It isn’t hard to see why: the hills form a soaring crown, the slopes and peaks glowing with golden gorse and rich purple heather in the summer and glistening with silver snow in winter, providing a fitting setting for the romantic architecture of castles and stately homes. From the site of The House of Bruar, encircled in the arms of the hills above the broad plain of the River Garry, there is plenty to explore in the surrounding area.
The Falls of Bruar
It’s just a few steps from the shopping halls to the path leading to the Falls of Bruar, where water cascades through a dramatic gorge as it tumbles headlong on its journey to the river in the valley below. There is a choice of two way-marked paths. The shorter route is on clear paths for those short on time or energy while the longer route continues past the first bridge and climbs to the top of the falls, forming a circular path back to the car park beneath the natural canopy provided by a mixture of mixed larch and Scots pine trees on this wonderful woodland walk. (If walking the route as a family, please note that paths can be slippery and children should be closely supervised at all times as there are sheer drops at the gorge edge.) https://www.blairatholl.org.uk/things-to-see-do/walkcycle/Falls-of-Bruar.html
Blair Castle
For those venturing just a little further afield, a visit to Blair Castle - the seat of the Dukes of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, Britain's only private army - gives a fascinating insight into local history.
With some thirty treasure-filled rooms to see, extensive parklands - including Diana's Grove and the Hercules Garden – and woodland and riverside walks in the grounds, Blair Castle makes an ideal day out for all the family.
Shooting, fishing and pony trekking all take place on the estate, and Highland Balls and celebration dinners are hosted in the grand setting of the castle’s ballroom, where it’s not hard to imagine dances attended by Queen Victoria herself. https://blair-castle.co.uk/
Killiecrankie
Following the course of the River Garry southwards, you will reach the Pass of Killiecrankie, a popular beauty spot well known for the bloody Jacobite battle which was fought here in 1689. There are a number of easily accessible trails alongside the river, through fine oak and deciduous woodland which is rich in wildlife, and the view along the pass from the Garry bridge is one of the most photographed in Perthshire. Remote camera links at the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre (NTS) enable sight of nesting woodland birds at close range and the centre is open from Easter to October, offering a programme of guided walks throughout the season. https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/killiecrankie
Pitlochry
Any visit to Perthshire wouldn’t be complete without looking in at the picturesque town of Pitlochry, where the River Garry joins forces with the Tummel. Sights include the acclaimed Festival Theatre, Explorers’ Garden and the new Pitlochry Dam visitor centre where you can see the salmon swim to their breeding grounds up river and learn the secrets of that incredible journey. The waters gather momentum as they eventually spill into the Tay a few miles further south, forming one of Scotland’s most beautiful rivers which is renowned the world over for its salmon fishing. https://pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/ https://www.explorersgarden.com/ http://www.pitlochrydam.com/
Scone Palace
Poised above the River Tay, Scone Palace overlooks the routes north to the Highlands and east through Strathmore to the coast. The Grampian mountains form a distant backdrop, and across the river stands the city of Perth. The Palace of Scone has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland's most important stately homes. Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert The Bruce. The Palace houses an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings and rare artefacts and the grounds are renowned throughout the world. https://scone-palace.co.uk/
The House of Bruar
With so much to see and do, exploring the Perthshire Highlands can be a hungry business, so sustenance is available at The House of Bruar’s acclaimed restaurant and food hall. Refreshments can be consumed in the light and airy glass-roofed conservatory, whatever the Scottish weather. And don’t forget that our new Fish & Chip shop is open until 10pm so that weary travellers can recharge their batteries – or perhaps treat themselves to luxurious lobster and chips and savour a meal fit for royalty in our stunning Highland setting.
If you’ve never been here before, perhaps now is the time to start planning a trip to visit Perthshire and discover this beautiful corner of the world. We look forward to welcoming you.
