Discover
Perthshire.
The Pass of Killiecrankie
The hotel overlooks the Pass of Killiecrankie, a deep river gorge formed by the River Garry cutting its way through the surrounding granite hills. The steeply-wooded slopes provide the perfect habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Roe deer, red squirrels and otters can sometimes be seen in the Pass. There is a footpath running alongside the river from Killiecrankie to Pitlochry which takes about one and a half hours to walk.
The Pass is particularly lovely in autumn because of the delightful colours of the oaks, beeches and aspen trees, and the view from the top of Fonvuik is wonderful.
Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a Highland Victorian town in a beautiful setting in the the Tummel Valley surrounded by wooded hills. It is just three miles south of Killiecrankie. There are some excellent tweed and cashmere shops and a number of restaurants.
Ben Vrackie and Loch Faskally
East of Pitlochry lies Ben Vrackie which, at 2,735 ft. provides a backdrop of purple heather in late summer and a good hill to climb with wonderful views from the top. Loch Faskally lies between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie and has some lovely walks along side the loch and through Faskally woods. It is possible to walk from Pitlochry to Killiecrankie via the loch and the River Garry. It takes a about two hours at a relaxed pace.
Blair Atholl
Just three miles north of Killiecrankie is Blair Castle in Blair Atholl, traditional home to the Dukes of Atholl and a predominant feature of the area. Visitors are welcomed to tour the Castle and grounds during the season.
Also in Blair Atholl, there is a very pleasant walk through the steep-sided Glen Tilt, cut by the clear waters of the River Tilt as it flows down to the River Garry.
Just a mile or so north of
Blair Castle, The Falls of Bruar provides a spectacular
setting for a romantic walk along well-maintained paths to view the
fine waterfalls.
››› Blair Atholl Area Tourism
Tay Forest Park/Queen's View/Loch Tummell
Stretching from Loch Rannoch in the west to Dunkeld in the East, Tay Forest Park takes in a diverse network of forests, each with its own character and offering a sheltered haven for a wide range of wildlife, flora and fauna.
A focal point is the Queen's View Centre which overlooks Loch Tummel and the famous "Queen's View" named after Queen Victoria picnicked there in 1866. The Visitors' Centre at Queen's View will provide information on walks, flora and fauna in the vicinity.
Loch Rannoch/Schiehallion/Rannoch Station
Loch Rannoch is surrounded by woodlands of birch and rowan, particularly beautiful in autumn. There are many places by the loch to relax and enjoy a peaceful picnic in natural woodland surroundings. Schiehallion, 3,547 feet, dominates the landscape and is relatively easy to climb. Rannoch Station, at the west end of the loch, is as far west as one can drive, and gives magnificent views over the wild Rannoch Moor to Glen Coe and the Grampian Mountains. From here one can take the train for a day trip to Fort William and Mallaig through magnificent scenery.
Dunkeld/Loch
Of The Lowes/The Hermitage
Fifteen minutes drive south of Killiecrankie lies the historic town of Dunkeld which nestles along the banks of River Tay surrounded by rolling wooded hills. The town boasts a fine example of a Telford bridge dating from 1809 and the ancient Cathedral of Dunkeld, dating from the 12th and 15th century. There are many interesting little shops and art galleries in Dunkeld - well worth a visit.
A mile along the A9 from Dunkeld lies The Hermitage - a Woodland which contains numerous native and exotic trees of awe inspiring height - the path through these leads to Ossian's Hall, a folly build in 1758 by the 2nd Duke of Atholl's nephew. Here one can view the roaring waterfall below - a spectacular sight.
Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre lies two miles east of Dunkeld. Here visitors can watch wildlife without disturbing it and learn about the flora and fauna from the resident Ranger. The highlight of a visit here is to see the nesting Osprey feeding its chicks - a rare treat - take binoculars with you.
Loch Tay/Aberfeldy/Kenmore
About 40 minutes drive from Killiecrankie is Aberfeldy on the River Tay, with the Wade Bridge elegantly spanning the River. Interesting, old fashioned shops, the Aberfeldy Water Mill, the Distillery and the wonderful Birks of Aberfeldy - another afternoon's walk through stunning scenery.
Kenmore village lies at the head of Loch Tay in a lovely setting. Loch Tay is a popular location for water sports - sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing.. Just outside Kenmore village, you will find Taymouth Castle with its splendid Golf Course.
Loch Tay is one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. It has supported communities for centuries and the earliest inhabitants lived on man-made islands known as crannogs, some of which it is estimated were created in 2,600 BC. Most are now submerged but one, Spry Island, opposite Kenmore Pier, is still visible. The drive around Loch Tay is well worth while, and on the way you can climb Ben Lawers! This is the highest mountain in Perthshire, at nearly 4,000 feet. It is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts as well as wild life. It boasts one of the finest selections of alpine flowers to be found in Britain.
Fortingall and Glen Lyon lie north of Loch Tay. Fortingall is a picturesque village with thatched roof cottages. It is often stated that Pontius Pilate was born in Fortingall! There are various signs in the area of Roman occupation. Glen Lyon, west of Fortingall, is one of the loveliest of all the Scottish glens and one of the longest. It attracts thousands of visitors a year, particularly in the autumn for the splendour of its colours.
