Pitlochry
The largest town in Highland Perthshire, there’s lots to do in Pitlochry, excellent restaurants, and, because of its rural landscape, plenty of walks.
Faskally Forest
An easy stop and opportunity for a short but very pretty walk is Faskally Forest. Best known in autumn as the “enchanted forest”, the easy-to-follow path loops around Loch Dunmore and the walk takes about 45 minutes. This is located just outside of Pitlochry and is best visited before entering the town.
Directions: Faskally Forest
Loch Faskally & The Salmon Ladder
When you arrive in town, I suggest exploring on foot; the best option is the easy circuit below from the town centre to the Salmon Ladder, returning to town via the Festival Theatre and Port na Craig (one of the town's oldest areas).
This gentle, beautiful waterside trail takes about 1.5 hours. This is an excellent way to combine getting outdoors with exploring the town and seeing the town’s highlights (highly recommended).
Trail: OS Maps
Black Spout Woods
A woodland walk just outside of town, there are a few paths here, depending on how long you want to hike. The easiest and shortest option is to follow the signposts to Black Spout, an impressive little waterfall. Or follow a longer route to the signposted Edradour, then follow the path back into Pitlochry. Allow around 45 minutes.
Trail:start point
Visit Blair Atholl Distillery
One of the oldest and most charming of all Scottish distilleries, Blair Atholl Distillery is located just outside the town. If you’re considering a tour, we especially recommend the Signature Tour at £21 per person.
But there’s also a relaxed, unique mash tun bar area with a fantastic whisky menu for casual tastings, whisky flights, and whisky cocktails.
The bar and shop are walk-in, but tours are best booked in advance.
Directions: Blair Atholl Distillery visitor entrance
Tickets: from the official website here.
Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier
Now, this artisan chocolate shop is a short drive from Pitlochry; however, the detour is well worth it if you have a sweet tooth. Handmade luxury chocolates, plus a chocolate cafe where you can order chocolate flights and mugs of hot chocolate.
Tip: best combined with lunch or dinner at Grandtully Hotel, or as you exit Pitlochry the next day on your journey south.
Where to eat in Pitlochry
Pitlochry has a range of excellent cafés serving breakfast, brunch, soups, light bites, and cakes. All are walk-in only and can get busy at lunchtime. We recommend Jessie’s, Cafe Calluna, and The Garden Cafe for a friendly, relaxed stop.
For dinner, we recommend one of the following eateries. All are excellent, within walking distance of your hotel. All will require pre-booking.
Fauna *: a lovely restaurant, located inside Pine Trees Hotel. A stylish option compared to more rustic options in the town.
The Bridge Restaurant: our top pick, very relaxed and a great menu of classic dishes.
Fern Cottage: Mediterranean-focused menu
Port na Craig: * rustic inn serving hearty Scottish dishes.
The Old Mill Inn: a large and buzzy restaurant in the town centre, with an extensive menu.
The Grandtully Hotel *: our favourite restaurant in the area, a short drive from Pitlochry. The menu focuses on local and seasonal dishes, and strikes the right balance of boutique and friendly.
