Loch Tay, Holiday Cottage | The Cottage, Loch Self Catering

Visiting Perthshire

Highland Perthshire is an incredibly dramatic part of the world.  It boasts some of the highest mountains, some of the most beautiful and tranquil lochs and the longest and loneliest glen in Scotland.  Many beautiful, unspoilt hamlets, villages and towns nestle in what is commonly known as Big Tree Country and the capital, Perth, is a delightful, vibrant city for young and old alike.  The region is steeped in history, ancient and modern, one minute you can be sitting in a 2000 year old loch dwellers living room making fire with sticks, the next you can be in a castle, marvelling at the sumptuous bed that Queen Victoria slept in, on her honeymoon.

Wherever you travel in Highland Perthshire , you will find a warm and friendly welcome.  Quite often you will find yourself in a place that you could be forgiven for thinking you were the first person to discover.

Exploring Highland Perthshire

Perthshire attracts millions of visitors every year, many returning time after time. For many, it is the tranquillity that attracts them back, the chance to be so close to nature.  Others enjoy the peaceful way of life in the hamlets, villages and towns.  Whatever your preference , there is something here for everyone, young or old. 

Towns & Villages

There is something special about the towns and villages in Perthshire.    Wonderfully unspoilt little market towns nestle among mountains and lochs, each one with its own distinct personality.  Each one with a little something different to offer the visitor.  The area allows you to experience the flavours of both the Highlands and the lowlands as you travel around the very heart of Scotland. 

Loch Tay Area

Loch Tay is the sixth largest loch in Scotland and is over 150 metres deep at its deepest.  It is approximately 14½ miles long and over a mile wide.  Ben Lawers, the UKs 10th highest mountain at 1214m, proudly emerges from the waters of the loch to provide a dramatic backdrop.  Two rivers feed the loch, the Lochay and the the Dochart.  The latter flowing over spectacular falls in the village of Killin to the West.  Loch Tay feeds the River Tay, the longest river in Scotland, and one of the best salmon fishing rivers in Europe.  Kenmore, a small unspoilt village at the head of Loch Tay, boasts the oldest inn in Scotland, The Kenmore Hotel, which dates back to 1572.

Every imaginable watersport from scuba diving to parascending is available on the loch, whilst the mountains are home to hikers, gorge walkers, field sports fanatics, mountaineers and wildlife enthusiasts.   Cyclists and horse riders can saddle up in the local area and there are two golf courses (one 9 and one 18 hole) within 5 minutes drive.  Dewars distillery in Aberfeldy will delight the whisky connoisseur, whilst younger visitors will find the local wildlife parks more to their taste.  The area is packed full of activities, so whatever the weather, there is always something new to see and do nearby.

Activities

The region is home to many famous distilleries, and, if golf is your scene, you have the choice of some of the most spectacular courses in the country.  The area also boasts the only castle in Europe with its own private army.  Situated in the centre of Scotland, Highland Perthshire is ideally placed to use as a base to explore the furthest reaches of the country.

Attractions In Highland Perthshire

Keeping everyone amused whilst you are on holiday can sometimes seem like a chore.  Finding the right activities is an important part of your holiday.  Whether you are interested in local history or mad about watersports, Highland Perthshire is the place to be.   With something for everyone, all within close range of "The Cottage", you will be spoilt for choice.