Location: Pitlochry
Top Things to do in Pitlochry
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Things to do in Pitlochry, Scotland: The Best Nature & Parks
Highland Perthshire places some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery within easy reach of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and Pitlochry is the most geared-up base from which to enjoy it. It’s been a bustling mountain resort since the railways arrived in 1863, and these days manages to be both a cozy favorite for tourists who enjoy browsing in its woolen mills and taking in the repertory of plays at its famous Festival Theatre, and a magnet for adrenalin junkies in search of bungee jumping, canyoning, tubing and white water rafting adventures. Visitors of any age will be intrigued by the Pictish carvings on the huge Dunfallandy stone at nearby Ballinluig and, after a bracing mountain walk or visit to the famous salmon ladder, adults can enjoy a warming dram of malt whiskey after a tour at one of the two local distilleries, Edradour and Blair Athol.
Restaurants in Pitlochry
1. Ben Vrackie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By 555alexandrae
The experience and challenge of getting to the top were worth every bit of effort. The distance from the car park to the loch is very manageable and doable in about an hour. Take a bit of bread to feed the ducks, they will love you for it! The steeper climb from there is definitely more challenging, but it can be managed in bite-sized chunks if needed. We would recommend decent walking boots or shoes and something warm to slip into at the top. With it, you can spend more time up there and wait for any mist or cloud to be blown away. We sat and watched as the wind opened up the skies to reveal a gorgeous landscape.
2. Linn of Tummel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By sts421 - St. Michaels, United States
Amazing hiking spot! We found this quite by accident turning off the main road can a trip from Edinburgh to Inverness. You're able to go over this very high suspension footbridge with beautiful views through the valley and River beyond. The hike itself was beautiful and nice because it had changes in elevation. Nothing too strenuous. you can walk along the trails up to the visitor center which we found to be closed for some reason. he didn't really need that visitor center though with the beauty that surrounds you up there.
3. Loch Faskally
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By susie895 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
There’s a fantastic walk along the side of the loch/river that takes you from the end of the main road, right to the Dam visitor centre car park. Did the walk about four times whilst staying at Gardeners Cottage. Was great to have this quiet walk right on our doorstep
4. Falls of Bruar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
This pretty waterfall is just a brisk two-mile hike from the House of Bruar shopping complex.
Reviewed By Richardbagwell - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Beautiful walk along the falls. It was raining but that didn’t dampen our enjoyment or views. There are steep cliff drops however it’s not a requirement to go to the edge to get a full experience. It’s located at the back of the House of Bruar which has a cafe post walk.
5. Blair Castle and Hercules Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,836 reviews
Discover Blair Castle and go on a journey into the fascinating past of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story here leads you from Mary Queen of Scot's visit to the Civil War, and from the Jacobite cause to Queen Victoria's famous stay which led to the creation of Europe's only surviving private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Over 700 years of Scottish history are on display across 30 rooms. Highlights of the castle tour include the Baronial Entrance Hall, featuring weapons used at the Battle of Culloden; the classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase; the grandeur of the State Dining Room and Drawing Room; and the magnificent Ballroom, bedecked in hundreds of antlers. The Castle sits at the hub of a breathtaking historic landscape and the gardens and grounds feature a 9 acre walled garden, a peaceful wooded grove, a ruined kirk, a red deer park and a whimsical Gothic folly.
Reviewed By asheleyn2019
Had an amazing visit to Blair castle, would highly recommend to all age groups. We didn’t visit inside of the castle, you need to book in advance and we just rocked up. Got tickets for the gardens (£15 for 2 ppl), I was sceptical at the price but what a treat! Lots of hidden gems and nice walks, the red deer were beautiful and very friendly at a respectable distance. The Hercules garden was also lovely.
6. Black Spout Wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By ruthjE1301SS - Ilkley, United Kingdom
I ran up the woods along good paths to discover this hidden gem then further on to the Edradour Distillery, followed by a sweeping run down hill with a cheeky turn about the Atholl Palace hotel grounds which are a beautifully manicured contrast to the mysterious woods
7. Explorers' Garden at Pitlochry Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
You don't have to be a budding botanist to really appreciate the beauty of this unique Garden. Not only is it packed with amazing and rare plants, you'll also discover the fantastic stories behind the men who risked death to bring them back. Traverse the globe in a single afternoon as you follow the Scottish Plant Hunters' and discover their wares. . .
8. Killiecrankie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Reviewed By Traveller51_11
Yes, it could be said that Killiecrankie will always be the same but every visit is different in reality ... and it all depends on the season; weather; and water levels. We usually pass through on a circular walk from Tenandry (having parked at the Garry Bridge car park. If you do this same walk, it is now safer to walk the section through the village of Killiecrankie. Our first walk through 'saw' us walking up a dodgy stretch of road. The next time, a local gentleman told us to cut up through the Killiecrankie Hotel grounds - accessed adjacent to Village Hall ( I suppose it was a permissive path?) and this we have continued to do. Now, though, a proper path has been created - it runs to the edge of the Hotel grounds, closer to the road than the Hotel. It comes out at the end of the Hotel's drive and the next part of the walk begins exactly opposite the drive ... this stretch heading to the Soldier's Leap. Of course, when the Hotel is open (it closes for the winter), you can still divert off; breaking your walk; and visit the Hotel for refreshment. This new safe, official path really benefits walkers and gives the Hotel more privacy. There is a good car park (fee to pay) at the National Trust Visitor Centre on the main road. The Centre has restricted opening at the end of the peak season and closes in the winter. Also on site is a booking office for the 'Highland Fling' company - offering bungee jumping a new swing off the Garry Bridge. Be warned, it is a steep descent/ascent to/from the wooded gorge/Killiecrankie Pass; Soldier's Leap; and the foot of the Killiecrankie Railway Viaduct. Enjoy your visit ... as we always do ...
9. Craigower
10. Faskally Wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By X6128TFjanet - Livingston, United Kingdom
Lovely walk with the dog. Several different paths to follow. We just had a stroll round the pond which was beautiful. Red squirrel sighting just completed the visit.
