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  • Discover the forest trails of Atholl Estates
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5 Days & 4 Nights 4.6 Read 5 reviews

Heart of Scotland

Grade  
Comfort  
Start / Finish Blair Atholl / Pitlochry
Distance 48 km /30 miles
Activity Multi Centre Walking  
Trip Style Self Guided  
Availability March-October
From £365.00
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Heart of Scotland

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.6 Read 5 reviews
  • Choose from a broad range of walks
  • Explore the 700-year-old Blair Castle and surrounding Atholl Estate
  • Walking through one of Scotland’ finest landscapes.
  • Sample a "wee dram" at Edradour, Scotland’s smallest distillery
  • Relax and enjoy spotting the bird and animal-life of the region
Explore the heart of Scotland on foot. Discover the history, castles, lochs and rivers of Highland Perthshire on our Heart of Scotland short break. Highland Perthshire is arguably one of Scotland’s most beautiful parts and there is no better way to discover the rich fertile glens and wild hillsides than on foot. The glens are home to rich farmland, ancient forest, historic castles and tranquil lochs, while the heather covered hills are full of wildlife. Blair Atholl, nestled on the banks of the River Garry, is your base for the first two nights. Blair Castle and the walking on Atholl Estates are both first class. You then walk south via Killiecrankie and Ben Vrackie to Pitlochry where you spend the last two nights of your holiday. Highland Perthshire is a favourite destination of many of our experienced walk leaders and they have put together a selection of their favourite walks for you to enjoy at your own pace. Welcoming country hotels, baggage transfer, detailed route notes, maps and emergency support are all included in your holiday, should you need it.
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What To Expect

Welcoming traditional country hotels, Highland history, romantic castles and a choice of great walks! If this is your idea of the perfect walking break then you can’t go wrong with this walking holiday.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking holiday

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Multi-Generational

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Wildlife
  • Historical Journeys

Inspiration:

  • Classic

Grade & Terrain

The way is on well-maintained footpaths, bridleways, across fields and on some minor roads. The distances on days 1 and 3 depend on how much you wish to do so you can make the trip as easy or as difficult as you wish.

Navigation

The Heart of Scotland trail is generally clearly defined on the ground but there is no waymarking for some of the walks so you will need to be comfortable reading a map and know how to use a compass.

Accommodation Information

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected 3 or 4 star B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom. A delicious breakfast is always included.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most of your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs or restaurants.

Included
  • 4 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
  • Baggage transfer
  • Information pack
  • Route notes and maps
  • 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
Excluded
  • Travel to the start / from the finish of the walk
  • Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal equipment
Extras
  • Additional nights

When To Go

The best time of year to visit Scotland is from early-April to mid-October when the weather is best, most attractions are open and the days are long. The weather is very unpredictable all year, so it is imperative to be prepared for wind, rain, cold, warmth and sunshine! Conditions (and forecasts) can vary substantially from one day to the next, so do anticipate a variety of weathers, and embrace them as the Scots do (with a good waterproof and windproof jacket on).

Getting to the Start

Blair Atholl is 80 miles north of Edinburgh on the main transport route through the highlands. By car the journey from Edinburgh takes 1.5 hours and Blair Atholl is well signed from the A9. The village also has excellent public transport connections and is served by Scotrail trains and Citylink Bus services from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness.

Getting from the End

Pitlochry is located close to the A9 motorway. There are several trains per day to Glasgow and Edinburgh with Scotrail and similarly there are several bus services with Citylink.

Should you wish to travel back to Blair Atholl, simply take the train which takes around 10 minutes or the local number 87 bus, which takes around 20 minutes.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack. 

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?
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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Blair Atholl Day 2 Atholl Estates Walk 10 miles / 16 km Day 3 Blair Atholl to Pitlochry 10 miles / 16 km Day 4 Pitlochry Walking 10 miles / 17 km Day 5 Depart Pitlochry

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