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Blairgowrie might not be the first name that comes to mind when planning a Scottish holiday, but for those in the know, it's one of the finest bases on the Scottish mainland. Sitting at the southern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, this handsome Perthshire market town offers easy access to skiing, world-class golf, long-distance walking, royal castles and some of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes — all within an hour's drive.
Here's our guide to making the most of your stay.
Starting and finishing in Blairgowrie, the 64-mile Cateran Trail is one of Scotland's most rewarding long-distance walking routes. It winds through Highland Perthshire's varied landscape of river valleys, moorland and mountain passes, with villages and welcoming pubs along the way. You can take on the whole route over five or six days, or pick off individual sections as day walks. The trail is well-waymarked and passable year-round.
Twenty-four miles north of Blairgowrie lies Glenshee, the UK's largest ski resort by area. With 36 runs and 22 lifts spread across several Cairngorm peaks, it caters to all abilities and offers a genuinely exhilarating day on the snow when conditions are right. Staying in Blairgowrie puts you closer to the slopes than most visitors, making early morning starts easy and avoiding the worst of the traffic.
Blairgowrie Golf Club is one of the great hidden gems of Scottish golf. With two championship 18-hole courses — the Rosemount and the Lansdowne — and a 9-hole option, it offers a full day's play for golfers of all standards. The club hosted the Junior Ryder Cup in 2014 and has welcomed some of the world's top senior professionals during The Senior Open qualifying rounds. Green fees are surprisingly reasonable for the quality on offer.
Just half a mile from the centre of Blairgowrie, wildlife guide Bob Smith of Nature Nuts offers extraordinary guided experiences. Depending on the season, you might watch wild beavers on the River Tay — a species reintroduced to Scotland in recent years — spot red squirrels in their woodland habitat, or catch a glimpse of pine martens at close range. Bob has appeared on television and his knowledge of the local area is exceptional.
Just 15 miles south of Blairgowrie, Glamis Castle is one of Scotland's most magnificent stately homes. The family seat of the Earls of Strathmore, it was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and is steeped in history, legend and remarkable architecture. Summer tours of the castle interior reveal a treasure trove of art, furniture and royal connections.
The Snow Roads Scenic Route is one of Scotland's officially designated scenic drives, taking in some of the highest public roads in the UK through the Cairngorms. Heading north from Blairgowrie through Glenshee, the route climbs to over 2,000 feet before descending through Deeside. Even without snow, the views across the Highland landscape are breathtaking.
Ten miles into the countryside, the family-run Persie Gin Distillery produces a range of distinctive craft gins using local botanicals. Tastings are available and the distillery welcomes visitors — a lovely way to spend an afternoon in the Perthshire countryside.
Blairgowrie Self Catering offers three beautifully furnished cottages in the heart of town, each sleeping four guests.
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