A Day Trip To Pitlochry

Heading 30 mins by car to the east from Dalnoid will find you in the town of Pitlochry. Pitlochry is a vibrant town that always has something going on. It’s worth checking out the local events calendar to see what will be happening during your visit. There are often festivals and markets happening in the centre of town. The town is set amongst the pine woods and is just a short drive from Loch Faskally. A beautiful area that is also well worth a visit.

Pitlochry Dam

There is a hydroelectric dam at the heart of the town which is an impressive construction. It was built with wildlife in mind so you can still see the salmon swimming up the river. This is a popular activity in Pitlochry when it comes time for them to spawn. A real sight to behold if you’re there at the right time of year.

Newly built by the dam is the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre. Whether you’re interested in learning about hydroelectricity and how its introduction affected life in the area, or you’re more interested in the salmon, you’ll find something of interest at the visitor centre. When you’re done exploring the exhibits, you can rest your feet in the cafe. Or, look for a souvenir in the shop.

The Explorer’s Garden

Pitlochry is home to the Explorer’s garden. This garden, which was built with the royal botanical garden in Edinburgh, is a celebration of eighteenth-century plant hunters. Not only can you see the exotic plants that these explorers brought back from around the world, but you can also learn about their exciting adventures that allowed them to find these specimens.

The garden also has a nursery so you can take home some seeds to grow in your own garden. You can also pick up packs of squirrel feed, which contains all the nutrients red squirrels need to thrive.

Atholl Palace Hotel

Housed in the old servants’ wing of the Atholl Palace Hotel is a museum that charts the colourful history of the hotel. Opened in 1878 as a Hydropathic establishment the hotel has been home to a varied bunch of folks. Exploring the museum will give you the chance to learn about the entrepreneurs, the servants, and the evacuees that spent time here. The museum uses a mix of modern technology and good old-fashioned dressing up to help you feel what the hotel was like at the different stages of its history.

Back to Blog Page