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site map Visit Tayside in Scotland and Scottish country cottages
Pitlochry snuggles down into the hills, a haven of warmth and plenty during the summer months.
Pitlochry attracts tourists in their droves to enjoy the walks, view salmon making their way up the fish ladder (mid May is a good time to visit, we saw over a dozen salmon), fish or just relax on Loch Faskally in a rowing boat. It's a feel-good place. The small town centre has a choice of restaurants, pubs, cafes, carry-oots (take-aways), hotels and shops. People relax outside in the evenings, talking, drinking and creating a lively atmosphere.
The Festival Theatre provides nightly entertainment and even teas during the day, all in a very pleasant setting. Scottish folk music and ceilidhs can be found at one of the many hotels. Tourist information is freely available with details of all events and venues. Almost every other stone built house in Pitlochry appears to offer bed and breakfast or hotel facilities.
Charming though it is, most visitors will want to sample the delights and visitor attractions found in the surrounding countryside, and Pitlochry makes a good base whether you plan to walk, travel by car or bicycle (hire shop in town).
Fourteen miles to the south of Pitlochry, Dunkeld is a pleasant town to visit. The historic cathedral overlooks the river and has lovely wooded gardens for a stroll or just to laze and watch the river flow by.
The National Trust has restored the exteriors of twenty or so houses that destroyed in 1689 when Jacobite forces lay siege to Dunkeld. There are at least three antique shops in the town if you like a browse through old china and furniture. To the east, just out of Dunkeld is Craig Wood with its carpet of bluebells (in mid May). Further east along the same road, is the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Centre (Tel: 01350 727337) with binoculars on hand and TV camera bringing nature close up to you. You may be fortunate and spot an otter, or great crested grebe or even an osprey.
A Beatrix Potter exhibition is to be found just south of Dunkeld with a children's play area, gardens and tea shop. If Benjamin Bunny makes you feel sentimental then add this to your itinerary (Tel: 01350 727674).
Further south, along the A827, Aberfeldy, with its water mill and Black Watch memorial is a quieter and simpler town. There is a very nice tea shop in the high street with truly scrumptious diet defeating cakes, a good gift shop, some walks, but not much else in the way of visitor attractions. The town looks in need of a good coat of paint and some TLC. It's main attraction appears to be the river rafting trips which range from easy to wild and crazy. Trips take a half or full day, and look really good fun (Tel: 01887 829706).
If you're into gardens, Bolfracks Garden, two miles south west of Aberfeldy on the A827 is open from March 17th until October 31st. It's a large garden belonging to a private house. It's lovely in May, with a mass of azaleas and some early rhododendrons. There are some interesting and unusual plants and trees; one section is particularly nice with a tiny stream running through it. It would have been nice to have a cup of tea afterwards but no tea room as yet.
Killin to the west of Loch Tay in the west of Perthshire is a pretty spot with the River Dochart falls in the village itself. People visit the Breadalbane Folklore Centre to find out about the local clans and 'Healing Stones of St Fillans'. It's marvellous country for hill walkers with walks ranging from simple strolls to challenging climbs up nearby Ben Lawers and Ben More. The area abounds with wildlife and it's a perfect central base for exploring Scotland.
Another popular tourist town is Blairgowrie, divided from Rattray by the River Ericht. Annual Highland games are held in Blairgowrie on the first Sunday of September and the Cateran Trial, which starts in Blairgowrie, offers a walk through some of Scotland's best scenery.
Last here, but first for many, is the world famous Gleneagles golf course and 5 star resort in Auchterarder. Scotland has many notable golf courses on offer but if you want to satisfy your dream of playing at Gleneagles then check out some of the self-catering accommodation and holiday lets in Auchterarder that will provide a comfortable place to lay your head and dream of birdies, and eagles, and your own personal success on the course.
This is just a small taste of what Tayside has to offer. Tourist Information Centres will supply you with free literature to plan your stay and make it a holiday to remember or you can find out more about Scotland here.
View a list of holiday cottages, pine lodges, holiday complexes in Scotland , and pet-friendly self-catering accommodation in Scotland
Spacious and very comfortable three bedroom apartment with its own balcony overlooking the grounds of the 5* Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Resort. It is ideal self-catering accommodation for golfers and offers many other activities close by.
Centrally located with lots to offer the discerning holidaymaker and an ideal base for touring beautiful Scotland.
The self-catering accommodation by Gleneagles comprises:
The accommodation comprises a spacious open plan hallway, large lounge and dining area and a fully fitted kitchen. The dining area has access to a balcony with views over the grounds of the Gleneagles Hotel and the School of Falconry. The master bedroom has an ensuite shower room, the second bedroom has an ensuite wc and there is a third bedroom. There is also a luxury bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath.
Gleneagles Golf Resort has 3 championship courses. Both the Kings and the Queens were designed by James Braid and provide a challenge for the golfer in some of the most stunning scenery in Perthshire.
The PGA Centenary course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is a modern classic which is the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2014. It is also the venue for the annual Johnny Walker Championship (formerly the Diageo)which is now part of the European Tour. There is also a driving range and golf academy where lessons can be obtained. In addition there are many more excellent courses within an hours drive including St Andrews, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and Rosemount Blairgowrie.
Magnificent scenery, championship golf courses, a golf academy and equestrian centre are just a few of the attractions at Gleneagles which is also an excellent base for touring.
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Find additional self-catering accommodation near Gleneagles here.
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