Tay and the Earn are major rivers and parts of the walk are sometimes affected by higher than normal river levels. If flooding has been reported in the Perth area it is likely that the footpaths used in this walk will be out of use

Scotland - Northeast Scotland - Perth and Kinross - River Walk

Features

Ancient Monument, Castle, Church, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Mostly Flat, River, Toilets
8/17/2016 - Richard Hardy

Considerable off lead walking - with only the first and last parts of the walk, and those around Elcho castle being along public roads. Dogs are however not allowed into the grounds of Elcho Castle and this must be taken into account if visiting the Castle. The Tay and earn are both fast flowing rivers so care is needed if your dogs are swimmers.