20 Cool Things To Do In Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a small town located in the beautiful highlands of Perthshire, not far from the city of Perth. This post covers cool things to do in Pitlochry and nearby villages including the famous Killiecrankie and Blair Atholl. 

This area is one of the most picturesque areas in the whole of Scotland. Pitlochry has many attractions that symbolises the immense history from the 16th century onwards.

It is an amazing part of the country to explore even if you live in the area. Also, there is so much to enjoy as a traveller in beautiful nature including forest walks, Munros and waterfalls. 

Most of the attractions on this itinerary can be completed over a weekend. However, if you wish to attempt a Munro or two, you will need a much longer time. 

Whitefield Castle

Whitefield Castle is a ruined L-plan castle perched on a hill overlooking Kirkmichael. Kirkmichael is a small village eight miles outside of Pitlochry.

The tower was built in the 12th century by Malcolm Canmore, later it was extended in the 16th Century by the Spalding family. 

The Spalding family moved out of Whitefield Castle to Ashintully in the late 16th century. Legend has it that the castles are connected by a long underground tunnel.

Now, it has been lying as a ruin for centuries. The ruin is in the middle of open land, with almost no path network to get there.

Therefore, the site welcomes nearly no visitors and it is a hidden gem for most tourists. If you fancy a trek off the beaten track and a chance to witness spectacular views of the Whitefield Hills, this small ruin might just be the find for you.

There are many other epic castles in Perthshire.

Nearby Accommodation: The Stables

Black Castle of Moulin Ruins

The Black Castle Ruins is a very small but spectacular ruined tower. The story goes that the castle was built by Sir John Campbell, Earl of Atholl in the 14th century.

Robert the Bruce gave the land to the Earl of Atholl in support of Scottish Independence. When it was originally built it was on a peninsula with water surrounding it. 

Interestingly, the castle was abandoned in the 16th century, and set alight as it was thought the building had the plague. By the 19th century, the site was being used as farmland. 

Edradour Distillery

Edradour Distillery is one of the smallest distilleries and longest run farm distilleries in Scotland. Originally Edradour was built in 1825.

The site itself is known as ‘little model village’ which looks like a small fairytale setting including a rocky river and white house perched on the embankment.

Edradour is famous for the production of Edradour Single Malt Whisky. There are over twenty five distinctive expressions of single malt whiskey, that possess wonderful characters and flavours.

A tour through Edradour is an unforgettable experience, where you can learn how whisky is made, witness the sounds, smells and sights that are involved in the process.

The tours are informative and the tasting experience is well presented. Remember to buy a coffee or hot chocolate from the coffee shop, you will receive a tiny beautiful mug with Edradour miniature on it.

Black Spout Waterfall

The route from the car park is well signed and very easy to follow. You will be walking for approximately 500 metres.

If you are lucky enough while walking through the oak woods you may get the chance to spot Roe Deer, Greeted Spotter Woodpecker or a colourful Jay. 

The waterfall itself has a beautiful viewing platform where you can get excellent photos or sit and admire the views. The waterfall drops 190 feet (60 metres) into the gorge below.

Also, you can continue walking upstream past the falls to get to Edradour Distillery. Black Spout is one of the most stunning waterfalls near Perth.

Alternatively, you can walk from the Pitlochry centre which will take an extra 15 minutes. Walking from the centre you will come across Atholl Palace Museum and Blair Athol Distillery. 

Blair Athol Distillery

Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in picturesque Pitlochry. The Blair Athol Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, as it was established in 1798.

Interestingly, the water from Allt Dour that flows from Ben Vrackie contributes to the mellow quality and smooth finish of the whiskey produced.

There are great tours available where you are shown how the whisky is produced. You will be guided by very friendly knowledgeable tour guides.

Also, the tasting experience will make you realise how complex and different each whiskey tastes. It was a lovely experience I would highly recommend.

Atholl Palace

At Atholl Palace, you can stay in the traditional country house which holds many features and character from the Victorian era.

Also, you can explore the many walks in the award-winning gardens, the interesting historic museum or relax at the Lavender Spa. Additionally, Atholl Palace is the perfect setting for a romantic wedding or conferences. 

There is the Verandah Restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. Also, there is Stags Head bar & beer garden which is open until 11pm.

Atholl Palace provides a restful stay in the heart of the Highlands, it is definitely the most luxurious place to relax in Pitlochry.

Sunny Brae Cottage

Sunny Brae Cottage is a preserved 17th-century highland-style cottage located on the main street of Pitlochry. The cottage is believed to be the first cottage built in Pitlochry therefore it symbolises the beginnings of the town.

The Historic Environment Scotland currently maintains the site. You can learn how people used to live back in the day, also, how they kept warm and what the rooms in the cottages were like.

Pitlochry Dam and Visitor Centre

Pitlochry Dam was one of the many dams built as part of the hydroelectricity scheme in 1951. The visitor centre was opened in 2017 and hosts a gift shop, coffee shop and spectacular views over the River Tummel and Loch Faskally. 

At the visitor centre you can explore several interesting exhibitions. Also, you can learn about Scotland’s compelling hydro heritage, the construction of the Pitlochry Dam, the fascinating fish ladder that allows safeguarding of fish stock.

Visitors can learn about how the SSE plans to protect local habitats and shelter the regional flora and fauna. Loch Faskally is one of the most picturesque lochs in Scotland.

Once you have viewed the dam, you can enjoy a lovely fresh brewed coffee while admiring the stunning backdrop of River Tummel and Loch Faskally.

There are many viewpoints in the area to admire the construction of the dam. Also, you can go for a circuit walk where you can walk over the dam and return over the river by walking on the Iron Suspension Bridge.

Faskally Forest

Faskally Forest is a large woodland area one mile north of Pitlochry. The forest is home to a range of tree species which are over 200 years old.

In the forest you can enjoy many signposted trails including Dunmore Trail running along the loch or Forester’s Trail around Dunmore Hill.  

Near Loch Dunmore is the picturesque boat house and small timber bridge which provides the perfect opportunity. Also, there is a car park and picnic sites so you can relax.

During the autumn time, you can witness the golden shades taking over the green forestry trees which provide the perfect photo opportunity. Alternatively, you can listen to the wildlife and admire the flowers in bloom in the spring. 

The Enchanted Forest is a music and light show that illuminates the forest and skies during dark Autumn evenings. It is the most magical evening where you can walk around and enjoy the artwork and let your imagination run wild.

Linn of Tummel / Clunie Monument / Garry Footbridge

Linn of Tummel is a great series of waterfalls sprawling over the River Tummel. There are several walking routes that allow you to get amazing views of the River Tummel from different angles. 

The first and easiest route includes parking at the Linn of Tummel car park. From there you can walk down a steady slope for 10 mins until you reach the embankment of the small waterfall.

Be aware that this route might be slippery, marshy and wet. It is not very stable for older people.

On the way to the car park you will come across the Clunie Monument. The Clunie Monument marks the actual size of the tunnels used in the hydro scheme.

Also the monument marks the lives lost during the construction of the hydroelectricity scheme.

The most beautiful and very scenic route is to walk from the other side of the River Tummel. You can park your car at the Garry Footbridge.

This is another excellent photo opportunity in the autumn season due to the golden colours of the leaves. You can follow the clear footpaths and walk over suspension bridges to admire the surrounding glen.

This overall walk should take two hours at a steady pace.

Highland Fling

The Highland Fling is a bungee jumping company based at Killiecrankie Visitor Centre. They offer the biggest adrenaline-pumping activity in one of the most scenic spots in Scotland.

I have seen a few people jump off of the Garry Bridge. As well as a bungee jump, you can try the bridge swing or zip-line through Killiecrankie.

There is so much choice for those adrenaline seekers.

Queen’s View

Next on the list is the famous viewpoint over Loch Tummel, Queens View. This view is magnificent on a clear sunny day as you can see the surrounding mountain peaks and Munro summits in the distance including the Schiehallion. 

The viewpoint is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the car park. Also, there is a gift shop and visitor centre on-site.

To get there you will have to follow a fifteen-minute drive or so along winding twisty roads from Garry Bridge.

Queen’s View is called Queen’s View because Queen Victoria visited the site in 1866 and the viewpoint was named after her.

However, there is another belief that the viewpoint was named after Robert the Bruce’s Wife, Queen Isabella of Scotland, over 550 years earlier. 

Dunalastair House

Dunalastair House is an abandoned ruined mansion which is a twenty minute drive west from the Queen’s View Visitor Centre. The house overlooks Dunalastair Water and is not too far from Loch Rannoch and the Schiehallion.

This ruin is an amazing architectural masterpiece. It is strange to see such a beautiful building left to decay, and yet you can imagine its original shape and form.

Apparently the building started to become a ruin during World War I when the staff needed to run the prestigious house has become scarce.

During World War II the baronial mansion was requisitioned to be used as a school for Polish children. The site is a promontory site, and footpaths lead to it from the main road past the burial ground of the Robertson Clan.

Killiecrankie

At the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre you can find out about the famous Battle of Killiecrankie which occurred in the 17th Century. The Battle of Killiecrankie was one of the goriest battles between the Redcoats and Jacobite’s.

Also, you can follow the footpaths down the gorge and look for wildlife including red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens. 

In addition, you can view the Soldier’s Leap which is where a redcoat soldier leapt 18 feet across the River Garry when trying to escape from the Jacobite Army. The views are breath taking and you can perfectly examine nature and the past.

The landscape is lovely, and you can spend hours plodding in the water. 

Moreover, you can view the Killiecrankie Viaduct which is a ten-arched railway bridge. The viaduct was built in 1863, for £5,730 and it served the Highland Railway line. 

Blair Castle

Blair Castle and Gardens displays a turbulent 750-year history of Scotland. The massive white castle has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries.

Inside the 30 rooms, it demonstrates Scottish baronial architecture which has been home to entrepreneurs, politicians and soldiers. Also, in the castle, there is a restaurant and gift shop where you buy Scottish souvenirs. 

You can explore the well kept gardens including Hercules Garden which is a famous walled garden or Diana’s Grove which is well known for outlandish conifers.

House of Bruar 

The House of Bruar is one of the most esteemed shopping retail precincts in Scotland. It is located just off the A9, ten miles north of Pitlochry.

Here, you can look through the food hall for a taste of luxury including artisan products, acclaimed butchers, an award-winning delicatessen, a selection of malt whiskeys and unique Scottish Gins. 

Also, the House of Bruar is home to the finest cashmere and tweed garments. In addition, you can admire the art gallery, scan the country styles homeware or find the perfect gift for a loved one. The staff are very friendly and very helpful.

Falls of Bruar

Just behind the House of Bruar is the Falls of Bruar. The walk is slightly uphill and it is perfect to burn off lunch in the afternoon.

There are two stages to the dramatic falls, including the lower falls. and the higher falls. The walk around the falls is two kilometres long and will take one and a half hours. 

The higher waterfall plummets into the deep gorge below. You can stand above the falls on a small stone bridge.

Alternatively, you can view the lower point of the falls which is a shorter walk. I saw people swimming and jumping into the water here. So if you are brave enough you can try and give that a go.

Interestingly, in 1787, Robert Burns made the waterfall more well known by writing a poem about the falls.

For adrenaline seekers, you can take a guided canyoning experience in the lower Falls Of Bruar.

Nearby Munros and Mountain Peaks

Ben Vrackie

Ben Vrackie means ‘Speckled Mountain’ and is 2,759 feet high. There is a small car park located in Moulin near Pitlochry, or alternatively, you can climb from the centre of Pitlochry.

The route involves scenic woodland, open moorland and a spectacular view of Loch a’Choire. It is known as one of the most challenging mountains in Scotland.

However, in saying that you will be enchanted by the magnificent views from the top. Ben Vrackie is one of the most enjoyable Corbetts in Scotland.

Craigower

If Ben Vrackie seems a little bit too daunting, then the smaller option which will take less time is Craigower. There is a car park near the Balnacraig farm buildings.

Overall the route will take one and a half hours. As a reward, when you get near the top you will see the lovely Loch Tummel and Schiehallion in the distance. Craigower is currently managed by National Trust Scotland.

Schiehallion

Another Munro peak that can be viewed from Pitlochry is the Schiehallion. The Schiehallion translates to the ‘fairy hills of the Caldeonians’ and it stands at 3,457 feet.

The starting point for the Schiehallion is at the Braes of Foss car park which is approximately a forty five minute drive from Pitlochry.

The Schiehallion is one of the easier Munros and it is famous for its conical shape. Walking along the terrain you may spot red deer and grouse.

Places to Eat

Loft RestauCant

The Loft Restaurant is located on the Bridge of Tilt and serves a lovely Scottish and British menu.

The restaurant is lovely and authentic, with a good ambience, lovely people, an interesting menu, nice wine and great food.

Escape Route Café

Escape Route Café serves a British menu with a good range of vegan and vegetarian options.

The portion sizes are good and there is a lovely indoor and outdoor seating area. Also, the cafe is lovely for brunch and serves delicious burritos. 

Morton’s Coffee Lounge

Another excellent cafe option which sells good vegan and vegetarian options. The portions are well known for being extremely large.

Also, the choice of sweet treats and cakes is very good. Definitely stop here for a coffee!

The Old Mill Inn 

The Old Mill Inn is one of the best-known pubs in Pitlochry. From the bright and colourful décor outside to the cosy rooms inside, everything just seems so perfect.

The Inn is the perfect place for a drink, meal or a place to stay. 

Places To Stay

Fonab Castle

Fonab Castle is a five-star hotel and spa resort that used to be a magical Scots baronial castle.

The castle is perfectly nestled in the woodland with beautiful views overlooking Loch Faskally.

Faskally Caravan Park

Faskally Caravan Park is the perfect setting for large groups or families. It is a large park just outside of Pitlochry, near the A9 and next to a good road which will lead you to the main attractions.

You can pitch a tent, caravan or motor home here. Not only does the site have excellent facilities, it also has amazing views of River Tummel and the woodlands in the background. 

Pitlochry Backpackers

For the budget solo backpackers there are lovely hostels in Pitlochry. Pitlochry Backpackers is located on the main street of Pitlochry.

The building is the perfect location to relax after completing a day of exploring or doing outdoor activities.

Also, hostels are perfect to meet like-minded people, relax in a large room and enjoy unlimited hot drinks.

Accommodation Suggestions: The Loft At Craiglea, The Atholl Palace & Struan House

Final Note

Pitlochry is one of the best known Victorian villages in Perthshire, Scotland. Not only can you complete all the attractions listed above, but Pitlochry is near the Cairngorm National Park where you can explore further. 

This area is excellent for nature enthusiasts and solo travellers with a passion to explore.

Pitlochry looks completely different depending on what season you go. In the summer, flowers and trees are out in full bloom. Also, you can do activities such as rafting, kayaking or paddle boarding. 

Also, in the autumn, the leaves begin to change through all the warm golden shades therefore it is the perfect backdrop for photos. In the winter, the background of the surrounding mountain peaks will have a lovely layer of pale shimmery snow on them.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to relax and explore Pitlochry and surrounding areas. If you have any questions or would like to mention your favourite parts please post a reply below.