Clayhills Cottage, Blairgowrie

The red sandstone town of Blairgowrie is situated on the bank of the river Ericht, where it emerges from spectacular gorges in Strathmore. With good shops, great restaurants and coffee bars, it makes an excellent town to start exploring Perthshire and the beautiful Angus Glens. Surrounded by rolling fields, famed for their berries, the town is overlooked by hills and mountains, and is the main link to Scotlands largest ski centre at Glenshee. The surrounding countryside is the perfect terrain for horse riding, cycling, mountain biking and hill walking, whilst golfers are well-catered for with several excellent courses (including Rosemount) locally. Gleneagles and championship courses of Carnoustie and St Andrews are also within easy reach. Marvel at the world’s tallest beech hedge at Meikleour (600m long and 30m high), see Meigle’s collection of Pictish sculpted stones, or listen to stirring tales at Glamis Castle, the setting for Macbeth and said to be Scotlands most haunted castle! The small town of Dunkeld is also worth a visit with its historic cathedral, riverside walks, impressive trees, such as the Birnam Oak and parent Larches of Dunkeld, and the Hermitage, which offers breath-taking waterfalls. Abundant wildlife frequent the many surrounding woodlands, from red squirrels, foxes and deer to Swifts, Goldcrests and Buzzards, with breeding Ospreys seen at nearby Loch of the Lowes.