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)
'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 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 .
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
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