Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard - Explore Guide Summer 2023

EXPLORE

EXPLORING PERTHSHIRE

From its serene glens and endless expanses of lush forest, to its bleakly beautiful moors, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls, it's easy to see why Perthshire was named "The fairest portion of the northern kingdom" by Sir Walter Scott.

Enjoy the perfect holiday in Perthshire with plenty of things to do, including family-friendly days out or adrenaline fuelled outdoor activities. Known as the 'Big Tree Country' Perthshire boasts magnificent arboreal specimens in the many verdant woodlands, forests and gardens across the region. Escape into this beautiful wilderness where awesome peaks like Schiehallion and Ben Lawers can be scaled and some of Scotland's most iconic species can be observed in their natural environment, from majestic red deer stags to soaring ospreys.

Within this guide we've detailed some of our favourite things to see & do within an easy distance from Pitlochry alongside our recommendations for some "Perfect Days in Perthshire".

Of course, if there's something specific you'd like information on, please just ask. We're always on hand to help.

Loch Dunmore

The woods around Loch Dunmore are home than 200 years old. As you enjoy the walks around that have been planted and maintained, often

This is the hear of Big Tree Country and Faskally. In contrast, look out for woodland a distinctive tree-nesting duck.

home to a wide range of tree species, some more around its shores, you'll see a variety of trees often using innovative management techniques. there are some magnificent specimens at and water wildlife - including the goldeneye, Dunmore

Walk

The trail skirts the shore of Loch Dumore where the majestic trees provide a blaze of colour in the autumn.

Foresters' Walk

The trail follows the footsteps of foresters who learned how to create attractive & productive woodland.

Pitlochry Walks

A network covering 65km/ 41 miles of Highland Perthshire. See Walk Highlands for more information.

FAVOURITE PLACES

Killie Zip Park

Zip line across the River Garry at Pitlochry's newest adventure attraction Killie Zip Park. Navigate the 9 zip lines through forest and across the water and enjoy a thrilling way to see the beautiful scenery at Killiecrankie. Located at Highland Fling Bungee.

( 0345 366 5844 | www.bungeejumpscotland.co.uk

Pitlochry Dam

Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre showcases the rich history of hydro electricity in the north of Scotland and how it transformed all our lives.

Thousands visit the Dam "fish ladder" to see the salmon swim to their breeding grounds up river.

( 01796 484 111 | www.pitlochrydam.com

Hermitage Walk

This varied walk begins through the beautiful wooded glen of the Hermitage, complete with picturesque follies and attractive waterfalls. The route then continues to visit the dramatic Rumbling Bridge before a return through more open countryside with attractive views.

Highland Safaris

Highland Safaris located at Dull near Aberfeldy and winner of the "Best Visitor Experience" in Scotland, combines exhilarating Land Rover Safaris, scenic boat trips of Loch Tay, a popular Red Deer Centre, inspiring walking and Biking activities and Perthshire's only Gold and Gem Panning Centre. There's also a great little cafe on site.

( 01887 820 071 | www.highlandsafaris.net

Pitlochry Theatre

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, located at Port-na-Craig just a 10 minute walk from Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard, is a jewel in Pitlochry’s town. The theatre is much loved and has revered the world over and enthusiasts should make time for a visit whilst here.

( 01796 484 626 | www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

Queens View

A short drive from Pitlochry, along a winding tree-lined road, hugging the River Tummel, lies the Queen' s View. This famous vantage point looks out over one of the most iconic panoramas in Scotland, directly to the west along Loch Tummel from where, on a clear day, you can sometimes see the mountains surrounding Glencoe.

PERFECT DAYS

We call those days that you can't stop talking about for weeks "perfect days" here at Craigmhor Lodge and you'll be glad to know there is plenty of opportunity to experience your own perfect day in the area around Pitlochry, whilst you are staying here with us. Here are our recommendations for some really great days out...

Royal Deeside

After breakfast, jump in the car and head through Royal Deeside to Ballater where you can visit Balmoral Castle and Grounds and Crathes Castle. Ballater is a lovely little town with lovely independent shops to browse and there are a selection of eateries to choose from for lunch before heading home.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is famous the world over and is a breathtaking place to visit, well worth the drive.

Head north on the A9 and turn off at Dalwhinnie heading cross country to Spean Bridge before driving up the side of Loch Ness via Fort Augustus to Inverness.

If you've time stop in at Urquhart Castle or perhaps take a boat trip along the Loch with Jacobite Cruises.

Bealach Route & Killiecrankie

Arrange E-bike Hire from Escape Route in Pitlochry and after breakfast head out on the Bealach path to Killiecrankie before returning along the River Garry to Pitlochry.

Don't forget to ask for a Packed Lunch.

4 Hour Drive

4 Hour Drive

4 Hour Cycle

St Andrews & Fife

We love St Andrews with its beaches, golf courses and its royal connections. It makes a great day out so why not head south via Perth to Dundee and cross the Tay Road Bridge to St Andrews. Once you've explore thed town head to Anstruther and its famous fish & chip shop for a bite to eat.

Edinburgh

Why not explore Scotland's capital with a day trip to Edinburgh by train? Hop on the regular train service at Pitlochry on the 9.28am direct service & return on the 4.33pm from Edinburgh getting you back to Pitlochry at 6.24pm, just in time for dinner.

In the city you can explore the Castle and its many attractions, dine out in world-class Restaurants & browse the shops.

Killin & Loch Tay

Take the scenic drive via Aberfeldy along the shores of Loch Tay to Killin where you'll find the picturesque Falls of Dochart before taking the A85 along Loch Earn to Crieff and then back to Pitlochry via the Sma' Glen.

There are lots of dining spots along the route.

 3 Hour Drive 

2 Hour Train Each Way  4 Hour Drive

NATURE ALL AROUND

Set in enchanting woodland grounds, Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard is home to an array of wildlife.

Red squirrels, beavers, ducks, deer and herons all call our forest & pond home and guests in our Courtyard rooms with patio or balcony and sit back and wildlife watch to their heart’s content. These areas are also visible from the driveway up to Craigmhor Lodge.

Further afield, wildlife sightings include red deer, golden eagles and even pine martens!

Thank you to James Cannon for his wonderful photography and the permission to use it.

If you just stop and be still for a moment, breathe in the pure clean air and simply listen, a whole world of wildlife will make itself known...

Things to Do

Castles Distilleries

Blair Castle - Discover Blair Castle, a 5 star castle that has been the ancient seat of the Dukes & Earls of Atholl for almost 740 years, with 30 rooms on display, licensed restaurant, gift shop & extensive gardens.

( 01796 481 207 | www.blair-castle.co.uk

Scone Palace - Located 25 miles south of Pitlochry, Scone Palace is the home of the Earls of Mansfield, and the ancient crowning Palace of the King of Scots. It is the original home of the Stone of Destiny.

( 01738 552 300 | www.scone-palace.co.uk

Castle Menzies - located 1.5 miles from Aberfeldy, on the B846 at Weem. It was built in the late 16th Century and is now a Clan Centre for the Clan Menzies Society.

( 01887 820 982 | www.castlemenzies.org

Blair Athol Distillery is located on the south side of Pitlochry. The distillery was established around 1789 and is owned by Diageo. The water used is taken from a spring source from Ben Vrackie, and is an important component of the whisky’s blend.

( 01796 482 003 | Visit Website

Dewars Distillery Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is located on the outskirts of picturesque Aberfeldy, just over 20 minutes from Pitlochry. Whisky tours take place throughout the day, and include options for whisky aficionados. All tours include access to our heritage exhibition and our warehouse experience. We advise booking online to ensure you have enough time for your chosen whisky experience.

( 01887 822010 | www.dewars.com

Biking Golf

Escape Route a cycling and outdoor shop on Atholl Road in Pitlochry offers road, mountain & e-bike hire. Their prices are competitive and bikes can be hired on a half day or daily basis. Knowledgeable staff are also on hand to help with any cycling questions.

( 01796 473 859 | www.escape-route.co.uk

Skinny Tyres offering specialist biking packages to enthusiasts making the most of the excellent biking roads and routes around Perthshire.

( 07763 013 862 | www.skinnytyres.com

Progression Bikes located in Dunkeld offering bike hire and expert advise on the Dunkeld and Atholl bike trails.

( 01350 727 629 | Visit Website

Pitlochry Golf Course provides the perfect blend of exhilarating golf and pure relaxation. Try your hand on this 18 hole par 69 course with its awe-inspiring views and undulating greens. The course is open to all – members, visitors and groups and offers enjoyable play for the average player and challenges the advanced. The 5700 yard course boasts manicured greens and tree-lined fairways with a majestic mountainous backdrop whilst the Club House and Pro Shop offer great service and amenity.

( 01796 472334 | www.pitlochrygolf.co.uk

Perthshire Golf Courses there are many more golf courses within easy distance from Pitlochry including 3 courses in Blairgowrie, 3 in Crieff and a selection of parkland and woodland courses in Perth. View all Perthshire Golf Courses

The river Tummel lies in the centre of Pitlochry, with an estimated 5000 salmon passing through annually. The famous river Tay is also close by with an abundant collection of fishing beats for the beginner to the advanced angler. For more information on any fishing, please look at www.pitlochryanglingclub.co.uk.

We are also able to organise fly fishing with Gary Scott AAPGAI, an experienced fly caster. Please check out his website on www.masterspeycasting.com

Adventure Sports

Perthshire has more than its fair share of adventure awaiting the fearless traveller.

Nae Limits at Ballinluig has a choice of 16 water and land activities including white water rafting, canyoning, tubing, clay pigeon shooting and more. See www.naelimits.co.uk for details.

Killiecrankie is home to the Highland Fling bungee jump a bridge swing and a new zip wire course. See www.bungeejumpscotland.co.uk for details.

Fishing Shopping

Pitlochry is packed with interesting little shops and you can quite happily spend an afternoon flexing your cards on Atholl Road.

Our sister business Taste Perthshire is a 20 minute drive away, at Bankfoot, north of Perth. Here we offer a wonderful range of Clothing & Accesories, Homewares & Gifts, a Whisky, Gin, Wine & Beer cellar and a Delicatessen & Food Larder. They also have a large restaurant offering all day food, High Teas, Afternoon Teas & Sunday Roasts! See www.tasteperthshire.co.uk for details.