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Blairgowrie is perfectly positioned at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, making it one of the most versatile bases for a self catering holiday in Scotland. Within an hour's drive you can be skiing in the Cairngorms, exploring a royal castle, walking a long-distance trail, watching wild beavers, or teeing off on a championship golf course. Here's our guide to the best of what's on your doorstep.
Walking & Outdoor Activities
The Cateran Trail One of Scotland's finest long-distance walking routes, the Cateran Trail is a 64-mile circular walk that starts and finishes right here in Blairgowrie. The route heads north through Bridge of Cally and Kirkmichael, crosses the wild moorland above Glenshee, and sweeps back through Glenisla and Alyth. You can walk the whole trail over five or six days, or enjoy individual sections as day walks from your cottage. Each June, the Cateran Yomp challenges participants to complete the full 64 miles non-stop in aid of charity — a remarkable spectacle if you're visiting at the right time.
Dog Walking Around Blairgowrie Our cottages are ideally placed for dog walkers, with beautiful riverside paths, woodland trails and open countryside all accessible on foot. Each cottage includes a local walking booklet with Perthshire routes of all lengths and difficulties. Many walks start directly from the door.
Outdoor Explore For something more adventurous, Outdoor Explore offers guided kayaking on the River Tay and local lochs, mountain biking, canoeing, archery and hill walking — all led by fully qualified instructors. A great option for families or groups looking to try something new.
Glenshee Ski Centre (24 miles) The UK's largest ski area by terrain, Glenshee offers 22 lifts and 36 runs across a variety of natural terrain, catering to complete beginners and advanced skiers alike. When conditions are good, it's an extraordinary day out — and your Blairgowrie cottage puts you closer to the slopes than almost any accommodation in the area. The scenic drive up through the Snow Roads is worth the trip even without snow.
Blairgowrie Golf Club (2 miles) One of Scotland's most celebrated golf clubs, Blairgowrie Golf Club hosts two championship 18-hole courses — the Rosemount and the Lansdowne — plus a 9-hole course. The Junior Ryder Cup was held here in 2014 and it served as a qualifying venue for The Senior Open in 2022. If golf is your reason for visiting Perthshire, you're in exactly the right place.
Nature Nuts Wildlife Tours (0.5 miles) Just half a mile from the cottages, local wildlife guide Bob Smith — as seen on TV — offers guided tours to see wild beavers on the River Tay, red squirrels, pine martens, and local Munros (mountains over 3,000 ft). An unmissable experience for nature lovers and families.
Stewart's Dairy, Stanley A firm favourite for families, Stewart's Dairy near Stanley (north of Perth) combines excellent homemade ice cream with pygmy goats, rare sheep, geese and ducks. A lovely detour on the way to or from your cottage.
Peel Farm, Glenisla A charming farm café and shop selling speciality foods, with a nature trail and animals. Signposted on the road north to Glenisla past Alyth — a lovely stopping point on a circular drive.
Glamis Castle (15 miles) The former childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Glamis Castle is one of Scotland's most impressive and storied stately homes. Guided tours of the castle's magnificent interiors run throughout the summer, and the surrounding gardens are beautiful in their own right. Just a 20-minute drive from Blairgowrie.
Dunnottar Castle (56 miles) Perched dramatically on a clifftop above the North Sea near Stonehaven, Dunnottar is one of Scotland's most atmospheric castle ruins. Equally striking in sunshine or storm, it's a superb day trip combining history with some of Scotland's most dramatic coastal scenery.
Balmoral Castle (42 miles) The Royal Family's Scottish retreat is around an hour's drive north through Glenshee. Balmoral opens to visitors in spring and early summer, offering guided tours of the grounds, gardens and exhibitions. The scenic drive alone — through some of Scotland's finest Highland landscape — makes this a memorable day out.
The Fife Arms, Braemar (approx. 1 hour) Not just a hotel but a genuine destination, The Fife Arms in Braemar has been transformed by art collectors Iwan and Manuela Wirth into one of Scotland's most extraordinary interiors. The public spaces feature works by Picasso and Lucien Freud among others — remarkable to encounter in a Highland village. Well worth the drive for lunch or afternoon tea.
Church Tapas and Bar (0.5 miles) The church is right next door to the Coach House at Riverlea — and just across the River Ericht from the Old Scout Hall. Chef Willie Little specialises in outstanding fish dishes, with a full menu to suit all tastes, a welcoming bar with log burner, and outdoor seating in summer. Booking ahead is recommended.
The Causerie, Blairgowrie High Street Situated on Blairgowrie's High Street, The Causerie also has outside seating. Open 9am–3pm (closed Sundays and Mondays).
Jahangir Indian Restaurant A popular Balti restaurant in the heart of Blairgowrie, with sit-in and takeaway options. Part of a small group with outlets also in Dundee and St Andrews.
Sampan Great for a takeaway - just across the bridge from the Coach House
Persie Gin Distillery (10 miles) A short drive into the Perthshire countryside brings you to Persie, a family-run craft gin distillery producing several distinctive flavour varieties. Tastings are available — a delightful afternoon stop for gin enthusiasts.