There many varied activities locally to suit the interests of all guests, young and old. Below are a few of our recommendations. It is not an exhaustive list by any means.
Strathtay and Grandtully
The village of Strathtay is situated in the heart of Highland Perthshire on the north bank of the River Tay, which runs over rapids and under the bridge which forms the crossing into neighbouring Grandtully. The rapids here are used for international canoe events and afford plenty opportunities for spectators and competitors alike. There is a village store and Post office in Strathtay and a 9 hole golf course which can be played as a 18 hole course. In Grandtully, the award winning Highland Chocolatier offers an array of the finest chocolate and the attached Legends of Grandtully coffee shop privides delicious fare. The Inn on the Tay and the Grandtully Hotel are welcoming venues for drinks, lunch or dinner.
For more about Strathtay and Grandtully, please go to Visit Aberfeldy Strathtay & Grandtully
Aberfeldy and Loch Tay
The disused railway track provides for a picturesque 4 mile flat walk from Grandtully to Aberfeldy along the south bank of the River Tay and past the Dewar's World of Whisky distillery.
We would recommend:
The Birks Cinema, an impressive Art Deco building, which has been totally and sympathetically refurbished in recent years. The cinema shows a mixture of mainstream films for all the family and hosts a variety of other events.
The Watermill, a grade A listed former watermill which has been refurbished as an award winning bookshop, gallery and cafe.
The Birks of Aberfeldy, made famous by Robert Burns providing for a spectacular walk up the Moness burn to the waterfalls at the top.
The spectacular Loch Tay at Kenmore, an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors and an array of activities on and around the loch.
The Scottish Crannog Centre for an interactive family day out discovering what life was like here some 2500 years ago.
Taymouth Marina Restaurant and Courtyard shop set on the shores of Loch Tay, serving locally sourced Scottish produce as well as a delicatessen and well stocked gift shop.
Castle Menzies, a formidable looking 16th century castle with an atmosheric and imposing presence.
Bolfracks Estate and Gardens, beautifully set high above the banks of the River Tay.
The Breadalbane Community Campus, open to visitors offering a range of leisure and fitness activities.
Highland Safaris, home to the red deer centre, barn owl experience and gold panning.
Pitlochry, Killiecrankie and Blair Atholl
Walk from Strathtay on the last part of the Rob Roy Way over the hill to Pitlochry, a distance of approximately 4 miles. The town is one of the area's most popular places to visit for its colourful history, culture and impressive landscapes.
We would recommend:
The Dam and Fish Ladder, which describes the history of hydroelectricity as well as the "hydro boys" who constructed the underground interconnecting channels. At the fish ladder, salmon can be seen from the underwater viewing chambers, swimming upstream to their breeding destinations.
The Pictish Dunfallandy Stone which is thought to have been carved in the 9th century and a short walk from Pitlochry town centre.
The Queen's View, a stunning vantage point from which you can see one of the most famous views in Scotland along Loch Tummel towards the magnificent Schiehallion beyond. There is a very informative visitor centre and cafe serving tasty light lunches, snacks and cakes.
The Festival Theatre, renowned for its high quality performances held throughout the year including comedy, drama, music and other events. Many visitors to Pitlochry have a meal in the restaurant set against the beautiful backdrop of Ben Vrackie before taking in a show.
The Pass of Killiecrankie, lying between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, the site of the famous and historic 17th century Battle, together with the informative visitor centre. You can see the nearby Soldier's Leap, the location where a Redcoat soldier leapt 18ft. across the River Garry, fleeing from the Jacobites.
The Highland Fling Bungee Jump from a bridge 40 metres above the River Garry (only for the brave and/or reckless).
Blair Atholl, a picturesque village to the north of Pitlochry, steeped in history and home to the famous Blair Castle where the Atholl family have resided for over 7 centuries. The castle is open to the public and hosts many events throughout the year.
The Country Life Museum, set within a former village school and displaying local heritage and life as it was for past generations.
The House of Bruar for a rainy day. It has a large and impressive range of Scottish and other country wear, a large department selling homeware and gifts, an extensive food hall and a gallery. There is also a restaurant catering for all tastes and appetites.
Dunkeld and Birnam
Slightly further afield and beautifully situated on the River Tay is the town of Dunkeld which offers visitors a wealth of wildlife and scenery as well as much in the way of history and culture.
We would recommend:
Dunkeld Cathedral, founded in 1260 and finally completed in 1501. Although partially in ruins, it is still in regular use and open to the public.
The Birnam Oak, reputedly over 500 years old and the last remaining oak tree from Birnam wood featured in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Beatix Potter Exhibition and Gardens, a memorial to the famous writer who was a frequent visitor to the area in her early years.
Loch of the Lowes Widlife Reserve and visitor centre, an ideal location for birdwatching and famous for their Ospreys.
The Hermitage for walks through spectacular woods to Ossian's cave, the Black Linn falls and Rumbling Bridge.
Birnam Arts Centre which stages events, workshops and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Dunkeld has a delightful array of independent shops, galleries and a selection of excellent eateries.
This is just a snapshot of what is on offer in the local area. We will be only too happy to give guests advice on places to visit and things to do.