Links
Some links to useful websites
Whats On In Highland Perthshire
Useful for finding out in advance what is on during your stay in Highland Perthshire.
More things to doGood ideas for things to do.
Perthshire Tourist Board WebsiteHere you can find an up-to-date list of events happening in Highland Perthshire. Click on Eventful Perthshire then fill in dates that interest you and highlight Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire then click Search.
Rannoch Highland GatheringAlways held on the third Saturday in August (In 2010 it is 21st August) in the Games Field at Kinloch Rannoch, this typical local highland games, the genuine article, is not specially laid on for tourists. It includes tossing the caber, highland dancing, hill race (anyone over 15 can enter the latter but you need to be fit!) Also races for children, sales of cakes and plants etc in aid of local charities, barbeque, tea tent... Come and join the fun.
Blair Castle International Horse TrialsAugust 26th - 29th 2010. An important international 4 day event horse trials with a country fair and shopping village. Great fun for all the family.
Cancellation Insurance
Schofields Ltd. UK where you can take out cancellation insurance.
Public Transport and Car Hire
Bus timetables for Kinloch Rannoch to Rannoch Station (West Highland Line)
Post Bus - Pitlochry to Rannoch Station & returnThe postbus goes from Pitlochry to Rannoch Station and return
Trains from Rannoch Station to MallaigTrains from Rannoch to Mallaig - good day trip
National Rail EnquiriesWhere to find rail information including timetables. The nearest station is Pitlochry 35 minutes by car, or Rannoch Station, 45 minutes, fewer trains than Pitlochry. You will need to order a taxi from the station in advance: 01882 632 331.
Bus timetables Kinloch Rannoch to PitlochryTimetable for buses
Bus from Kinloch Rannoch to AberfeldyThis bus runs on school days only.
Pitlochry Car HireIf you are coming by train, you can hire a car in Pitlochry from this company.
Car Hire CentreA useful site for comparing prices of hire car companies.
Airport Car ParkingA useful site to find out where to park at your local airport and the cost.
Food Shopping
Nearest farmers' market and info about stallholders and their produce and crafts from Highland Perthshire
Macdonald Brothers Butchers, PitlochryWonderful, traditional butchers in Pitlochry. Order in advance and collect on your way through Pitlochry.
The Country Store, Kinloch RannochThe village general store with helpful, friendly new owners. You can order groceries, papers etc for your arrival. You can also buy local delicacies made by Rannoch Smokery here.
Food for Thought, PitlochryExcellent deli next to the Co-op supermarket in Pitlochry. They also have another shop in Dunkeld high street. You can order in advance and collect on your way to Dunalastair.
Dunkeld Smoked SalmonThe specialist salmon smokers.
Activities
Various outdoor activities based in Aberfeldy
Escape RouteBased in Pitlochry - Everything to do with cycling including bike hire.
Fishing in PerthshireUseful information about fishing.
Fishing shop - Quayles of PitlochryExcellent fishing shop in Pitlochry. Opposite Tourist Information.
GOLFUseful 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.
Highland Adventure SafarisThis award winning safari company has activities for all ages and we highly recommend them for wildlife watching, gold panning for kids, cafe, celebrations with a difference in the hills etc.
Horseriding - Blair Atholl Pony TrekkingA 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).
Horseriding - Taymouth Stables, KenmoreMains 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
Nae LimitsWhite water rafting and other exciting outdoor sports, based at Ballinluig.
Splash White Water Rafting tripsWater sports based in Aberfeldy
Cycle Hire in Highland PerthshireInformation on cycle hire in the area.
Perth RacecourseExcellent country racecourse - a great day out.
Perthshire - Big Tree CountryPerthshire has some of the most remarkable trees, woodlands and country gardens in Europe and is stunning at any time of year. Just a short trip from Dunalastair can take you to Europe's oldest tree, the world's highest hedge, the sole survivor from Shakespeare's 'Birnam Wood' ... and it doesn’t stop there.
Perthshire Walks - maps and descriptionsUseful resource for finding walks, includes maps.
Pocket Walks bookletsUseful booklets of walks in the area.
Trout & Salmon Fishing in ScotlandTrout, salmon and sea trout fishing in Scotland featuring maps, tackle, tactics, flies, articles, knots, books and recipes.
Some Gardens to Visit
A lovely Himalayan garden - highly recommended.
Gardens in PerthshireTells you about the great variety of fascinating and diverse gardens to visit in the area.
Jack Drakes AlpinesWonderful garden and nursery near Aviemore with interesting alpines
Local History
An important local clan to this area which includes the names Robertson, Duncan, Reid and others. Chieftains buried on Dunalastair Estate. The Clan society is organising various events including a Gathering to co-incide with Homecoming events. See their website for details.
Crannog Centre - Iron age loch-dwellingAbsolutely fascinating reconstruction of an iron age loch dwelling. Interpretation area and guided tours. Well worth a visit.
Rannoch History after 1745Hitory of Rannoch following the 1745 Jacobite Uprising
Scots Ancestry Research SocietyThe oldest established organisation tracing family history in Scotland.
Suggestions of where to eat out
This hotel has recently changed hands and we have high hopes for it. It is now serving food all day and has improved hugely. Worth a visit.
Loch Tummel InnThis Inn reopened in 2008 with new, very friendly and welcoming, owners. We had a good bar meal there and have had good reports in general since.
East Haugh HotelSCOTTISH HOTEL AWARDS 2009 "Scottish Fishing Hotel of the Year 2009" An award-winning hotel just south of Pitlochry with very good food and atmosphere.
Fortingall HotelThis hotel is about 25 minutes from Kinloch Rannoch and the food and ambiance is excellent. Need to book on 01887 830367.
Bunrannoch House HotelA privately-owned guesthouse/hotel close to Kinloch Rannoch with a restaurant open to non-residents. See sample menu on their website.
Moulin Inn, just up from PitlochryThis characterful Inn with fascinating history is just outside Pitlochry on the Kirkmichael road. It brews its own beer and you can get a good lunch or dinner here.
Killiecrankie HotelA hotel just north of Pitlochry with a fine reputation for food. Booking advised.
Green Things
Centre for alternative technology in Wales
Green Tourism Business SchemeGreen Tourism Business Scheme
Other Holiday Cottages
Other interesting cottages
Another cottage on Dunalastair - sleeps 10.A cottage belonging to a member of the family but let separately. Sleeps up to 10. Fairly remote. Well equipped and furnished and situated in beautiful surroundings with great views. Contact Fiona on 0131 332 1505 or email her at bravedes@dircon.co.uk
Association of Scottish Self-Caterers websiteA selection of cottages in Scotland.
Holiday LettingsA holiday lettings website
Alastair SawdaysOur entry on Alastair's website, Special Escapes
