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Suggested Days Out

A DRIVE, A WALK, LUNCH, A CASTLE & SOME SHOPPING:
Drive out of Crieff towards Perth and take the high road (A822) through the Sma' glen via Amulree to the A9 at Dunkeld. Take the A9 to the House of Bruar by Pitagowan. This scenic route takes about an hour. At the House of Bruar there is a lovely historic walk up to Bruar falls. There is a very good self-service restaurant and an excellent selection of Scottish produce and clothing in the shop. Blair Castle is just a short drive down the B8079. Here you will find one of the best examples of Scottish baronial architecture, with picnic areas, play areas, extensive parkland, a deer park, highland cattle, nature trails, restaurant, gift shop, an 18th century walled garden and the recently restored Hercules Garden. 01796 481207.

DUNKELD, THE HERMITAGE & KILLIECRANKIE. A visit to Dunkeld ties in well with a walk to the Hermitage where you can see the UK's tallest tree and a lovely 18th century viewing house (Ossian's Hall) looking out over the Falls of Braan which is particularly spectacular after heavy rain. Dunkeld itself has shops and tearooms and several buildings of historic interest, as well as a river walk by the Cathedral. In nearby Birnam meet Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle at the Beatrix Potter Centre. Killiecrankie visitor centre is a short drive up the A9, where there is another lovely walk alongside the river, and a chance to see the famous Soldiers Leap the spot where a fleeing Redcoat leapt across 19 feet of roaring river after the battle of Killicrankie in 1689.

A DAY OUT TO ST. ANDREW'S - FISH & CHIPS AT ANSTRUTHER. It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to drive to St. Andrews via Cupar in Fife. It's not just golfers who enjoy the charm of this town. (British Golf Museum) There are many interesting small shops, a Sea Life centre, and lots of place to have lunch or afternoon tea. Ten miles further on are the quaint East Neuk fishing towns of Anstruther, Crail, Pittenweem and Elie. The beach at Elie is particularly worth a visit in fine weather. The fish & chip shop on the front at Anstruther is well known for providing quality fish and is just around the corner from the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Other places to visit could include Falkland Palace and Kellie House. You may consider returning over the Tay bridge through Dundee - this route is a similar distance but quicker.

A DAY OUT TO OBAN AND THE WEST COAST The route over to the west is best made there and back on the same road unless you want to do a lot of driving and set off very early. The route is through Comrie - Lochearnhead - Crianlarich - Dalmally - Taynuilt - Connel - Oban. On the way you pass some wonderful views over Loch Awe. The Power station at Cruachan is a fascinating visit. Just a mile further on stop at the Loch Awe barrage. You can park alongside the road. In September and October and other times of spate you can see the salmon jumping without even getting out of your car.

OBAN
The approach to the busy seaside town of Oban from Connel gives beautiful views of Dunstaffnage Castle, which stands, on a rocky promontory on the Firth of Lorne. Entering the town has been described as an experience not to be forgotten with the sight of the Island of Kerrera and smaller islands gracing the Sound of Mull and the Firth of Lorne. The sheltered bay offers safe boating and sailing while the harbour is the starting point for many sea trips and cruises to view the seals and other sea life. The harbour is also the terminal for ferry services to the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

High above the town stands MacCaig's Folly - the most distinctive landmark of the Western Highlands. It is possible to climb to the Folly and the panoramic views are well worth the effort. There are plenty of shops and eating-places in the town, also a distillery. Recommended eating: Ee-usk on the Pier for fresh seafood 01631-565666.

SCENIC DRIVES Loch Tay 65 miles approx. (small windy roads) Circular -West to Comrie - St. Fillans - Lochearnhead - up Glen Ogle- Killin - turn right before Falls of Dochart - Ardeonaig - Ardtalnaig - Kenmore. At the end of the South Loch Tay road turn right before the main road and drive up and over the top through 3 closed gates past Loch Freuchie to Amulree then down Sma' Glen to Gilmerton and then Crieff. This last road is closed in poor weather conditions- alternate route to Aberfeldy - turn right for Amulree/Crieff.

Glen Lyon & Loch Tay 85 miles approximately (more adventurous - some very small windy roads) Circular -East to Gilmerton - A822/A 826 to Aberfeldy - over Wades bridge B 846 - turn left at Coshieville -Fortingall - Bridge of Balgie - over Ben Lawers road- A827 on Loch Tay - turn right - Killin over Falls of Dochart - Lix Toll - Glen Ogle - Lochearnhead - St. Fillans - Comrie- Crieff.

MUNRO'S. If you are planning to walk some of the Munro 's a in the area please make sure that you have checked access arrangements and weather conditions, and that you are well equipped. It would be a good idea to buy a Munro book as these are full of good advice on what to carry, where to start your walk and will be able to give you some idea of degrees of difficulty. The better known local Munros include, Ben Vorlich, Ben Chonzie, Ben Lawers, Beinn Ghlas, Ben More, Stob Binnein and Schiehallion.