What to do in Perthshire Highlands

Faith Lingle
By Faith Lingle
21st November 2022
Fonab Castle | local attractions perthshire ?? Fonab Castle

There’s so much to see and do in the Perthshire Highlands. From off-road driving to an evening at the theatre or a walking and cycling break, plan it all when you stay at Fonab Castle. Our knowledgeable and friendly Concierge team are here to help.

THE DRIVE OF YOUR LIFE WITH A LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE

Get the adrenalin pumping with a Land Rover Experience. In the heart of the rugged Highland countryside, you can crank up the speed and thoroughly immerse yourself in the all-terrain capability of the Land Rover.

Leading instructors are on hand to ensure you have everything you need, with a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw upon. Take on steep hill, off-road tracks, woodland tracks, slopes and expanses of private tracks and get a real sense of achievement with a day out in a Land Rover.

Speak to our Concierge who can arrange your day.

NAE LIMITS TO THE ADVENTURE

There’s nae limit to the fun with water rafting, cayonying, tubin, quad biking, aqaulining, cliff jumping, paintball and clay pigeon shooting all available at Nae Limits Outdoor Activity Centre.

It’s a great choice for anyone looking for an action-packed day out in the heart of the Highlands.

Speak to our Concierge who can arrange your day.

HIGHLAND SAFARIS

Get out and about in the Highlands

Highland safaris are a brilliant way to experience the stunning scenery and mass of wildlife in the nearby area.

The safari takes you on a journey through the Highlands, getting you closer to the many amazing animals that inhabit it including deer, grouse, Mountain Hare or Golden Eagle.Get a glimpse into the incredible Highland wilderness that awaits. A great choice for stag and hen groups.

Speak to our Concierge who can arrange your adventure.

BLAIR CASTLE

Travel through time at Blair Castle, with its rich history stretching back to Mary Queen of Scots through to the Civil War, the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden.

The Castle dates back to 1269 and has been the location of many political struggles over the centuries. Today, it’s varied past is reflected all around each of the 30 rooms on display.

You can embark on a Castle Tour, visit the gift shop or check out the gardens and grounds. Open March – October 2024.

Speak to our Concierge who can arrange your visit.

HOUSE OF BRUAR

Stylish Highland Fashion

Visit The House of Bruar for an insight into one of the UK’s most well-known Scottish country clothing specialists. The brand is known for its exceptionally high quality, fine cashmere and traditional tweeds as well as its Knitwear Hall.

Support local Scottish business and pick up a little piece of Scotland to take home with you, at House of Bruar.

Speak to our Concierge who can arrange your visit.

PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE

Culture Vultures will love it

An evening at the theatre is a wonderful way to spend the evening. Pitlochry Festival Theatre has an exciting and varied programme coming up from family-friendly favourites to musicals and dark dramas.

The on-site gallery and shop let you pick up a reminder from the evening. Easily reached from our hotel.

Speak to our Concierge who can arrange your visit.

LOCAL WALKS

The Best Way to Experience the Countryside

Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, Pitlochry is a haven of adventure for walkers. Well-marked routes intertwine throughout the area from strolls to hikes, all starting and finishing in the town centre.

The routes meander through loch-side paths, along rivers, through woodland and up hills, from which you can take in spectacular views. Open farmland and an array of local wildlife makes it an interesting day out, getting you closer to nature.

Perfect for families, couples or simply individuals looking to experience the beauty of the Highlands.

Speak to our Concierge who can help plan your route.

CYCLING ROUTES

Scenic routes by bike

With the breath-taking Ben Vrackie mountain rising up in the distance and the calming waters of Loch Faskally setting the scene, the immediate countryside of Pitlochry is simply awe-inspiring. Get out and about by bike to experience more of it, on two wheels.

Cycling holidays or breaks are popular in the area, and bike is a brilliant way to get closer to the naturally beautiful surroundings.

Cycling routes vary to include quiet country roads, circular routes taking in the mountain tops, off-road forest routes, mountain climbs and flowing downhill descents. There’s a cycling route for every age and ability.

Speak to our Concierge who can help plan your cycling route.

WHISKY DISTILLERIES

The full Highland experience is not complete without a visit to a local whisky distillery and Pitlochry is spoilt for choice when it comes to, a wee dram.

Take a tour of the nearby distilleries, sample popular and rare blends alike and purchase some to take home with you, a little taste of the Scottish Highlands. Alternatively, sample rare Malts at Fonab Castle’s impressive Lounge Bar.

Speak to our Concierge who can help plan your whisky distillery tour.

PITLOCHRY DAM & FISH LADDER

Exploring Pitlochry

Discover the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. The dam was built between 1947 and 1951, in order to generate electricity in the area.

Today, you can hire boats and obtain fishing permits, as well as boats with life jackets to row around Loch Faskally.

The Pitlochry Fish Ladder is one of Pitlochry’s famous attractions, built as part of Pitlochry Dam to permit Atlantic salmon to pass the dam wall every year.

Its 34 chambers allow fish to swim through each one, eventually reaching Loch Faskally. If you’re lucky, you might spot some from the Viewing Room.

Speak to our Concierge who can help plan your visit to Pitlochry Dam & Fish Ladder.

THE ULTIMATE WAY TO EXPERIENCE LOCH TAY

Our Boat tour gives a fascinating insight into the history of the people of Loch Tay, stretching from the present day, back thousands of years to the Neolithic settlements and Crannogs of the area, taking in ancient ruins and local legends. And don’t forget the wildlife and fantastic scenery along the way.

Speak to our Concierge who can help plan your route.

BLAIR ATHOLL DISTILLERY

Visit Blair Atholl for a distillery tour and see how they make uisge beatha from golden malted barley, water and yeast, distilled in traditional copper pot stills and matured in oak casks. Relax and enjoy a dram in their well stocked shop.

The distillery shop stocks a wide range of single and rare malt whiskies, and blended whisky. You will find their own Blair Atholl 12 year old and Bells as well as the range of Classic Malts and Flora and Fauna collection.

Open all year round with restricted opening during the festive season – please visit the main website for details

PITLOCHRY GOLF COURSE

Pitlochry Golf Course offers a wonderful blend of exhilarating golf and pure relaxation.

The course is open to all – members, visitors and groups and provides enjoyable play for the average player as well as challenges for the advanced.

Try your hand on this 18 hole par 69 course with its stunning views and undulating greens.

THE QUEEN'S VIEW

Said to have been named after Queen Victoria, following her visit to the area in 1866, The Queen’s View in Highland Perthshire overlooks Loch Tummel.