Pitlochry is one of Scotland's most beautiful and spectacular places to visit

Things to do and see in Pitlochry

Pitlochry offers a wealth of activities and places to visit that more than satisfy the interests of most people. Here we will give you a simple over view of some of the choices.

Scenery
Highland Perthshire is arguably one of the most scenic parts of Scotland with many lochs, rivers and rugged hilltops. Queen’s View is one of the most photographed beauty spots in Scotland. It was here in the 13 th century that Robert the Bruce’s Queen, Isabella came and much admired the view, and it was named after her. Queen Victoria visited some 6 centuries later and wrote rather presumptuously in her diary “They have named the place after me, though I have never been here before.”

No matter where you drive or walk you will find magnificent scenery all unique and creating their own special memories. Highland Perthshire has rich glens with many magnificent trees and rugged highland hill tops teeming with a wide variety of wild life.

Walking
Perhaps Pitlochry’s most popular walk is a short circular walk from the main street to the dam on Loch Faskally to view the salmon ladder and along the banks of the River Tummel. It then takes you through the small ancient hamlet of Port na Craig and over a foot bridge back in to Pitlochry.

Pitlochry itself has a fabulous way marked walk network with over 8 way marked trails along the side of lochs, rivers, through woods and to the tops of the hills. All without the need of ever getting into a vehicle.

There are walk routes at Blair Atholl open to the public; around Dunkeld there is another way marked walks network and the Forestry Commission have a whole host of walks. In addition there are many local walks each with their own story, such as the pass of Killiecrankie up which McKay’s Government army marched just before the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. The magnificent Falls of Bruar so inspired Robert Burns that he wrote a poem to the Duke of Atholl on behalf of the falls asking the Duke to clothe the falls with trees. After Burn’s death the Duke came up with a novel way of spreading the seeds by firing the seeds (them) through a cannon. There are the famous Birks of Aberfeldy just a few miles away, the inspiration of yet another Burns poem. These are just a few of the many walks in Highland Perthshire, all within easy reach of Pitlochry.

Whisky distilleries
There are three distilleries in the Highland Perthshire area, The Blair Atholl in Pitlochry itself, Edradour on the outskirts of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy to the west. Each distillery is distinctly different, with their unique flavour and distilling process and forming part of the fascinating story of whisky.

Pitlochry’s world famous Festival Theatre
Often referred to as ‘The Theatre in the Hills’ - is extremely important to the town, running a rolling repertoire of six plays throughout the main tourist season (May to October) and a whole host of other entertainment all year round. Many visitors come to Pitlochry purely to enjoy the entertainment at the theatre.

Castles
Blair Castle is probably one of the best known castles in Scotland, ancient home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. It is also home to the Atholl Highlanders, the Duke’s private army. They parade in front of the Duke on the last weekend in May each year.

Castle Menzies at Weem, 30 minutes drive away, is another fascinating castle, run by the Clan Menzies Society and well worth a visit. It will give you a different aspect of Highland Castles (: both) their defence and how they were also homes for the Clan Chiefs.

Highland Perthshire has many other attractions too numerous to mention here. We suggest that you contact your accommodation provider or the local Tourist Information Centre who will be delighted to help you with the details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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