5 Day Nature Break
Pitlochry
Activities – Ben Vrackie
Standing 2,757 ft (841m) over the town of Pitlochry, Ben Vrackie is a gorgeous mountain and a must-do for mountaineers visiting Perthshire. The Corbett is a moderate to challenging walk over a well-maintained path, with some steeper sections towards the end which might be difficult for beginners. However, the challenge is highly rewarded by the stunning views of the rolling highlands stretching for miles at the summit.
And it’s not only the summit that has sights to see. The 10km (6.25m) trail up to the summit passes through woodlands, into moorland and past the great hillside loch, Loch a’ Choire. Keep your eyes peeled for Scottish Mountain Hare and Red Grouse, as well as the remains of five Bronze Age hut circles and settlements, which can be found in the moorland above Moulin.
The whole trip should take between 3–5 hours. For the keen walkers, there is a choice of two optional extensions for a longer walk, and those who think it’s already a big enough challenge can stick to the main trail – no shame in that! The trail begins in the Ben Vrackie car park, and once conquered, you will follow the same trail back down the mountain.
Eat & Stay
Tackling a Corbett is a challenging task that needs a lot of energy, and The Bakery Pitlochry is here to help with just that. Head over to their shop before taking to the hills to grab some much-needed food from their range of freshly baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, and pizza which you can enjoy on the mountainside. Hungry mountaineers can head over to McKays pub and restaurant once making it back down Ben Vrackie. The restaurant is one of Pitlochry’s best and offers a menu full of Scottish pub classics made with locally sourced produce to suit a range of dietary needs.
If you’re planning a stay in Pitlochry, Milton of Fonab caravan park is the place to be. About a 20-minute walk from the town, the park has the option to book a static caravan or park your own, and has a range of on-site facilities such as a park shop and laundry room to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
- The Bakery Pitlochry open Monday–Saturday, 8am–3pm and Sunday, 9am–3pm
- McKays restaurant open daily for food, 9am–9pm
- Milton of Fonab open March–November, office hours 10am–7pm
Milton of Fonab Caravan Website >
Blairgowrie
Activities – Cateran Ecomuseum & Cateran Trail
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The Cateran Ecomuseum is the museum without walls – set in the beautiful and dramatic countryside, all the sites are outside. Sitting on the 500-million-year-old Highland Boundary Fault – the geographical separation of the Highlands and Lowlands – the ecomuseum shines a light on the areas long human history, with some sites identified from the Neolithic period (which is thought to have begun about 12,000 years ago!)
Follow along on pre-designed routes that will take you through the Perthshire and Angus glens and countryside, all the while telling the stories that are woven into the hills. These trails vary in length and difficulty, and through them you’ll find markers from all points in history, from Pictish Stones and the last glaciers of Glenshee, to Victorian textile mills and unknown legends of King Arther and the Irish Giant Finn mac Cumhaill.
Alongside the ecomuseum is the Cateran Trail, one of Scotland’s great long-distance footpaths. The stunning 103km (64 miles) trail offers spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands and takes about 4-5 days to complete. But don’t worry, you don’t have to complete the whole thing! Parts of the trail follow the same routes as those used by the Caterans, a fierce highland clan that became known for cattle theft in the area from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Feel free to follow along at your own pace for as long a distance as you want – there is plenty to see without going too far.
Eat & Stay
Before taking to the trail, head into Blairgowrie and put together a picnic to fuel the walk round the ecomuseum and trail. You can find a selection of picnic classics like sausage rolls, filled sandwiches and toasted baguettes, and cakes, locally sourced and handmade where possible. Prime spots for these delights include Bunters, the Cornerstone Deli, Greens of Blairgowrie, Ewarts Butchers, Taystful, and the Gowrie Bakers, all of which can be found central in Blairgowrie.
After a long day of walking, why not sleep in style at Glenshee Glamping. The site offers a range of unique and luxury outdoor cabins, huts, and glamping pods, and for those looking to relax their muscles after hiking the Cateran trail, they even offer hot tubs! The site is 13 miles outside Blairgowrie and takes 25 minutes to reach by car.
Glenshee Glamping Website >
Kinross
Activities – Loch Leven Heritage Trail
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The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a 21km (13 miles) circuit trail of the loch which explores the natural beauty of Kinross. The Loch is a National Nature reserve protected by RSPB and is home to rare plants, insects, and thousands of breeding and wintering birds – including the UK’s largest nesting duck colony and migratory geese and swans in autumn. Wildlife can be seen everywhere along the trail, from the marshes to the treetops, and paired with the miles of gorgeous views it is well worth a trip!
The path is covered in gravel and mostly level, making it perfect for cycling. Rent a bike from the nearby family-run Sinclair Cycles and take it out onto the trail (which can be joined from any point) where you can enjoy a leisurely cycle suitable for all abilities.
While you’re on the trail you might notice Loch Leven Castle out on the island in the loch. This historic site was where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive in 1567-68 and can be visited by boat tours that run regularly throughout the day. Once you’ve finished cycling you can hop over the water and take a look at the castle!
Eat & Stay
Right next to Sinclair Cycles you’ll find Loch Leven’s Larder, a farm shop and café overlooking the loch. The Food Hall shines a spotlight on local produce and farm-fresh foods, with mouth-watering pastries, cheeses, breads and salads to tempt your taste buds. Be sure to try a luxury sausage roll – a favourite among customers! Not only that, but Loch Leven’s Larder also has multiple spots to sit down or takeaway, which would serve as a nice post-cycle treat.
Stay comfortably at Pathgreen Glamping, about 8 miles from Kinross. Kick your feet up at the onsite wellness spa, hot tubs and natural plunge pool before getting in a good nights sleep in one of their decked out boutique glamping pods that keep you close to nature while also sleeping in style.
- Loch Leven’s Larder open daily 9am–5:30pm
Pathgreen Glamping Website >
Crieff
Activities – Ben Chonzie
Considered an easier Munro for beginners, Ben Chonzie is the highest peek in the heathery moorland to the north of Crieff. Standing at 3,054 ft (931m), the summit of Ben Chonzie hosts stunning views that stretch for miles: in the northwest you can see the Ben Lawers range; the northeast shows the hills of Atholl; southwards you can see Loch Turret almost 2,000 ft below and beyond, Ochills and Lomond hills.
The 12.5 km (7.75 mile) path takes around 4–5 hours to complete and follows along a marked trail then into moorland, incorporating a short boggy stint that might be challenging (but not impossible!) for beginners. More care is needed on the return trip which is taken back down the same trail.
The mountain can be approached from a start point at Invergeldie, Glen Lednock, near Comrie. Experienced and enthusiastic mountaineers might want to begin the ascent from Loch Turret near Crieff, which adds to the length and difficulty of the overall walk.
- Regular 15-minute buses run between Crieff and Comrie. The number 15 bus goes from Morrisons Daily in Crieff to Comrie Library
Eat & Stay
What’s better than pizza after a long day walking? Delivino in Crieff offers a range of Mediterranean inspired meals and wines that are perfect for rounding off the day. Be sure to try one of their authentic Italian pizzas and wines and top it all off with a well-deserved dessert.
Immerse yourself in the Perthshire countryside by staying at Comrie Croft, where you can stay in unique accommodation like their eco-lodge or Nordic Kata tents, or go for the more traditional wild-style camping on their site, suitable for tents and campervans. The eco-lodge has hotel-style ensuite rooms and the Nordic Kata tents are a quirky twist on glamping, and both are equipped with everything you might need.
- Delivino open Monday–Saturday, 10am–10pm
Comrie Croft Website >
Delivino Website >
Perth
Activities – Kinnoull Hill
Overlooking the city of Perth, Kinnoull Hill is the tallest of the five hills found in the Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park. The other four hills–Corsiehill, Deuchny Hill, Barn Hill, and Binn Hill–make up the rest of the woodland park, which opened as Scotland’s first in 1991. There are several paths up to the 728 ft (222m) summit of Kinnoull Hill that are suitable for walkers of all abilities. Your route leads you under the shade of oak, ash, beech, and rowan trees, as well as Norway Spruce and Scots Pine. As you climb, you may spot red and grey squirrels, woodland birds and even deer. Of course, the star of the show is the stunning panoramic views from the top of the hill, which stretch out towards the rest of Perthshire.
At the top of Kinnoull Hill you’ll also find a 19th century romantic folly right on the edge of the precipice, which is said to be a replica of the watchtowers found in the Rhineland in Germany. Sheer drops line the top of the hill, so do be careful while at the edge!
To add to the walk, approach the hill from the River Tay, the longest river in Scotland which runs through the city. The Tay will take you across the railway bridge and over to Rhodney Gardens – a lovely place to stop before heading to the top! The whole walk should take 1.5–2 hours.
Eat & Stay
In Perth you can find an array of restaurants that offer food from all corners of the world, suitable for all appetites, palettes, and dietary requirements. Use out city centre restaurants blog to help you choose the best place for you!
Camp in the grounds of the ancient royal residence Scone Palace – the crowing place for Scottish kings. The tree-lined campsite is perfect for nature lovers in tents, caravans and motorhomes, and is often visited by animals such as deer, buzzards, owls, and even ospreys. The grounds offer spacious plots with varying degrees of facilities that will suit any budget.
Scone Palace Camping >
Perth City Centre Restaurants Blog >
Aberfeldy
Activities – Water Sports
Step out of your comfort zone and get the adrenalin pumping by trying out white water rafting in Aberfeldy. The River Tay, which meanders through Perthshire, has natural features and reliable water levels throughout the year that make it the perfect place for white water rafting, and a good spot for beginners. The 6-mile stretch of water from Aberfeldy to Grandtully is a scenic route that has some calm spots and challenging rapids that will be exciting while still manageable for those on their first raft. Your experienced guide will take you along the route and help you navigate the waters, which come to a climax at the Grandtully rapids with a several foot descent. The grade three rapids at Grandtully are also the site of the national Slalom competitions, making it an exciting spot to try out.
If white water rafting doesn’t take your fancy, you can also try canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding, all of which include a half day introductory session with an expert guide and take place on one of many select Lochs, depending on your ability. No prior knowledge of the sports are needed beforehand, just step up and have a go!
More Information on Water Sports >
Eat & Stay
Keeping with the water theme, head over to the Three Lemons for some of Aberfeldy locals’ favourite fish and chips. The sit-down restaurant also offers meals such as burgers, pizza, and steak, and both local and international wine to tickle your fancy. If you don’t want to sit down for a meal, don’t worry – the Three Lemons also offers takeaway for selected menu items so you can enjoy your food in the comfort of your room.
And if you are planning on staying in Aberfeldy, Errichel Farm is the place to be. With four secluded cottages to pick from, Errichel gives you a space to step back and escape the business for a moment and sit back and relax, while enjoying the gorgeous views of the Tay Valley and the Grampian Mountains beyond. And to make it better, the bistro is open for breakfast, which features produce straight from the Errichel farms. The deli is also standing by for you to stock up on whatever produce you might need for your days adventure.
- The Three Lemons open Wednesday–Friday, 12pm–3pm and 5pm–9pm. Also open Saturday–Sunday, 11am–3pm and 5pm–9pm
- Errichel Bistro open daily 9pm – 5pm except Wednesday and Thursday