DAY 1: Arrive Blair Atholl
As you step off the train in Blair Atholl you know that you are in the highlands. The mountains of Perthshire surround you and the crisp fresh air is tonic for the soul. Check into your hotel and then perhaps stroll through the town, or alongside the River Tilt as its cold clear waters rush past.
Overnight: The Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl
There are few more imposing sights in the Scottish Highlands than the superb façade and highland grandeur of the Atholl Arms Hotel in Blair Atholl. A really traditional Scottish highland hotel, big on heritage and on hospitality.
The hotel has thirty one bedrooms – each one elegantly decorated in it’s own unique tartan. The hotel chefs use Scotland's finest produce to compile menus to showcase the best qualities of these ingredients. The glorious Baronial Dining Room and characterful highland Bothy Bar have an unmistakeably Scottish highland character and feel.
DAY 2: Atholl Estates & Blair Castle Discovery
Opposite the hotel is the magnificent Blair Castle and Atholl Estates. Enjoy a guided tour of Blair Castle, quite literally a walk through history and then a walk through the gardens and estate on one of six way marked trails.
Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, enjoys one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Dating from the 13th century, Blair Castle’s history extends over some 740 years, and it is still home to Europe’s last private army, The Atholl Highlanders.
Atholl Estate has taken great care in laying out six trails which explore the manicured castle gardens, extensive woodland and open moorland. Choose your favourite in the knowledge that a roaring fire and wee dram will be waiting for you when you return to the hotel.
Walk: Choice of 6 way marked trails ranging from 1 to 12.5 miles
Overnight: The Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl
DAY 3: Walk to Killiecranckie
Today you walk south to the wonderfully named Pass of Killiecranckie which is renowned for its outstanding beauty and natural history. It has been gouged into the landscape by successive ice ages and meltwaters. The River Garry flows at the bottom of the Pass, while ancient mixed woodlands dominate the sides.
The pass is of strategic importance and has not always been so tranquil. On the 27th July 1689, the Pass of Killiecrankie echoed with the sound of battle cries and gunfire when a Jacobite army led by 'Bonnie Dundee' defeated the government forces under General Hugh Mackay. One soldier evaded capture by making a spectacular jump across the River Garry at Soldier's Leap.
Walk: 4 or 6.5 Miles
Overnight: The Killiecranckie House Hotel
Killiecrankie House was originally built as a private country residence for a local Church minister in 1840. It was converted into an hotel in 1939 and is now a family run hotel owned by Henrietta Fergusson.
The hotel sits in four acres of wooded grounds facing the wooded hillside of Fonvuik across the Pass of Killiecrankie and the River Garry. The cosy, wood-panelled Bar is a popular haunt used by both locals and visitors for lunch and supper. Here you will find more than 25 of Scotland's finest Malts. There is also a snug sitting room with an open fire for the colder months and when the weather is warm, it opens on to a small patio and the fine herbaceous border which is a feature of the garden. An agreeable place to enjoy the long mid-summer evenings.
Under the direction of head chef Mark Easton the Killiecrankie House Restaurant has earned a reputation for excellent food. An impressive dinner menu provides a mouth-watering combination of local and traditional ingredients brought right up to date with contemporary flavours and healthy options.
Each of the ten bedrooms is individually decorated and has its own unique character. The rooms are elegantly decorated in rich colours and fabrics, and are provided with luxurious toiletries, white fluffy towels and fresh flowers. All offer wonderful views over the garden and surrounding countryside.
DAY 4: River Garry & Loch Faskally Walk
Set off from the hotel laden with a mouth watering picnic for a superlative day of walking. A sheltered riverside path through ancient forest, which is particularly spectacular in autumn, leads to Garry Bridge. The Linn on Tummel, which was visited by Queen Victorian in 1844, is perfect for spotting leaping salmon. Continue over the Coronation Bridge past the Priest’s stone and to Loch Faskally. A tranquil stroll alongside the loch and River Garry is the ideal time for bird watching and plant spotting and takes you back to Killiecrankie.
Walk: 8.5-9.6 Miles
Overnight: The Killiecranckie House Hotel
DAY 5: Walk to Pitlochry
The easy option takes you on an easy forest road, bordered by clumps of Budlia and with great views over the golf course, to Moulin. More adventurous walkers, who tackle the Bealach route, will be rewarded with some of the best views in Scotland. The path climbs quickly onto open moorland, where you are likely to encounter red deer and grouse, to the Bealach.
A diversion to the summit of Ben Vrackie will tempt peak baggers before descending through woodland to Moulin. The village of Moulin dates back to 3000BC and some 2000 years ago, was a Pictish town of such importance that it was protected by a double circle of outlying forts, and was probably the Capital of the Province of Atholl or Fodla.
Today it is home to the Moulin Inn & Brewery, established in 1695, 50 years before the Jocobite Rebellion of Bobbie Prince Charlie in 1745. One of the very best traditional pubs in Scotland it has twice won Scot’s Pub of the year and there is no better place for lunch.
A short walk brings you to the bustling town of Pitlochry and your hotel.
Walk: 6.5 miles
Overnight: The Knockendarroch House Hotel The welcoming and luxurious Knockendarroch House Hotel offers a secluded retreat with wonderful views across Pitlochry to the surrounding hills. The hotel boasts large spacious rooms and public areas decorated with classic elegance and contemporary style. Wonderful meals, featuring the very best Scottish produce are served in the elegant dining room, and you can retire to the sumptuous lounge to enjoy a coffee or after dinner drink.
DAY 6: Pitlochry Discovery
Pitlochry is a delightful town of Victorian buildings nestled into the Perthshire countryside. A number of gentle walks radiate from the town. My favourite is the picturesque woodland walk to Edradour Distillery, Scotland’s smallest and possibly one of its most picturesque.
The distillery offers tastings and tours which bring the art of whisky making alive. The walk follows rushing burns, high waterfalls and if you tread quietly you should see some wildlife.
A number of other walks are available ranging from three to seven miles, all of which offer something different. A lazy afternoon wander around Pitlochry, with perhaps a stop at a local tea or souvenir shop is the perfect way to end your time in Perthshire.
Walk: 3 - 12 Miles
Overnight: Knockendarroch House Hotel
DAY 7: Depart Pitlochry
Pitlochry is on the main rail and bus routes from Central Scotland to Inverness and Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness are all quickly accessible.
Navigation
The walks are generally well way marked and our comprehensive route notes will guide you every step of the way. Some basic map reading skills are required for the more challenging walks.
Grade
This holiday is graded Easy to Moderate. You can choose from a number of walks each day and do as much or as little walking as you choose.
Walking Direction
This trip can be done in reverse if preferred.
Additional Nights
You can book additional nights at any of the hotels en route. Just let us know at the time of booking.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. Occasionally the hotels mentioned in the itinerary may be fully booked, in which case we would use hotels of the same or better standard. We will of course let you know if this is the case.
Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers, although there is a solo supplement payable.
Single Rooms
A limited number of single rooms are available. There is a supplement payable.
Meals
A delicious breakfast, including a choice of cooked or continental, is included each morning.
Fine food is at the heart of this trip and all evening meals and one picnic lunch are included. Packed lunches are available from your hotels or you may wish to enjoy lunch in a local pub.
Baggage Transfer
Your luggage will be transferred between hotels as per your itinerary so you only have to walk with a day pack.
Atholl Arms - Blair Atholl
There are few more imposing sights in the Scottish Highlands than the superb façade and highland grandeur of the Atholl Arms Hotel in Blair Atholl. A really traditional Scottish highland hotel, big on heritage and on hospitality. The hotel has thirty one bedrooms – each one elegantly decorated in it’s own unique tartan. The hotel chefs use Scotland's finest produce to compile menus to showcase the best qualities of these ingredients. The glorious Baronial Dining Room and characterful highland Bothy Bar have an unmistakeably Scottish highland character and feel.
Killiecranckie House Hotel
Killiecrankie House was originally built as a private country residence for a local Church minister in 1840. It was converted into an hotel in 1939 and is now a family run hotel owned by Henrietta Fergusson.
Knochendarroch Hotel - Pitlochry
The Knockendarroch House Hotel
The welcoming and luxurious Knockendarroch House Hotel offers a secluded retreat with wonderful views across Pitlochry to the surrounding hills.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
How fit do I need to be?
The better your level of fitness the more you will enjoy the this trip, although you can choose from a variety of walks each day and make the holiday as easy or demanding as you wish. Most days involve between 3 & 5 hours walking, although shorter and longer options are available.
If you currently don’t enjoy a good level of fitness regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk is recommended. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the hotels we use are extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from our website here:
When is the best time of year?
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared. Although having walked in Perthshire at all times of the year I believe any time between late March and November offers a wonderful experience.
What are the midges like?
Midges are small biting insects (much like north American knats) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.
Am I able to take my dog?
Yes, we can accommodate dogs on this walk, although there is a supplement of £60.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use public transport or local taxis to reach the next overnight hotel.
