Outdoor Activities

ACTIVE

Golf - Useful website with information about golf and golf courses in the area. The nearest to Dunalastair would be Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Strathtay, Dunkeld, Taymouth Castle, Kenmore. All are a half to three-quarters of an hour away by car through stunning scenery.

Blair Atholl - The village boasts a pleasant (and flat) 9 hole course, bounded on two sides by the rivers Garry and Tilt with stunning views of the mountains to the north. Tel. 01796 481407

Pitlochry - This is one of the most scenic courses in Scotland. It sits high above the town and has spectacular views south down the Tay valley.
Tel.01796 472792

Dunkeld - Recently upgraded from 9 to 18 holes the wooded panoramas of this course are second to none. Tel. 01350 727524

Aberfeldy 18 flat, riverside holes. Tel 01887 820535

Taymouth Castle - Lying at the head of Loch Tay this course is set in policy woodlands. Tel 01887 830228

Killin - Situated at the west end of loch Tay a stunning but steep 9 holes.
Tel 01567 820312

Highland Adventure Safaris - check out this award winning land rover safari and experience a secret Scotland at 3000 ft.  Marvel at the scenery and wildlife.  Suits all ages and interests.  Off-road driving.  Mountain Bike Skills course. Gold & Gem Panning for children.  Farm Shop & Café.  Gift Shop.  Deer Park.  Wildlife Discovery Garden & Deer Park.  Play area. Tel/Fax: 01887 820071

Horseriding - Blair Atholl Pony Trekking - A good place for pony trekking. The Centre is approved by the Trekking and Riding Society of Scotland (TRSS), and all the staff are qualified, friendly and familiar with Atholl Estates. The Trekking Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday during April – June (Mondays are the ponies rest day in spring) and Sunday – Friday during July – September (Saturdays are the ponies rest day in summer).  To book phone 01796 481568 or email bookings@blaircastletrekking.co.uk

Horseriding - Taymouth Stables, Kenmore - Mains of Taymouth trekking and learning centre is situated in the heart of Scotland with some of the most spectacular views and scenery. 07809 659 577

Perthshire Walks - maps and descriptions - Useful resource for finding walks, includes maps.

Pocket Walks booklets - Useful booklets of walks in the area.

Escape Route - Based in Pitlochry - Everything to do with cycling including bike hire.

Cycle Hire in Highland Perthshire - Information on cycle hire in the area.

Fishing shop - Quayles of Pitlochry  - Excellent fishing shop in Pitlochry. Opposite Tourist Information.

Fishing in Perthshire - Useful information about fishing.

FishPal website - Useful site for fishing information for the Tay area

Trout & Salmon Fishing in Scotland - Trout, salmon and sea trout fishing in Scotland featuring maps, tackle, tactics, flies, articles, knots, books and recipes.

Freespirits Outdoor Centre at the marina by the lochside below the Macdonald Loch Rannoch Hotel on north side of Loch Rannoch just beyond the village.  07909 540232 steve@freespirits.freeserve.co.uk

Splash White Water Rafting trips - Water sports based in Aberfeldy

Adventure Outdoors Dunolly Centre - Various outdoor activities based in Aberfeldy

Nae Limits - White water rafting and other exciting outdoor sports, based at Ballinluig. Tel:  08450 178177

Loch Tay Boating Centre Cabin cruisers, speedboats and canoes for hire. Open 1 April to 15 October. Tel : 01887 830291

National Kayak School, Wade House, Weem, Aberfeldy,Perthshire,PH15 2LD

A bit further away, but it sounds great fun, is Blown Away - landyachting at St. Andrews - about 1.5 hours south east.  St Andrews is the famous home of golf too and an ancient university where certain people met.

Loch of the Lowes  Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre for viewing osprey (in season) and other wildlife.  Note:  Ospreys can often be seen fishing on Dunalastair Loch in the summer.

Dunalastair has red squirrels but so far luckily no greys.  In winter there are usually around 40 whooper swans and lots of geese and duck on the loch.  One pair of whoopers stay all year round and breeds here the rest migrate in spring.  There is a wealth of wild birds and animals to see here.

Geo-caching - a fun way to explore the outdoors and find little 'treasures' at the same time.  There are caches on the estate and in the Rannoch area.  Here is a link to the website

Field Sports
There is a limited amount of shooting and stalking sometimes available on Dunalastair.  Please contact Robert La Terriere on dunalastair.sport@yahoo.co.uk

Racing
Take a day-out at the Races at this wonderful small country racecourse Perth Racecourse

Gardens to Visit

Gardens in Perthshire - Tells you about the great variety of fascinating and diverse gardens to visit in the area including:

Cluny House Gardens, Strathtay (1/2 an hour from Rannoch towards Aberfeldy/Strathtay)   Well worth a visit, it features woodland plants beneath a canopy of rhododendrons, acers, rowans and birches. Giant Himalayan lilies, blue poppies, exotic arisaemas, skunk cabbages and candelabra primulas grow in profusion.  Wonderful in May and June.  Opening dates and times   1st March - 31st October  10.00am - 6.00pm

Bolfracks House and estate  is set in an outstanding location in the heart of the beautiful Perthshire Highlands which encompasses some of the most magnificent Scottish scenery. Salmon fishing is available on two private beats of the River Tay.
The gardens are open daily and are well worth a visit.   On the Aberfeldy to Kenmore road.  Open: 1st April to 31st October. 

Blair Castle Gardens - opening dates and times  April - October 9.30am - 6.00pm (last entry to castle at 4.30pm).

Branklyn Garden (National Trust for Scotland) - Described as the finest two acres of private garden in the country, this oasis of peace and colour is a real urban haven, within walking distance of Perth.  East side of river Tay.
Special Features : Holds the National Collection of Cassiope and are working towards collections of Lilies and Meconopsis. Also well known for their excellent collection of Primulas, Rhododendron and Alpines. The peat wall garden is a very good example of how to grow moisture loving asiatic plants. This form of gardening was developed by the Renton's (the creators of Branklyn), in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.  
Opening dates and times 1st April to 31st October, 7 days, 10am to 5pm
Shop opening times may vary.

If you love Alpines, you should visit Jack Drakes Alpines - a wonderful garden and nursery near Aviemore with interesting alpines

Scotland's Gardens Scheme - Mostly private Gardens Open to the Public
(The 'Yellow Book' can be bought in bookshops across Scotland)
Gardens open regularly and by appointment:
Ardvorlich, Lochearnhead -  see book

• Braco Castle, Braco - see book
• Cluniemore, Pitlochry - May to 1st October (by appointment, please telephone 01796 472006)
• Dowhill, Cleish, near Kinross - Tuesdays and Thursdays only in May
• Drummond Gardens, Muthill - 1st May to 31st October
• Easter Meikle Fardle, Meikleour - April to 30th September (by appointment, please telehone 01738 710330)
• Glendoick, by Perth - Specialist in rhododendrons.  Garden Centre there too - 7th April to 6th June, Monday to Friday only.
• Rossie House, Forgandenny - 1st March to 31st October (by appointment, please telephone T: 01738 812265)
• Scone Palace, Perth - 21st March to 31st October, also Fridays from November to 28th February
• Explorers Garden, The Scottish Plant Hunters Garden, by the Theatre, Pitlochry - 1st April to 31st October