Families & Kids

Strathbraan

Perthshire's secret storybook strath and glens... Amulree, Strathbraan and Glen Quaich lie within a golden triangle, between Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and the Sma Glen. Peaceful, secluded, and off the beaten path, but minutes from the A9, the main Scottish arterial route and the mainline railway station of Dunkeld and Birnam.

Established more than two centuries past as one of Scotland's first tourist routes, the charms, secrets, lively characters and stunning landscapes have been little known, slumbering in the half light of history. The area brims with characters, from centuries past to the present day residents. Their combined vitality and creative talents keep this area very much alive.

Swashbuckling legends such as Rob Roy and Bonnie Prince Charlie passed through here. The road building colossus General George Wade constructed his many miles of Military routes here. Poet William Wordsworth penned an ode to 'The Lonely Inn' at Amulree. Visit Loch Freuchie in Glen Quaich, enjoy a pitcure-postcard setting with an abundance of wildlife and idyllic walks. Make sure you take a minute to visit Amulree & Strathbraan Church, pop inside to view the information display on the history of the area.

An artist who relished this quiet area was Pre Raphaelite painter Sir John Everrett Millais. He loved painting away his summer holidays over 20 years, renting Rumbling Bridge cottage, which became a hotbed of scandal as he eloped with Ruskin's wife, Perth born Effie Gray. The cottage still stands, as do the scenes of his painting. Later, European Royalty fanned out over the moors from a nearby turreted shooting lodge.

Musical legends lived and loved here, such as famous fiddle player Niel Gow; while legendary modern musicians such as Pete Clark keep his genius alive. Beatrix Potter's inspiration figure for Mrs Tiggywinkle spent her early childhood on a remote farm here.

This is fungi foraging country; hares race across the fields, ospreys, red kites and buzzards fly overhead. The very tallest of 'Big Trees' grow here, from the highest Douglas Fir at the Hermitage to an impressive half mile avenue of ancient oaks.

Walks span well marked riverside routes, and little known tracks. Explore hidden places such as one of the highest hill passes in Scotland, the mystical deserted fairy village in Ballinloan, the Hermitage Routes, drove roads, heritage paths, Wade Roads, wild swimming and quad biking.

View an magical map of Strathbraan by clicking here... seeing really is believing!

The Beach at Kenmore

Sitting in the heart of Breadalbane (Braghad Albainn in Gaelic), Loch Tay is Scotland's sixth largest loch, stretching from Killin in the west to Kenmore in the east. Although fed principally by the River Dochart, numerous burns spill into Loch Tay from the mountains dominating its northern and southern shores, lands which were historically known as Disher and Toyer.

At the very eastern end of Loch Tay at Kenmore is a beach that has both sand and shingle. It shelves very gently, so in the summer the water really warms up as it is trapped by the prevailing winds. It is a popular spot for bathing, so launching of boats is not permitted.

The Wishing Well

Number (9) on the outer loop of the Blair Atholl Historic Trail, the Wishing Well is discreetly located on the path alongside the River Tilt between Kilmaveonaig Church and the Witches Rock. A tradition known to generations of Blair Atholl children is that of throwing white pebbles into the well and making a wish.

Why not find try your luck – you never know your wishes may come true.

Picnic Spot by Kinloch Rannoch

There's parking here and a picnic table, right by the River Tummel as it flows out of Loch Rannoch. On the route of a circular walk around Kinloch Rannoch.

Pitlochry Wildlife Garden

Since the Wildlife Garden was created in 1999, it has matured into a colourful and interesting haven for plants and wildlife. From the first flowering of the snowdrops and wild daffodils in spring until well after the early frosts of October and November, there is always something to see.
Observe the butterflies and insects attracted to the Buddleia bushes and lupines’ in Butterfly border or some of the many birds who regularly feast on the seeds on the bird table. (Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Great Tits and Siskins to name a few). Visitors even include a pair of Mallards who are habitually seen devouring the pond weed in the pond.