The Big County - Perthshire
What to do on holiday in abnd aaround Perth Scotland.
Practical advise, from golf at Gleneagles to distillery visits and enjoying some of the most splendid trees in the world, all written by a local travel writer.
PERTHSHIRE
If there’s one part of Scotland that encapsulates all that’s best about the country, it’s Perthshire.
Located slap bang in the centre, and crossing the Lowland and Highland divide, it’s got the lot: hills, mountains, lochs, quaint villages, fishing, golf, lovely market towns and wonderful, individually-owned restaurants, galleries and shops.
Here you’ll also find some of the most remarkable trees and woodlands in Europe. In one day’s touring you can see Europe's oldest tree, the world's highest hedge, Britain's tallest tree, and once you’ve done that, round off the day playing golf on some of the most famous courses in the world. There’s Gleneagles, Rosemount and Carnoustie, to name a few.
Each day you can awake to a new pleasure. Visit historic Scone Palace, the site of the coronations of the Kings of Scots. Or how about a Highland Safari in Glen Lyon to spot Scotland’s own version of the ‘Big Five’? (That’s red deer, pine marten, golden eagle,osprey and capercaillie, for the record).
An art gallery appeal? Head to the county capital of Perth – Scotland’s smallest city, but a vibrant place of 40,000 with excellent shops, award-winning restaurants and a high quality of life.
Want to get the adrenalin pumping? How about quad biking, canyoning, cliff jumping, jet biking, or white water rafting? The Perthshire Adventure Line (Tel 0044 (0) 1887 829010) will sort it all in one phone call.
Enjoy an eagle's eye view with a microlight flight, or simply get closer to nature with a relaxing hill walk on one of the many ‘Munros’.
Young and old enjoy a visit to Glenturret and the Famous Grouse Experience, housed in the oldest Single Highland Malt Distillery in Scotland. Another attraction for all ages is the Scottish Crannog centre at Kenmore - Scotland's only authentic recreation of a Celtic loch-dwelling.
Enjoy nature? You’re in for a treat. Remember that tallest hedge in the world ? Well it’s at Meikleour - a lovely village in Highland Perthshire. Then there’s the 5000 yr old Fortingall Yew - the oldest living thing in Europe. According to local legend it was planted by the father of Pontius Pilate, who was born here whilst his father was a visiting emissary of the Roman Empire.
The tallest tree in Britain is a mighty Douglas fir, located in the National Trust for Scotland site at The Hermitage, near Dunkeld As if that’s not enough, there’s the widest conifer in Britain - a giant redwood at Cluny House Gardens, and so the list goes on. Perthshire has an initiative called ‘Big Tree Country’ which aims to promote its high quality sylvan heritage and landscape. Learn more here.
A horticulturalist’s delight is Cluny House Gardens near Aberfeldy where you can walk among the birch trees - the famous “Birks O' Aberfeldy” , written about by Robert Burns. There you can see the widest conifer in Britain - a giant Wellingtonia - 11 metres in girth and over 130 years old, and one of the first specimens introduced to Europe from California in the 1850's .
You can also visit the nearby medieval Castle Menzies and meet the Clan Chief. Always good for making you feel you’re really in Scotland.
In Perthshire you can enjoy some of the finest inland golf in the World. With 40 golf courses to choose from, you'll not know where to start. But then, Perthshire has a long golfing legacy, although in many ways that’s rather ironic as King James IV of Scotland, who tried to ban the game as it conflicted with archery practice, made the first recorded purchase of golfing equipment - a set of clubs from a Bow Maker in Perth in 1502!
For a historic and exceptionally well located self catering cottage click on the link.
This former wing of the Dower House to Methven Castle is just 4 miles out of Perth, yet on a private estate and totally secluded. There are 14 acres of beautiful private grounds of gardens and woodland, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil break. From the windows you see nothing but ancient trees, beautiful gardens, and sheep grazing. No neighbours overlook you , so if you seek peace and quiet, this is the place for you. As well as the two-bedrooms, sitting room (with wood-burning stove), dining kitchen with all mod cons and en – suite bathroom, you have at your disposal your very own half acre walled garden, filled with soft fruit and apple trees.
Learn more about Perthshire for more on this special part of the world.
more info - http://historictravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/scotland_historic_hotels_2
