Places to visit in Dunning
Set in the “village square” the picturesque St Serf’s church houses the 9th Century Dupplin Cross. It is one of a few complete, free-standing early medieval crosses that survive in Scotland. Managed by Historic Scotland, excellent Guides are on hand to give tours (seasonal opening normally April to September).
It is carved from a single block of red sandstone. The Dupplin Cross formerly stood in the grounds of Dupplin Castle overlooking the ancient Pictish royal centre of Forteviot.
The graveyard, with stones dating back to the 18th Century, attracts people from all parts of the world researching their family history
The Thorn Tree, which can be seen in Thorn Tree Square on the Yetts of Muchart Road commemorates the burning of Dunning by Jacobite troops in 1716 – the tree has been replaced a number of times.
There’s an excellent walk from the village via “the Dragon” to the Dunning Glen. Follow the signs out of the village up the hill through Newton of Pitcairns. The Dunning Glen is accessed via a stone archway on the right after you leave Newton of Pitcairns.
Just outside the village on the Auchterarder road is Maggie Wall’s Monument, allegedly where “Maggie Walls” was burned as a witch. There is mystery surrounding the origins not only of the monument but even if Maggie existed.
