Things to Do
Perthshire is regarded as being one of the best holiday destinations not
just in Scotland but in the UK as a whole. It offers a fantastic variety
of things to do for all ages and interests. Steeped in history, there
is no shortage of historical interest, and with scenery as beautiful
as this why go anywhere else.
Not to mention an incredible variety and choice of different leisure activities - you are sure to find something that appeals to you.
Here are a few reasons to plan that well deserved break.
Wonderful Visitor Attractions
See our Visitors Attractions page for ideas on some great days out. Magnificent castles, whisky trails, record breaking trees, spectacular waterfalls, and adventure safaris to name just a few.
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Fascinating Places to Visit
Many fascinating towns, villages and cities all within easy reach - see our Places to Visit page.
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On Site Leisure
Don't forget many leisure activities are available directly on site - see our Site Leisure page for details. Pub/restaurant, equestrian, water-sports, fishing, boating, putting, archery, shooting plus many more. Don't forget about relaxing too!
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Events
A wide variety of fantastic events taking place throughout the year for all ages and interests. Many of the Visitor Attractions hold their own events throughout the year. Events include:
- Cultural events, exhibitions & fairs.
- Festivals.
- Highland Games and Highland evenings.
- Historical re-enactments.
- Motoring events.
- Pipe bands.
- Sporting events.
- Traditional celebrations.
See our What's On page for info.
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Eating Out
The highly recommended Boathouse Restaurant and Bar is located on site only a short stroll from the lodge (see Site Leisure page for more details).
Just across the loch is the renowned Ardeonaig Hotel & Restaurant. Described in the 2005 Michelin Guide as one of the best food "inns" in the UK. AA 2 rosettes. The chef/owner Pete Gottgens has cooked for many world leaders including Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton.
Tel. 01567 820400
www.ardeonaighotel.co.uk
It is only a short drive to dozens of superb eating places nearby - the village of Killin (4miles) is the nearest. See www.killin.info for info on eating places nearby.
Find some great eating places suggested by other guests in our visitors book, and let others benefit from your own experience by leaving your own comments.
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Leisure Activities
Adventure Activities
- Abseiling - get yourself 'roped' into this one! All year.
- Bridge Swinging - this is the next best thing to bungee jumping and is exactly what it says it is! It's the nearest you'll get to being Spiderman! Apr-Oct.
- Canyoning - the descent of a 2 mile stretch of white-water through a 350ft gorge. May-Sept.
- Cliff Jumping - jump into deep clear pools, abseil through waterfalls and slide down natural stone 'flumes'. May-Oct.
- Duckies - a cross between white-water rafting and kayaking. All year.
- Freefall Abseiling and Rap Running - Rap Running is similar to abseiling except you descend the rock face forwards!! All year.
- Paintball - an exhilarating and adrenalin packed experience.
- River Bugs - a single person craft described as a cross between a white water raft and an armchair! Apr-Oct.
- Rock Climbing - explore the crags and cliffs of the mountains ... but whatever you do, don't look down!
- Ropes Course - the high ropes course offers all ages a challenge without the unnerving exposure of actual rock climbing. Low ropes adventure course and climbing walls also available. All year.
- Sphere-ing - roll down the Perthshire hillside inside a 12ft sphere. Very addictive!
- White Water Rafting - negotiate the white rapids a large inflatable craft carrying up to 8 adrenalin-seeking participants.
http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?tm=33
http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=35
www.naelimits.co.uk
www.highlandoffroad.com
Highland
Offroad.com
Highland Offroad provide an exceptional off road driving experience, whether
you're a novice, or a hardened enthusiast.
Experience the exhilaration, fresh
air and adventure of exploring some of Perthshire's most beautiful scenery
from a quad bike.
Offering hourly treks
through the forests of the 280 acre estate of Dunkeld House Hotel, as well
as half day and full day quadricycle tours throughout Perthshire. Kids Quads
are also available at our centre.
Learn what a Land Rover
can really do, with off road driving instruction from Land Rover Experience
Scotland. If wildlife is more your thing, why not try a Wild Perthshire tour.
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Cycling & Mountain Biking
- Cycling - there are quiet glens and country roads to explore, as well as designated cycle tracks through the many forest parks nearby. Various cycle routes to suit all ages and abilities. The new Glasgow to Inverness Sustrans Cycle Route 7 passes directly through the village of Killin. Cycle hire from Killin Outdoor Centre and Mountain Shop.
www.killinoutdoor.co.uk
Tel - 01567 820 652
www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?tm=18
- Mountain Biking - Choose from guided or self guided routes available at a choice of locations. Cycle hire, safety helmet and route maps provided.
http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=35
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Falconry
Experience the ancient sport of Kings. You will be taught how to fly and hunt with various birds of prey in the spectacular Perthshire countryside. Apr-Oct.
http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?tm=34
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Fishing
On site facilities - see Site Leisure page, or try your luck from numerous other lochs and rivers in the area. Brown trout, salmon and coarse fishing. Whether a beginner or an experienced angler why not use the services a Ghillie. All you need to bring with you is a packed lunch, a flask and water-proofs.
www.fishingnet.com
www.anglingintayside.co.uk
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Flying
- Flying Lessons - take control of a Cessna 152 aircraft and get a birds eye view of Perthshire! Locations - Dundee/By Perth.
- Gliding Lessons - this is the closest you'll get to soaring like a bird - a truly memorable experience.
- Microlight Flight - an adventure for those who enjoy wide-open spaces and the nearest experience to flying like a bird. The experience of a lifetime.
- Seaplane Flying (qualified pilots only) - come and enjoy the exhilaration of seaplane flying at Loch Earn. www.caledonianseaplanes.co.uk
Available all year round.
www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=36
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Gold Panning
Find genuine gold in the streams and rivers of Perthshire. This is a great activity for all the family and who knows you might just strike it rich! Available Mar-Oct.
www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?tm=34
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Golf
If you're looking for golf in dramatic surroundings, easy access to courses, a warm and friendly welcome, and great value-for-money (in high season a round will set you back on average £20) then look no further than Perthshire. 40 superbly maintained courses within an hour's drive and a further 60 in Angus and Dundee and Fife. Pure Golfing Pleasure! A few courses nearby are as follows:
- Killin Golf Club (3 miles) - picturesque 9 hole course. The 9th hole been described as one of the most scenic in Scotland with dramatic views sweeping across Loch Tay. www.killingolfclub.co.uk
- St. Fillans Golf Club (9 miles) - another picturesque 9 hole course. St. Fillans on Loch Earn is one of Ian Botham's favourite courses. www.st-fillans-golf.com
- Other Golf Clubs - Kenmore (9 miles) and Taymouth Castle (18 miles), Comrie (9 miles) and, Gleneagles (44 miles) and many other splendid courses within an hours drive.
www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=237
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Horse Riding and Trekking
On site facilities - see Site Leisure page.
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Loch Cruises
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Off-Road
- Off Road/4x4 Driving - see Highland Adventure Safaris on Visitor Attractions page.
- Hovercrafting - these machines are powerful and fast but with a little instruction straightforward to control. Mar-Oct.
- Quad Biking - experience the very best of the Perthshire scenery from your Yamaha All-Terrrain quad. Seriously good fun.
www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=35
www.naelimits.co.uk
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Recreation Centres
- Breadalbane Park in Killin offers putting, bowling and all-weather tennis courts. Equipment may be hired during the summer months and there is a club house and changing rooms which visitors may use.
- Aberfeldy Recreation Centre - features a 25m heated swimming pool accompanied by a luxurious poolside sauna and spa. The pool itself is ideal for families with shallow water at both ends. Other facilities include a modern fully equipped fitness gym, squash courts and crèche.
www.perthandkinrossleisure.co.uk/aberf.htm
www.perthandkinrossleisure.co.uk
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Snow-sports & Winter Activities
- Skiing - cross country skiing may be enjoyed on many of the forest tracks and on some of the lower mountain slopes. Fantastic facilities for skiing and snowboarding at Glenshee (63 miles). www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?tm=32
- Curling - interest in curling in the UK has soared since Rhona Martin and her team won gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Perthshire is a fantastic place to learn and enjoy this fascinating sport. 3 three curling rinks in Perthshire - Perth, Pitlochry, and Kinross. www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=132
- Alternative winter activities - there's a fantastic selection available including gorge crossing, white-water rafting, and many more. www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=125
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Walking and Climbing
The whole area abounds with delightful walks, whatever your ability or experience
There are many, less strenuous walks of varying lengths, in and around Killin, Glen Lochay, Glen Lyon, Strathfillan, Strathyre and Kenmore. For experienced mountaineers there are over thirty Munros within a thirty minutes drive and another forty within an hours drive.
Killin Outdoor Centre and Mountain Shop offer various courses on hill-walking and mountaineering at very reasonable rates, for abilities ranging from beginner to experienced. Courses run from 1 to 5 days.
www.killinoutdoor.co.uk
Tel - 01567 820652
www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?tm=31
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Water-sports
- On site facilities - see Site Leisure page. Other opportunities include:
- Aqua Sausage/Ringo Rides - you'll be towed along Loch Tay by a powerboat whilst holding on firmly to your novelty inflatable.
- Canoeing & Kayaking - paddle the Perthshire waterways in a one or two-man kayak or an open Canadian canoe.
- Diving - based in Kinnesswood, diving off the Fife coast. Apr-Oct.
- Gorge Walking - if you've never scrambled through a gorge or jumped into a gurgling plunge pool, here's your chance.
- Water Skiing - feel the spray on your face as you glide across the loch.
http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=34
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