Lesley's Guidebook for house on Loch Tummel, by Pitlochry
Historical interest
Blair castle is only twenty miles from our house and is one of the most amazing, inhabited castles I’ve been too. Although the castle and grounds are impressive and it is good to roam in these, there is so much to see and learn from the vast contents of the castle, the art work, the antiques and the furnishings. It is situation further north on the A9, and another place to visit that is only ten minutes from Blair castle, is The House of Bruar. I would visit recommend both on the same day seen as they are in the same direction, and on your return to our house, you could go into Pitlochry for a stroll and perhaps a drink or evening meal.
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Schloss Blair
Blair castle is only twenty miles from our house and is one of the most amazing, inhabited castles I’ve been too. Although the castle and grounds are impressive and it is good to roam in these, there is so much to see and learn from the vast contents of the castle, the art work, the antiques and the furnishings. It is situation further north on the A9, and another place to visit that is only ten minutes from Blair castle, is The House of Bruar. I would visit recommend both on the same day seen as they are in the same direction, and on your return to our house, you could go into Pitlochry for a stroll and perhaps a drink or evening meal.
Read the significance of this tree. It is quite extraordinary.
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Fortingall Hotel
Read the significance of this tree. It is quite extraordinary.
An interesting museum showing the history of Pitlochry and the Atholl palace itself. Entry to the museum is within the hotel and is very cheap to enter. Worth while stopping for elevences or for a drink in the evening at this stunning hotel. The museum is open hotel hours.
Atholl Palace Museum
Perth RoadAn interesting museum showing the history of Pitlochry and the Atholl palace itself. Entry to the museum is within the hotel and is very cheap to enter. Worth while stopping for elevences or for a drink in the evening at this stunning hotel. The museum is open hotel hours.
Besucherzentrum der Schlacht von Bannockburn
Sightseeing
Our house sits within this view on the north west side from this view point. ( but only South of Loch Tummel) You cannot see our house in the image, but I do recommend you drive to this look out point in order to see the view yourself and take photographs. It is easily reached from the house and probably the easiest route is to drive into Tummel Bridge and then drive along the north side of Loch Tummel, towards Killikrankie/Pitlochry from the other direction.
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Besucherzentrum Queen's View
Our house sits within this view on the north west side from this view point. ( but only South of Loch Tummel) You cannot see our house in the image, but I do recommend you drive to this look out point in order to see the view yourself and take photographs. It is easily reached from the house and probably the easiest route is to drive into Tummel Bridge and then drive along the north side of Loch Tummel, towards Killikrankie/Pitlochry from the other direction.
I recommend this as a short stop, providing historical interest, a beautiful walk and stunning scenes for photographs. It’s location is ten minute drive after visiting the Queens view, also just one mile north of Pitlochry and ten miles south of Blair Castle.
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Killiecrankie
I recommend this as a short stop, providing historical interest, a beautiful walk and stunning scenes for photographs. It’s location is ten minute drive after visiting the Queens view, also just one mile north of Pitlochry and ten miles south of Blair Castle.
This is a fabulously organised visitors attraction as well as a distillery. You can easily spend two or three interesting hours here, finding out about the history of dewars and the making of whiskey.
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Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery
This is a fabulously organised visitors attraction as well as a distillery. You can easily spend two or three interesting hours here, finding out about the history of dewars and the making of whiskey.
This is the smallest distillery in the area and offers something that the larger ones can’t. Worth a visit, inspite of it being smaller.
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Edradour Distillery
This is the smallest distillery in the area and offers something that the larger ones can’t. Worth a visit, inspite of it being smaller.
I recommend this easy to moderate walk which offers some exercise, a chance to walk up a mountain in the area, which offers wonderful views at the top over Pitlochry and beyond. Families can walk this easy to navigate mountain as a pleasant way to spend three hours, stopping for a picnic at the top. As with all mountains, it is windy where the cairn is, but if you sit in front of the cairn on the sloping grass, you will be protected from the wind and the sound of it, and simply be able to soak up the view and feel proud of yourself for climbing it.
To climb Ben Vrackie, park your car in the designated car park north of The Moulin Hotel. Always take a warm layer and a waterproof jacket at least, when climbing no matter the season and no matter how sunny or mild the weather is in Pitlochry. That way you won’t catch a chill and will enjoy your hike more. Young children will manage this easily.
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Ben Vrackie
I recommend this easy to moderate walk which offers some exercise, a chance to walk up a mountain in the area, which offers wonderful views at the top over Pitlochry and beyond. Families can walk this easy to navigate mountain as a pleasant way to spend three hours, stopping for a picnic at the top. As with all mountains, it is windy where the cairn is, but if you sit in front of the cairn on the sloping grass, you will be protected from the wind and the sound of it, and simply be able to soak up the view and feel proud of yourself for climbing it.
To climb Ben Vrackie, park your car in the designated car park north of The Moulin Hotel. Always take a warm layer and a waterproof jacket at least, when climbing no matter the season and no matter how sunny or mild the weather is in Pitlochry. That way you won’t catch a chill and will enjoy your hike more. Young children will manage this easily.
A smaller museum which is in Perth and worth a visit when you are in the city
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Perth Museum and Art Gallery
78 George StA smaller museum which is in Perth and worth a visit when you are in the city
Dunkeld Cathedral
10 Cathedral StPitlochry fish ladder
Besucherzentrum Pitlochry-Staudamm
Armoury RoadFood scene
This is a large, comfortable hotel in Pitlochry which has live entertainment on most weekends and sports on the Tv in the pool area. Families are welcome as are dogs on lead. Fun atmosphere.
It also has a separate fish and chips shop next door and I recommend you try this if you fancy a take away one evening. You can of course eat fish and chips inside or eat outdoors
Mackays Hotel
138 Atholl RoadThis is a large, comfortable hotel in Pitlochry which has live entertainment on most weekends and sports on the Tv in the pool area. Families are welcome as are dogs on lead. Fun atmosphere.
It also has a separate fish and chips shop next door and I recommend you try this if you fancy a take away one evening. You can of course eat fish and chips inside or eat outdoors
Great place to eat and drink in Pitlochry. Live music most weekends during the holiday season. Entertainment details can be found online.
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The Old Mill Inn
Mill LaneGreat place to eat and drink in Pitlochry. Live music most weekends during the holiday season. Entertainment details can be found online.
I have heard many great reviews here and been told I have to go. Unfortunately haven’t managed as yet. Please look it up to see what’s on offer
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The Loft Restaurant
Invertilt RoadI have heard many great reviews here and been told I have to go. Unfortunately haven’t managed as yet. Please look it up to see what’s on offer
Next door to Pitlochry festival theatre.
Nice place to stop for a drink outside with views overlooking the River Tay.
The fish ladder and Pitlochry Dam is just up from this.
The circular route around Pitlochry high street can start and end from here.
Turn left and walk past the fish ladder, over the top of the dam then into Pitlochry.
Walk down the Main Street, turn right at Victoria’s restaurant and walk down towards the river, crossing the green footbridge, and walk back to port na craig to complete the circle.
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Port-na-Craig Inn & Restaurant
Port-Na-Craig RoadNext door to Pitlochry festival theatre.
Nice place to stop for a drink outside with views overlooking the River Tay.
The fish ladder and Pitlochry Dam is just up from this.
The circular route around Pitlochry high street can start and end from here.
Turn left and walk past the fish ladder, over the top of the dam then into Pitlochry.
Walk down the Main Street, turn right at Victoria’s restaurant and walk down towards the river, crossing the green footbridge, and walk back to port na craig to complete the circle.
“Thyme deli and bistro.
Delicious deli shopping with an exciting selection of Scottish produce and international favourites” “ cheese, charcuterie,Olives and more “ says the advert for this farm shop. Worth a visit when in the area.
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Errichel House and Cottages & Thyme at Errichel Restaurant
Crieff Road“Thyme deli and bistro.
Delicious deli shopping with an exciting selection of Scottish produce and international favourites” “ cheese, charcuterie,Olives and more “ says the advert for this farm shop. Worth a visit when in the area.
The Taybank
Tay TerraceOutdoor activities
Highland perthshire with its hills, rivers, Lochs and trails makes it an outdoor Mecca for the locals and tourists.
This is one of a few activity centres in the area that is worth investigating if you wish to take part in white water rafting, kayaking, canyoning etc. They are a professional company who will look after you well and give you a fun experience.
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Nae Limits
1 General Wade's Military RdThis is one of a few activity centres in the area that is worth investigating if you wish to take part in white water rafting, kayaking, canyoning etc. They are a professional company who will look after you well and give you a fun experience.
This is the closest mountain to our house and can be reached by driving west towards Tummel bridge and following the signs to the car park. It is longer than Ben Vrackie and you should google to find out what to expect and what to wear when climbing this beautiful mountain. It is known as the fairy mountain too.
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Schiehallion
This is the closest mountain to our house and can be reached by driving west towards Tummel bridge and following the signs to the car park. It is longer than Ben Vrackie and you should google to find out what to expect and what to wear when climbing this beautiful mountain. It is known as the fairy mountain too.
Easy walk, just off the A9, south of Pitlochry and worth walking due to the beautiful landscape and water features. Dogs should be kept on lead at parts of it. Ossians cave is there with a discreet looking door but if you push it you will enter into a room with glass doors off it, that allow you to go on the look out balcony. Sometimes salmon can be spotted jumping up the waterfall.
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Der Eremitage
Old Military RoadEasy walk, just off the A9, south of Pitlochry and worth walking due to the beautiful landscape and water features. Dogs should be kept on lead at parts of it. Ossians cave is there with a discreet looking door but if you push it you will enter into a room with glass doors off it, that allow you to go on the look out balcony. Sometimes salmon can be spotted jumping up the waterfall.
Only twenty minutes drive from our house.
This is a fabulous place to spend some time on the Loch either kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing, fishing or peddling a paddle boat. I have been here many times and hire a wet suit and paddle board there, and enjoy warming up with a hot drink and something to eat afterwards. The cafe is lovely and has outside tables looking on to the Loch. You can go there simply for lunch, without using the facilities. There is a car park next to this where people also start a walk here with there dog, through Faskally woods.
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Pitlochry Boating Station & Adventure Hire
Clunie Bridge RoadOnly twenty minutes drive from our house.
This is a fabulous place to spend some time on the Loch either kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing, fishing or peddling a paddle boat. I have been here many times and hire a wet suit and paddle board there, and enjoy warming up with a hot drink and something to eat afterwards. The cafe is lovely and has outside tables looking on to the Loch. You can go there simply for lunch, without using the facilities. There is a car park next to this where people also start a walk here with there dog, through Faskally woods.
My husband tells me this, and Dunkeld, are beautiful, picturesque golf courses. The views are stunning. There is a large club house which provides meals also. Enquire about that when booking your tee.
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Pitlochry Golf
Golf Course RoadMy husband tells me this, and Dunkeld, are beautiful, picturesque golf courses. The views are stunning. There is a large club house which provides meals also. Enquire about that when booking your tee.
Another great outdoor company offering a variety of experiences
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Splash White Water Rafting
Another great outdoor company offering a variety of experiences
This is a scenic one and a half hour, slow walk in Aberfeldy with lovely water features.
Great place to walk when in Aberfeldy. You could then go to the Watermill book store for a fabulous lunch or Habitat with its fresh selection of coffees and homemade breads etc is another popular eaterie.
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The Birks of Aberfeldy
This is a scenic one and a half hour, slow walk in Aberfeldy with lovely water features.
Great place to walk when in Aberfeldy. You could then go to the Watermill book store for a fabulous lunch or Habitat with its fresh selection of coffees and homemade breads etc is another popular eaterie.
Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club
The views from this golf course are fantastic
Loch Tay Boating Centre
Butterstone
Off road land rover driving experience,
Fishing on Butterstone Loch
As well as being a fine place to eat, Dunkeld house also offers Clay pigeon shooting and salmon fishing on its prestigious beat on The Tay.
Dunkeld House Hotel
Blairgowrie RoadAs well as being a fine place to eat, Dunkeld house also offers Clay pigeon shooting and salmon fishing on its prestigious beat on The Tay.
Entertainment
Check this large venues website for information on what’s on
Perth Concert Hall
This is an incredible visitors attraction that only runs in the month October. It is an outdoor light show which has a new theme every year. A bus takes you from outside Fishers hotel on a short bus ride to this attraction which is just outside Pitlochry. The show starts when it starts to get dark and the Forest is lit up with different light and sound effects making it magical. There are yurts with storytellers inside, a few outdoor stalks where you can buy burgers to eat and hot drinks and mulled wine. This incredibly popular event has its own booking website and mailing list. If you would like tickets to go to the event, you will almost have to book them online within a few months of their release, or you won’t get them. Visitors return year after year to see this. It’s a great evening, children love it. Take the pram for you get children who may get tired walking around in the evening.
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Verzauberter Wald, Pitlochry
This is an incredible visitors attraction that only runs in the month October. It is an outdoor light show which has a new theme every year. A bus takes you from outside Fishers hotel on a short bus ride to this attraction which is just outside Pitlochry. The show starts when it starts to get dark and the Forest is lit up with different light and sound effects making it magical. There are yurts with storytellers inside, a few outdoor stalks where you can buy burgers to eat and hot drinks and mulled wine. This incredibly popular event has its own booking website and mailing list. If you would like tickets to go to the event, you will almost have to book them online within a few months of their release, or you won’t get them. Visitors return year after year to see this. It’s a great evening, children love it. Take the pram for you get children who may get tired walking around in the evening.
This is a favourite place of mine for browsing, shopping and eating. I’m not the only one though! It’s is a hugely popular stop on the A9 in the same location as Blair Castle. There are ladies and gents clothing, shoes and handbags, homeware, fishing section, art collection, speciality food, wines, sweets and cheeses. It’s also a lovely place to eat indoors or in the glass covered courtyard. Visitors may well find this a great place to buy gifts to take home.
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The House of Bruar
This is a favourite place of mine for browsing, shopping and eating. I’m not the only one though! It’s is a hugely popular stop on the A9 in the same location as Blair Castle. There are ladies and gents clothing, shoes and handbags, homeware, fishing section, art collection, speciality food, wines, sweets and cheeses. It’s also a lovely place to eat indoors or in the glass covered courtyard. Visitors may well find this a great place to buy gifts to take home.
Bike hire, bike tours and guides given. Also does mountain drop offs and collections for riders bringing their own bikes. Well informed biking enthusiast that owns this business, who will tell you everything you need to know to either buy or rent from him. Has a variety of mountain bikes, trail bikes, road bikes and E bikes for rental as well as bikes for people with mobility restrictions. Check out his website for more details and to book in advance of your stay to avoid disappointment. Adam also gives maps of trails, helmets etc out to those who are hiring bikes. Dunkeld and Birnam have many bike trails along the rivers and also into the hills, and you do not need to know the area in order to have a successful and enjoyable experience of cycling in it.
In saying that, it may be of interest for you to look at walkhighlands website which has the walks and trails you may want to cycle on.
Progression Bikes
2 St Ninian's WyndBike hire, bike tours and guides given. Also does mountain drop offs and collections for riders bringing their own bikes. Well informed biking enthusiast that owns this business, who will tell you everything you need to know to either buy or rent from him. Has a variety of mountain bikes, trail bikes, road bikes and E bikes for rental as well as bikes for people with mobility restrictions. Check out his website for more details and to book in advance of your stay to avoid disappointment. Adam also gives maps of trails, helmets etc out to those who are hiring bikes. Dunkeld and Birnam have many bike trails along the rivers and also into the hills, and you do not need to know the area in order to have a successful and enjoyable experience of cycling in it.
In saying that, it may be of interest for you to look at walkhighlands website which has the walks and trails you may want to cycle on.
This venue has the Beatrix potter exhibition inside which is ideal for adults and young children.
It also has a small gift shop inside and a cafe for light snacks and lunches.
There is an arts programme for the evening entertainment which can be a mix of music, theatre, film or recitals. The venue also holds Birnam book festival every year.
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Birnam Arts & Conference Centre
Station RoadThis venue has the Beatrix potter exhibition inside which is ideal for adults and young children.
It also has a small gift shop inside and a cafe for light snacks and lunches.
There is an arts programme for the evening entertainment which can be a mix of music, theatre, film or recitals. The venue also holds Birnam book festival every year.
Despite being a relatively small town, Pitlochry theatre is a highly regarded in the UK as putting on great shows with outstanding actors who travel from all over Britain to audition for the April to October theatre season. Once the cast is chosen, they put on three shows per week making it a pleasure to go several times during your holiday if you want to. You would book your tickets in advance on their website and you can also book a pre theatre mean there too. I thoroughly recommend this too as the food is excellent.
Pitlochry has many good restaurants that will offer pre theatre meals too. The next eating place closest to the theatre is Port na craig which can be reached without driving if you park in the theatre car park.
The theatre also has pantomimes on every Christmas and the Words festival which is on in February each year and has a variety of authors and speakers talking at it.
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Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Port-Na-Craig RoadDespite being a relatively small town, Pitlochry theatre is a highly regarded in the UK as putting on great shows with outstanding actors who travel from all over Britain to audition for the April to October theatre season. Once the cast is chosen, they put on three shows per week making it a pleasure to go several times during your holiday if you want to. You would book your tickets in advance on their website and you can also book a pre theatre mean there too. I thoroughly recommend this too as the food is excellent.
Pitlochry has many good restaurants that will offer pre theatre meals too. The next eating place closest to the theatre is Port na craig which can be reached without driving if you park in the theatre car park.
The theatre also has pantomimes on every Christmas and the Words festival which is on in February each year and has a variety of authors and speakers talking at it.
Paint your chosen pottery piece with either your childs handprints, special words for someone, or paint a figure to give as a gift. As you have complete freedom to paint whatever you want, you or your children can enjoy spending a few hours in this lovely studio in Dunkeld, just down from Dunkeld cathedral and in Dunkeld square.
Young children can safely spend a few hours in each other’s company here whilst parents walk around the village or have a cup of coffee next door. Dunkeld is a charming village to spend time in.
Going Pottie & Jaggedy Thistle
2 Cathedral StPaint your chosen pottery piece with either your childs handprints, special words for someone, or paint a figure to give as a gift. As you have complete freedom to paint whatever you want, you or your children can enjoy spending a few hours in this lovely studio in Dunkeld, just down from Dunkeld cathedral and in Dunkeld square.
Young children can safely spend a few hours in each other’s company here whilst parents walk around the village or have a cup of coffee next door. Dunkeld is a charming village to spend time in.
I couldn’t decide whether to put this in the historic, sightseeing or entertainment category of the guidebook. It is all of the above. I selected entertaining as I find it a very interesting place to go and it is entertaining for children and adults. I would definitely visit this exhibition which is only half an hour from the house and admission is well priced. I suggest you phone to book though as they do guided tours. You won’t need to book weeks in advance though, just a day perhaps.
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The Scottish Crannog Centre
I couldn’t decide whether to put this in the historic, sightseeing or entertainment category of the guidebook. It is all of the above. I selected entertaining as I find it a very interesting place to go and it is entertaining for children and adults. I would definitely visit this exhibition which is only half an hour from the house and admission is well priced. I suggest you phone to book though as they do guided tours. You won’t need to book weeks in advance though, just a day perhaps.
Best to check the website if this wonderful tourist attraction as I won’t do it justice with just words.
Book excursions in advance of your stay if possible. Thirty minutes from the house in Aberfeldy direction.
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Highland Safaris
B846Best to check the website if this wonderful tourist attraction as I won’t do it justice with just words.
Book excursions in advance of your stay if possible. Thirty minutes from the house in Aberfeldy direction.
I thoroughly recommend this for families inspite of being a two hour journey. You will spend around four hours here and the children will be delighted. They also have a wonderful dinosaur exhibition with moving life size examples of the species in a park environment.
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Blair Drummond Safari- und Abenteuerpark
I thoroughly recommend this for families inspite of being a two hour journey. You will spend around four hours here and the children will be delighted. They also have a wonderful dinosaur exhibition with moving life size examples of the species in a park environment.
Fully recommend this visitors attraction to guests with an appreciation of nature and bird life, plus there children will enjoy the viewing station. Check out the website for this nature reserve as rangers hold talks and tutorials on the wildlife and habitats there for both children and adults. It’s a fascinating reserve to have in our neighbourhood.
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Loch of the Lowes
Fully recommend this visitors attraction to guests with an appreciation of nature and bird life, plus there children will enjoy the viewing station. Check out the website for this nature reserve as rangers hold talks and tutorials on the wildlife and habitats there for both children and adults. It’s a fascinating reserve to have in our neighbourhood.
Spa days
Upmarket spa treatments in this five star hotel
Fonab Castle Hotel
Foss RoadThe Lavender spa situated within this hotel is my favourite spa resort in this area.
Atholl Palace Museum
Perth RoadThe Lavender spa situated within this hotel is my favourite spa resort in this area.
Children’s entertainment
Noah's Perth
Old Gallows RoadAbenteuerpark für aktive Kinder
This is a company that offers outdoor activities for children, adventure clubs, birthday parties, adventure activities for families and groups.
It offers opportunities for Den building, bush craft, canoe adventures, climbing, abseiling crags or trees, being pirates on a canoe raft, or going in secret spy missions in the woods. The guides are great fun and passionate about their service.
Corporate or adult adventures are also on offer here. Discuss what your needs or requests are with the company, in advance of your stay, so that you can book a half day or day of fun with this outdoor activity company.
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Wee Adventures
This is a company that offers outdoor activities for children, adventure clubs, birthday parties, adventure activities for families and groups.
It offers opportunities for Den building, bush craft, canoe adventures, climbing, abseiling crags or trees, being pirates on a canoe raft, or going in secret spy missions in the woods. The guides are great fun and passionate about their service.
Corporate or adult adventures are also on offer here. Discuss what your needs or requests are with the company, in advance of your stay, so that you can book a half day or day of fun with this outdoor activity company.