Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire
Pitlochry is 'the gateway to the Highlands', home of Scotland's smallest distillery, and surrounded by superb scenery.
Just off the main A9 route north, Pitlochry is a busy stop-off point for tourists heading into the Highlands. It has a great setting, on the River Tummel and backed by Ben Vrackie, at its best in the changing colours of autumn.
There are wonderful walks along the River Tummel and through the woods around Loch Faskally, and there is the fledgling beauty of the Scottish Plant Collectors' Garden, opened in 2003. An unusual attraction is the salmon ladder, by Pitlochry Dam, which helps the fish by-pass the dam and get into Loch Faskally. Downstream is the nationally renowned Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Climb the serious hill of Ben Vrackie, or take a more leisurely walk to the Edradour Distillery - Scotland's smallest - for an intimate tour and, of course, a wee dram.
'Highland Perthshire' abounds with lovely Scottish scenery. The area is known as Big Tree Country thanks to its swathes of woodland. To the north and west, the glens and mountains offer some of Scotland's best wild scenery and walking. Three miles north of Pitlochry, visit the outstanding Pass of Killiecrankie. The visitor centre tells the story of the famous battle in this tree-lined gorge, now in the care of The National Trust for Scotland. Also at Killiecrankie is a bird reserve managed by the RSPB.
