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The river Tay flows through a fertile, wooded and hilly valley with green velvety fields on either side.  World-famous raspberries and Tayberries grow here to appear on menus throughout the region and beyond. 

Pitlochry snuggles down into the hills, a haven of warmth and plenty. It 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). If you're into the outdoor life, Renton Cottage, at Rannoch Station near Pitlochry offers 2* accommodation for up to 6 people who want to get away from it all - including TV (Tel: 0131 556 8553)

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 - admission was £2.50 in 2001.  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.

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.