What to do and where to eat
Sightseeing
This stunning white castle situated in the hills above Blair Atholl, 8 miles north of Pitlochry, is a must-do. The ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl, it is steeped in history and full of ancient weaponry and antiques. The Duke even has his own private army called the Atholl Highlanders who occasionally parade in front of the castle – a magnificent sight. The extensive grounds and restored walled garden are lovely to wander around and they have tractor tours of the estate as well as activities for children. They also offer Landrover safaris high up into the mountains, right to the top of a Munro at 3,000 feet!
76 íbúar mæla með
Blair kastali
This stunning white castle situated in the hills above Blair Atholl, 8 miles north of Pitlochry, is a must-do. The ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl, it is steeped in history and full of ancient weaponry and antiques. The Duke even has his own private army called the Atholl Highlanders who occasionally parade in front of the castle – a magnificent sight. The extensive grounds and restored walled garden are lovely to wander around and they have tractor tours of the estate as well as activities for children. They also offer Landrover safaris high up into the mountains, right to the top of a Munro at 3,000 feet!
On your way to Blair Castle take a small detour to Killiecrankie and see the Soldier’s Leap, the site where a English Redcoat soldier famously leapt 18 feet across a dramatic gorge to flee the Jacobites chasing him. It is also a famous beauty spot with lovely woodland walks along the River Garry.
10 íbúar mæla með
Killiecrankie
On your way to Blair Castle take a small detour to Killiecrankie and see the Soldier’s Leap, the site where a English Redcoat soldier famously leapt 18 feet across a dramatic gorge to flee the Jacobites chasing him. It is also a famous beauty spot with lovely woodland walks along the River Garry.
For an iconic Scottish view of mountains and loch the Queen’s View is hard to beat. A short drive from Pitlochry, towards Killiecrankie. Easy short walk to the viewing platform. Cameras essential!
33 íbúar mæla með
Heimsóknarstöð Queen's View
For an iconic Scottish view of mountains and loch the Queen’s View is hard to beat. A short drive from Pitlochry, towards Killiecrankie. Easy short walk to the viewing platform. Cameras essential!
Stunning walk behind the House Bruar. Moderate walk that takes in a series of dramatic water falls, gorges and pools through lovely Scots pine woodland. A good head for heights necessary and shoes with good grips! You can make it as long or as short as you like. Not suitable for prams or the infirm.
16 íbúar mæla með
Falls of Bruar
Stunning walk behind the House Bruar. Moderate walk that takes in a series of dramatic water falls, gorges and pools through lovely Scots pine woodland. A good head for heights necessary and shoes with good grips! You can make it as long or as short as you like. Not suitable for prams or the infirm.
This tiny ancient ‘city’ the size of a village is an absolute must. Situated on the banks of the majestic River Tay, it is famous for its ancient cathedral (partly destroyed) and its charming architecture, including the brightly coloured ‘little houses’ built in the 17th Century. It has lots of interesting independent shops to browse around, and some excellent cafes and pubs. Have lunch by the banks of the Tay, either at one of two pubs by the bridge or on the large sunny terrace at the Dunkeld House Hotel, a short drive away. Don’t miss the fabled ‘Birnam Oak’ – a huge 500 year old oak tree, the last of the great wood referred to in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. There are lots of other impressively huge sycamores here as well.
57 íbúar mæla með
Dunkeld
This tiny ancient ‘city’ the size of a village is an absolute must. Situated on the banks of the majestic River Tay, it is famous for its ancient cathedral (partly destroyed) and its charming architecture, including the brightly coloured ‘little houses’ built in the 17th Century. It has lots of interesting independent shops to browse around, and some excellent cafes and pubs. Have lunch by the banks of the Tay, either at one of two pubs by the bridge or on the large sunny terrace at the Dunkeld House Hotel, a short drive away. Don’t miss the fabled ‘Birnam Oak’ – a huge 500 year old oak tree, the last of the great wood referred to in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. There are lots of other impressively huge sycamores here as well.
A famous beauty spot just before Dunkeld. Walk along the river through beautiful woodland, past some of the UK’s tallest trees (Douglas firs), to a stunning waterfall that you can view from Ossian’s Hall, a folly built by the Victorians. In the Autumn you might see the amazing sight of salmon leaping up the falls on their way to their spawning grounds.
69 íbúar mæla með
Hermitage
Old Military RoadA famous beauty spot just before Dunkeld. Walk along the river through beautiful woodland, past some of the UK’s tallest trees (Douglas firs), to a stunning waterfall that you can view from Ossian’s Hall, a folly built by the Victorians. In the Autumn you might see the amazing sight of salmon leaping up the falls on their way to their spawning grounds.
Shopping
A famous shopping destination just north of Blair Atholl off the A9, it has top quality country gear, cashmere, gifts, homewares, a well stocked fishing shop and a food hall to rival Harrods. There is also a good self service restaurant and café. Don’t forget your credit card! While you’re there take in the Bruar Falls – a lovely walk up the river featuring spectacular gorges and waterfalls and mature Scots pine forest. The House of Bruar is good combined with a Blair Castle trip.
100 íbúar mæla með
The House of Bruar
A famous shopping destination just north of Blair Atholl off the A9, it has top quality country gear, cashmere, gifts, homewares, a well stocked fishing shop and a food hall to rival Harrods. There is also a good self service restaurant and café. Don’t forget your credit card! While you’re there take in the Bruar Falls – a lovely walk up the river featuring spectacular gorges and waterfalls and mature Scots pine forest. The House of Bruar is good combined with a Blair Castle trip.
Wonderful book shop and art gallery selling works by local artists as well as modern master prints. Great cafe selling delicious homemade cakes and sandwiches.
39 íbúar mæla með
Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop & Cafe
Mill StreetWonderful book shop and art gallery selling works by local artists as well as modern master prints. Great cafe selling delicious homemade cakes and sandwiches.
Food scene
If you want to combine a stunning mountain drive with lunch or dinner then this is it! Described by the Financial Times as Scotland’s “hottest hotel”, this previously rather unloved Victorian hotel in Braemar, Royal Deeside, has recently undergone a fabulous and highly imaginative renovation courtesy of its new multi-millionaire owners who are internationally renown art dealers and collectors. It is stuffed full of striking modern and contemporary artworks from their own collection, including a Picasso and Lucien Freud which hang casually in the Drawing Room, fascinating objects and bold specially-commissioned murals. And all juxtapositioned with original Victorian architectural features and traditional furnishings. The 50 minute drive to get there is an experience in itself - winding through the dramatic mountain pass of Glenshee and into into Royal Deeside, the A93 is one of Scotland's most famous driving routes. For dinner you can only book the main dining room but you can also have lunch in the Flying Stag pub, (which features an actual flying stag...). Be warned though: if taxidermy and animal horns don't appeal to you then you won't like this place! But if you like original if slightly eccentric decor then you'll love it.... https://thefifearms.com
18 íbúar mæla með
The Fife Arms
Mar RoadIf you want to combine a stunning mountain drive with lunch or dinner then this is it! Described by the Financial Times as Scotland’s “hottest hotel”, this previously rather unloved Victorian hotel in Braemar, Royal Deeside, has recently undergone a fabulous and highly imaginative renovation courtesy of its new multi-millionaire owners who are internationally renown art dealers and collectors. It is stuffed full of striking modern and contemporary artworks from their own collection, including a Picasso and Lucien Freud which hang casually in the Drawing Room, fascinating objects and bold specially-commissioned murals. And all juxtapositioned with original Victorian architectural features and traditional furnishings. The 50 minute drive to get there is an experience in itself - winding through the dramatic mountain pass of Glenshee and into into Royal Deeside, the A93 is one of Scotland's most famous driving routes. For dinner you can only book the main dining room but you can also have lunch in the Flying Stag pub, (which features an actual flying stag...). Be warned though: if taxidermy and animal horns don't appeal to you then you won't like this place! But if you like original if slightly eccentric decor then you'll love it.... https://thefifearms.com
Nice bistro in the small town of Aberfeldy. Great spot for lunch or supper before or after a film at the community-owned Birks Cinema.
17 íbúar mæla með
Three Lemons
28 Dunkeld StNice bistro in the small town of Aberfeldy. Great spot for lunch or supper before or after a film at the community-owned Birks Cinema.
A must for foodies, this stylish hotel is run by Ballintaggart, a local farming family who are passionate about food using locally sourced Scottish ingredients (see below). You can eat either in the restaurant or the bar which also serves great cocktails. Just 25 minutes drive. Booking essential Tel. 01887 447000 www.ballintaggart.com/grandtully-hotel.
20 íbúar mæla með
The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart
A must for foodies, this stylish hotel is run by Ballintaggart, a local farming family who are passionate about food using locally sourced Scottish ingredients (see below). You can eat either in the restaurant or the bar which also serves great cocktails. Just 25 minutes drive. Booking essential Tel. 01887 447000 www.ballintaggart.com/grandtully-hotel.
Stylish friendly cafe on Pitlochry Highl Stree serving freshly made soup, sandwiches and cakes.
10 íbúar mæla með
Cafe Calluna
90 Atholl RdStylish friendly cafe on Pitlochry Highl Stree serving freshly made soup, sandwiches and cakes.
Good coffee, homemade soups, toasted sandwiches and delicious cakes.
6 íbúar mæla með
Morton's Coffee Lounge
122/124 Atholl RdGood coffee, homemade soups, toasted sandwiches and delicious cakes.
Ttucked in behind the high street in a quiet traffic restricted street (turn left out of the main junction into town, coming from Straloch direction, and then left again), this pub is popular with locals as well as visitors. It has contemporary décor, live music at the weekends and it’s own working water wheel. There are tables outside as well.
22 íbúar mæla með
The Old Mill Inn
Mill LaneTtucked in behind the high street in a quiet traffic restricted street (turn left out of the main junction into town, coming from Straloch direction, and then left again), this pub is popular with locals as well as visitors. It has contemporary décor, live music at the weekends and it’s own working water wheel. There are tables outside as well.
City/town information
Our attractive local town of Pitlochry is a popular visitor hub with lots of shops selling outdoor gear as well as independent retailers. There are lots of cafes to choose from as well as pubs and restaurants, from fish and chips to gourmet 5* (see Food Scene).
Sights include the famous Pitlochry dam which has a very good new visitors centre where you can learn how electricity is made and have lunch in the cafe overlooking the river. Pitlochry Theatre always has an interesting programme of plays and events. Then there's the Bell's Distillery which does tours or the charming tiny Edradour Distillery nearby.
There's a doctor's surgery here too, chemist, dentist and vet, but hopefully you won't need any of these!
54 íbúar mæla með
Pitlochry
Our attractive local town of Pitlochry is a popular visitor hub with lots of shops selling outdoor gear as well as independent retailers. There are lots of cafes to choose from as well as pubs and restaurants, from fish and chips to gourmet 5* (see Food Scene).
Sights include the famous Pitlochry dam which has a very good new visitors centre where you can learn how electricity is made and have lunch in the cafe overlooking the river. Pitlochry Theatre always has an interesting programme of plays and events. Then there's the Bell's Distillery which does tours or the charming tiny Edradour Distillery nearby.
There's a doctor's surgery here too, chemist, dentist and vet, but hopefully you won't need any of these!