Perthshire and Blairgowrie

The Area
Perthshire - 2000 square miles of spectacular landscapes, crystal clear waters, beautiful towns and villages, and a wealth of attractions and activities in the very heart of Scotland. During the winter months Perthshire becomes a wonderland. Enjoy walking in crisp, clean air - taking in its spectacular winter landscapes, indulging in seasonal shopping or visiting Britain's most extensive area for snow sports. In the summer months the area comes alive, not just with wildlife but also with wild sports.

Blairgowrie (Blair)River Ericht 1 minute walk from Heather Lodge
'Blair' as it is known locally, sits with its sister community Rattray on the banks of the River Ericht, a major tributary of the River Tay considered to have outstanding salmon fishing. Sporting activities and natural heritage are among some of this area's attractions. The riverside itself has a well-interpreted woodland walk amidst spectacular scenery, including Cargill's Leap and children's play area. An idyllic picnic location! By the riverside you will also find an old corn mill, now Cargill's Visitor Centre, an antiques warehouse, picture gallery and bistro. Blairgowrie also has its own Geneaology Centre, popular with visitors hoping to trace their ancestors.

East Perthshire
In Coupar Angus visit the ruins of Coupar Abbey or the Tolbooth Tower which Lady Mary's Walk was once a prison or spend a quiet afternoon at Larghan Victory Park. In nearby Meigle, 8 miles south east of Blairgowrie the Museum houses a wonderful collection of sculpted stones of the Celtic Christian period. Excavated from the local churchyard they now represent the largest collection of their kind in existence.

Beyond Meigle is the village of Glamis. Here you will find Glamis Castle, childhood home to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. When in Glamis be sure to also visit The National Trust For Scotland's Angus Folk Museum.

The historic burgh of Alyth lies at the foot of Glenisla and has links with Arthurian legends. On nearby Barry Hill stands the vitrified ruin of an ancient fort in which Mordred is said to have kept King Arthur's Queen Guinevere captive. The town also has a Folk Museum. Squirrel, deer or heron may be spotted around the Den of Alyth, a site of special scientific interest and at the foot of Glenisla you will find the dramatic 'Reekie Linn' ('smokey falls') waterfall.

The Meikleour Beech Hedge, the tallest hedge in the world, is on the main A93 five miles south of Blairgowrie. 600 m long and 30 m high it is a spectacular sight at any time of year .Hermitage Dunkeld

The 'Five Lochs' between Blairgowrie and Dunkeld are among the glories of this area and provide the perfect setting for birdwatchers, anglers and sightseers alike. Equally appealing are the glens to the north where you will find the communities of Kirkmichael, Ballintuim and Bridge of Cally at Strathardle peaceful and welcoming.

For more daring scenery venture into the landscapes of Glen Shee through Britain's highest main road pass at 2199 ft/676m. Glenshee Ski Centre, the largest ski area in the UK, is twenty-six miles north of Blairgowrie and offers two ski schools, a snow-boarding academy and 3 mountain restaurants. You can also try your hand at Hand Gliding or telemark skiing at nearby Glenisla.

Between Blairgowrie and Alyth there are a total of five golfing centres, Blairgowrie Golf Club, Alyth Golf Course, Strathmore Golf Centre, Dalmunzie Golf Course and Glenisla Golf Course. Walkers are perfectly placed to walk the Cateran Trail, a 60-mile circular waymarked route.

If you have packed your fishing rod, you will be spoilt for opportunities here. Call in at the Tourist Information Centre, or any of the specialist shops in the town, who will be delighted to provide you with all the information you need.

Please email to check availability or book online heather@selfcatering-scotland.net



Great Walks
Outdoor Adventures
Castles, Whisky
High Standard

 
Heather Lodge, Ericht Lodge, Ashgrove Road, Blairgowrie,
Perthshire Ph10 7BS heather@selfcatering-scotland.net