Fowlis Wester can be understood in its cultural and historical context through two clearly distinct markers of time: Fowlis Wester Parish Church dates from the 13th century, while the cross slab “Fowlis Wester 2” dates from the 8th century. Other features include an original architectural feature in the church, animal reliefs on the Cross of Fowlis, and a replica in the village square. For planning your visit, also consider the location of the Village Hall, bus services on specific days of the week and a designated Core Path section.

Church and Cross Slab: Distinct Markers of Time

Fowlis Wester Parish Church is dedicated to Saint Bean and dates from the 13th century. It preserves the so-called “lepers’ squint” as an original architectural feature. Its age, dedication and architectural feature offer different points of interest: the date places the building in its historical context, the dedication identifies the saint to whom the church is dedicated, and the surviving feature draws attention to its architecture. This means that exploring the church involves more than simply establishing its date; it also includes a specific detail of its construction.

The cross slab “Fowlis Wester 2” dates from the 8th century. The cross face of the Cross of Fowlis features animal reliefs. An archaeological date and a sculptural motif thus offer distinct cultural and historical points of interest. For orientation, it helps to treat the cross slab’s date and the description of the reliefs on the Cross of Fowlis as separate pieces of information. Together with the church, they provide different points of interest for anyone interested in historic buildings and stone reliefs.

Village Square and Finding Your Way Around

Fowlis Wester Village Hall is on the edge of the village, directly beside the church. A replica of the Fowlis Wester cross slab stands in the village square, in a small enclosure surrounded by a railing. This provides one specific landmark at the church and another in the village square. The replica should be distinguished from the original: it gives the cross slab its own place in the village landscape. There are plenty of parking spaces at the Village Hall. If you plan to use this option when travelling there, check the current situation in advance, as parking availability may change.

Bus and Walking Plans

The day of the week is an important factor when planning bus travel. Local bus routes 45 and 46 together serve Madderty, Fowlis Wester, Cultoquhey and Crieff on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Check the current timetable before travelling, as services may change. If you plan to travel by bus, choose your travel date only after checking that a suitable connection is available.

Another option for planning your day is designated Core Path section 49, “Fowlis Wester and Balgowan”. If you would like to include it in your plans, check the route and current path conditions before setting out. A cultural and historical focus and a walking plan meet different interests, so you can decide whether both fit into your stay or whether you would prefer to focus on just one.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Dates

Your travel dates and planned activities both play a part in choosing accommodation. Would you like to focus mainly on the historic sites, or include the designated path section in your daily plans as well? If you plan to use the bus, arrange your plans around the service days listed above and check for a suitable connection for your travel date. Also make sure the location of your chosen accommodation suits your own plans for visiting the area. This way, you can choose accommodation to suit your personal itinerary without having to follow a particular order of activities.

Discover more destinations: Braco, Acharn, Kinross, St David's, Kenmore, Coupar Angus, Kinfauns, Inchture

For the wider travel overview: Perth And Kinross.