Things To Do

Bookmark, the Blairgowrie Book Festival, is an established and popular event held each year in early October.  Whilst attracting top authors and presenters, it remains an accessible and friendly Festival.
Winter Words, at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre is another very popular and successful book festival, held in February each year.

This 105km (64 mile) circular walk is one of Scotland’s most popular long-distance walks.  It passes through the towns and villages of Blairgowrie, Bridge of Cally, Kirkmichael, Spittal of Glenshee, Glenisla and Alyth.  The Trail is divided into five sections and can be comfortably walked in five days.  The term ‘Cateran’ relates to the marauding cattle thieves who operated in the area from medieval times until the 17th century.  Recent ‘Scotsman’ article.

For rock-climbers, there are several venues nearer at hand than the mountains themselves, the nearest being just four miles from the Hotel.  Please ask at reception for more details and guide books.  (See, for example, Highland Outcrops South, SMC)

In the beautiful countryside around the Hotel and with quiet roads, the scope for cycling  in the area is almost limitless.  Make up your own itinerary or follow a more organised trail.

With many private estates with open moorland and excellent riverside areas, there are huge opportunities for country sports of all types.  Some general details may be found here, but please see also the specific sections which match your interest in this list.

The nearest malt whisky distillery to the Hotel is just 11 miles (18km) away at Edradour.  However, the nearest distillery is a mere 6½ miles (10km) away, the Persie Gin distillery.  Both offer the opportunity to see how the process operates, to taste the product and to make purchases!  Of course, there are very many other distilleries in the wider area!

The area of Dundee around the northern end of the iconic Tay Bridge has seen massive development in recent years.  As well as being ‘City of Discovery’, the area now boasts the impressive new V&A and much more.

The Enchanted Forest runs each year throughout October.  This spectacular display is incredibly popular with children (of all ages, up to 90 or more!).

The scope for fishing in the immediate area is great, with fishing in Perthshire being renowned.  There are many local contacts, one such being Pitcarmick just to the south of Kirkmichael.

Just three miles north of Kirkmichael in Enochdhu, Dirnanean House has a substantial (1.5 hectare) garden, which is open to the public during the summer months.  Here, the emphasis is on encouraging wildlife and wild flowers, as well as very impressive conventional cultivation.  There are many other impressive gardens in the area, including those at Blair Castle and Glamis Castle.

There are numerous excellent golf courses in the immediate area, the nearest being Pitlochry and Blairgowrie and Alyth.  There are also 9-hole courses at Dalmunzie, Glenisla and Blair Atholl.  Please ask us for other details.

Wildlife abounds in the area, with red squirrels and deer common sights.  You’ll also find more birds and bees (and butterflies) than you may be accustomed to seeing.  Enjoy the simple pleasures of the surrounding countryside.  (See also Walking)