Crieff Hydro is located near one of the most fascinating sites in all of Europe: the famous Fortingall Yew Tree! The oldest tree on the continent, it is estimated to have existed for up to 5,000 years.
Fortingall is a quaint village just 45 minutes from us, and The Fortingall Yew sits 16 meters wide in the churchyard.
This special tree, which has historically been the centre of sacred sites and used for practical purposes to fashion drinking cups and other goods, is not just unique for being the oldest yew tree.
Around the world, few have the opportunity to see this exciting species. Threatened by felling and disease, yew trees are quickly being erased from history. So Crieff Hydro supports the great initiatives in action to save Perthshire’s favourite flora.
Like the Yew Conservation Hedge Project, which collects clippings from the yew tree to help create a mile long hedge in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The project will help preserve the DNA of this ancient specimen, the Yew taccus baccata.
One of the many pathing stones leading up to the tree
And alongside all its history and conservational significance, The Fortingall Yew looks pretty remarkable too. Its trunk has split into multiple arms over the years and, like something out of a magical fairy tale, its limbs look like they’re about to come alive.
So with the perfect day trip in order, all you need is a great leisure resort to stay at with plenty of other activities on offer. That’s where we come in! Crieff Hydro is always running spectacular deals; and our flexible accommodation options, award winning Scottish cuisine and 60+ on site activities make us the favourite for holidays and weekend breaks in Scotland!
Click here to find out more. We look forward to seeing yew soon!
