local area

​

Pitlochry, the unique pretty highland town of Pitlochry is still very much the way it was 100 years ago. Stone built buildings with steep roofs, all different to each other. Bags of open space all around. Take a stroll along the main street, with it’s covered arcades, quite individual. Pitlochry remains an eternal favourite for a break away from the normal routine

The Loch, the Cuilc pond, the mill lade, feel the magical atmosphere around the water. Walk around the loch and experience an enchanted landscape at close quarters without strain. Look for salmon in the observation room in the salmon ladder and walk on the dam. Feel it rumble when the gates are open.

Climb Ben Vrackie, there are now some laid paths and steps to help you reach your summit. Check out Craigour hill, it’s forest plantations, it’s wildlife sanctuaries and the view from the top. There are the other walks to, the bealach, clunie or black spout. Route maps are available at the hotel to help you.

Visit a malt whisky distillery, see how it is made. Smell the ingredients, feel the malted barley, taste the finished product.

Should you be interested in cycling then there are some good cycle-tours in the area that will take a few days to fully explore. Maps are available.

If ancient history is your thing then the stone circles of Pitlochry will be of interest. Pitlochry Dundarach Hotel information leaflets are available. A previous proprietor of the main house authored a book regarding these and the associated celtic barrows of the area. Killiecrankie, site of a famous battle is just to the North of town, it has a visitor centre, full of info regarding the site and the famous “soldiers leap” where a highlander cleared the river Tilt to escape the pursuing Jacobites. See the Crusaders Grave from the 12th century with it’s carved claymore just above Pitlochry in Moulin village. Maohlinn is Gaelic for smooth rounded hill. It’s been here as a settlement for about 2000 years. Probably the most important settlement of the upper valley in the iron age. The most photographed view of Pitlochry is undoutedly Queens View, named after Queen Victoria who saw it during her reign. Not unique as a name in Scotland it is nevertheless the best of them.

The area is so rich in flora. Called “big tree country” Pitlochry is surrounded by notable trees, from Yew Trees that are as old as the Roman occupation to giants that would be at home in the Rocky Mountains. Blair Castle and the Hermitage are good places to see some of the mighty giants. Dundarach ground has 2 mighty Douglas Firs.

The Plant Collectors Garden in Pitlochry is a shrine to the efforts of our forebears who travelled the world discovering plants to enrich our garden and forest heritage. An excellent worthwhile visit, right in the town beside the theatre. And finally, pitch and put, during the summer season, near the Catholic Church beyond the west end car park.