experiences
Go walking
immerse yourself in nature
Experience the beautiful Highland landscape surrounding The Hayloft with countless walks to choose from. There are walks to suit everyone from munros and waterfalls to gorge, river and loch walks.
Discover Blair Castle
over 700 years of history
See Scottish history through the lives of the Atholl family at Blair Castle, dating from 1269 and just a five minute drive from The Hayloft. There is also a restaurant, gift shop, walled garden, Diana’s Grove, pony trekking, Landrover safaris and the International horse trials in August. For a full list of events and activities check: www.blair-castle.co.uk
Explore Killiecrankie
battlefield, gorge walk and Soldier's leap
Our Hayloft sits above the site of one of the goriest battles in Jacobite history, the battle of Killiecrankie, 1689. Find out more at the National Trust visitor centre. Beautiful, wooded, river gorge walk and Soldier’s leap, especially spectacular in Autumn with fiery colours.
If you’d like to try your own jump, try the bridge swing or bungee jump from the Garry bridge.
Edradour
visit the world renowned smallest distillery
Edradour, the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland, stands alone as the last stronghold of handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery still in production.
www.edradour.com
Other distilleries close by are Blair Athol in Pitlochry and Dewars in Aberfeldy. Further afield but an easy day trip are Dalwhinnie, Speyside, Royal Lochnagar and Tomatin Distilleries.
Go on a hill trip
to see the Cairgorm reindeer
Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the close by Cairngorm mountains. The reindeer’s soft velvet noses mean they are a delight to hand-feed and with their endearing, friendly nature, a hill trip to see the reindeer on the hill is an unforgettable experience.
www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk
An inspirational day trip
Visit the V&A Dundee, Edinburgh and St Andrews
Visit the new V&A Dundee, created by renowned architect Kengo Kuma and Scotlands’ first ever design museum. www.vam.ac.uk/dundee
Explore Edinburgh, famous for its festivals, discover Edinburgh castle dominating the skyline, climb the Scott monument to get blow you away views or venture into haunted vaults for a city of the dead tour, the list goes on…
One of our favourite day trips- St Andrews, the home of golf, ancient ruins, beaches and coastal views (featured in the film Chariots of fire) Scotland’s oldest university (where Prince William met Kate) and award winning eateries.
Get close to ospreys and red squirrels
at Loch of the Lowes
Visit Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, part of the Scottish Wildlife trust. Get closer to the ospreys from the hides and spot red squirrels, woodpeckers and other woodland birds from viewing windows.
Explore Loch Tay
Kenmore, the Crannog and Aberfeldy
Drive to the lovely village of Kenmore which lies at the edge of stunning loch Tay. Great for activities on and around the Loch itself- sailing, canoeing and water-skiing.
Find out what life was like 2,500 years ago at the Crannog, a unique reconstruction of an ancient iron age loch dwelling which sits on the loch.
www.crannog.co.uk
On the way, stop off in Aberfeldy for coffee and cake at the Watermill, an independent book shop, art gallery and cafe. www.aberfeldywatermill.com
Watch Highland Games
traditional Scottish sporting and cultural events
Scotland has a long tradition and history of Highland Games where Clans would compete against each other in sporting events.
Some say that Highland Games originated as a clan chieftain’s way of choosing the best bodyguards and the fittest fighters. Not all the chief’s requirements were warlike – musicians and dancers were important for the prestige of his household.
Typical events include: heavy and light events- including tossing the caber and the tug o war, pipe bands and Highland dance. For dates visit:
www.rshga.org/visitors/events-calendar
Lunch at
a working Watermill
dating back to the 1590’s
We are fortunate to be just a ten minute drive to the Blair Atholl Watermill- we especially love the handmade bread, bagels and cake. Light lunches are freshly made and include locally sourced produce. The mill has featured on Britain’s Best Bakery, and Nadiya’s Food Adventures programmes. You can also have a tour of the mill or buy their milled oatmeal and flours.
www.blairathollwatermill.com
Experience
the Enchanted Forest
Set amidst the stunning Autumn woodland of Faskally Wood, The Enchanted Forest is Scotland’s premier sound and light event.
Current winner of UK’s Best Cultural Event, the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Award for Best Outdoor Festival as well as Scotland’s Best Large Event.
www.enchantedforest.org.uk