Here at our Kinloch Rannoch Hotel, Dunalastair Hotel Suites have compiled a seven-day itinerary perfect for all of the family. We have aimed to create the right mix of excitement and relaxation. At the same time, we want to offer our guests a chance to learn about the history and the lives of the people who live in this beautiful part of the world. We want our five-star hotel in the Scottish Highlands to be a haven for our guests to return to after enjoying Scotland’s natural wilderness and stunning beauty.
The seven day itinerary starts here…..
Day 1 – Dunalastair Hotel Suites > The House Of Bruar > Pitlochry fish ladder & Visitor centre > Faskally Forest > Blair Athol Distillery > Back to base
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > The House of Bruar (Distance: 14.2 miles)
The House of Bruar is Scotland’s upmarket independent country fashion retailer. They stock an impressive collection of traditional, high-quality Tweeds and cashmere garments with the latest rural style. There is also an extensive food hall with a renowned butcher, as well as a gift section.
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Pitlochry fish ladder & Visitor centre PH16 5BF (Distance: 25.2 miles)
Pitlochry’s famous fish ladder was built in 1952 and has 34 tiered pools that safely encourage more than 5000 salmon upriver during their spawning cycle. Opposition to the dam was strong in the town, as residents thought it would damage tourism. In fact, the opposite was true, and the dam and fish ladder have become tourist attractions in their own right. The visitor centre nearby demonstrates how power is generated, how the salmon swim up the ladder and videos of the construction.
Pitlochry fish ladder & Visitor centre > Faskally Forest PH16 5LB (Distance: 2.7 miles)
Faskally Wood is an ancient woodland area within Tay Forest Park on the banks of Loch Dunmore. Also known as Faskally Woods, Faskally Forest is a wooded area along the banks of Loch Dunmore. There are two short walks Dunmore Trail and Forester’s Trail.
Faskally Forest > Blair Athol Distillery PH16 5LY (Distance: 2.6 miles)
At the foot of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol is a distillery in Pitlochry that distils Blair Athol, a single malt whisky. Discover the production process with regular tours around the distillery.
Blair Athol Distillery > Dunalastair Hotel Suites PH16 5PW (Distance: 24.6 miles)
Day 2 – Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Blair Castle > Highland Chocolatier > Back to base
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Blair Castle PH18 5TL (Distance: 17.7 miles)
Blair Castle stands near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire. Over the centuries, home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life, with a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture. With more than 750 years of history behind this spectacular castle, there is plenty to entertain. For children, there is a Woodland Adventure Playground, as well as activities throughout the castle. With tours, extensive gardens, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Horse trials are usually held in August. A family ticket for two adults and three children costs £45.00, giving access to the castle and grounds. Also, please see our https://www.dunalastairhotel.com/scottish-highland-adventure-vacations-designed-by-locals-delivered-by-local-legends
Blair Castle > Highland Chocolatier PH9 0PL (Distance: 17.0 miles)
Iain Burnett has become known as the Highland Chocolatier. He is a world-class Master Chocolatier based in the heart of Scotland in Pitlochry. Iain was schooled by Master Chocolatiers of the Belgian, Swiss, and French academies. Iain makes a wide range of spiced pralines and dipped fruits, but it is the Velvet Truffles® which have brought him to worldwide recognition as a Master Chocolatier and Truffle Specialist. Treat yourself to a Dark Velvet & Fruits or a Milk Velvet & Caramels Tasting selection to understand Ian’s skill. Prices from £21.95- £39.95 and ideal for gifts to take home to friends and relations.
Highland Chocolatier > Dunalastair Hotel Suites (Distance: 17.0 miles)
DAY 3 – Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Mains of Taymouth Stables > Cluny House Gardens > Back to base
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Mains of Taymouth Stables (Distance: 15.7 miles)
Trek with the Mains of Taymouth Stables in dramatic Highland Perthshire scenery close to the shores of nearby Loch Tay. Enjoy a gentler pace with these tranquil horses. Ages from 4+ years welcome and all abilities catered for. Experience one of the best Scotland family vacation ideas and enjoy a memorable horse-riding experience following restful forest tracks amidst spectacular mountain, loch, and river views. A one-hour guided trail costs £150 for 2 adults and 2 children. The experienced, professional staff will supervise you every step of the way.
Mains of Taymouth Stables > Cluny House Gardens (Distance: 9.2 miles)
Open from 9-6 pm Cluny House Gardens are secluded and unique. They overlook the scenic Strathtay Valley, where Bobby and Betty Masterton started creating the garden in 1950. They were particular enthusiasts for North American and Himalayan plants, and it now covers 2.4 hectares. No chemicals are used in the maintenance garden, and all weeding is done by hand. As you wander around, be on the lookout for red squirrels, they are making a return, and this garden is a particular haunt. Admission is £5.00 for adults and £1.00 for children.
Cluny House Gardens > Dunalastair Hotel Suites (Distance: 20.0 miles)
DAY 4 – Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre > Sweeney’s Cruise Co. Loch Lomond, Balloch Village
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre G83 8QL (Distance: 78.1 miles)
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in the first National Park in Scotland – The Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
There are more than thirty birds of prey and owls at the centre. Species include all 5 British owls and birds of prey of all sizes, including kestrels, buzzards, hawks, falcons, and eagles, including a golden eagle. Flying shows are timed throughout the day, as well as individual encounters with hawks (£50.00pp) and owls (£60.00pp), where the birds will perform and then land on your hand.
Sweeney’s Cruise Co. Ballach, Loch Lomond (Distance: 1.8 miles)
Learn the history and the legend of Loch Lomond and take in the wonder of water surrounded by beautiful mountains. Long running family business, Sweeney’s Cruise Co. has operated boats on Loch Lomond since the 1880s. Thankfully the boats have been updated with luxurious and smooth passenger cruisers. They offer excellent viewing, opened and closed deck space, and full bar facilities. The commentary is voiced by historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver, best known from the BBC ‘Coast’ series. A 2-hour trip takes in the best highlights of Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains. 2 adults and 2 children £77.00.
Sweeney’s Cruise Co. Ballach, Loch Lomond > Dunalastair Hotel Suites > > Back to base (Distance: 70.0 miles)
DAY 5 – Dunalastair Hotel Suites > White Water Rafting Half-Day Trip > Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail > Back to base
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > White Water Rafting Half-Day Trip PH16 5NF (Distance: 25.8 miles)
What Scottish highlands itinerary is complete without some white water rafting to blow away the cobwebs! Splash White Water Rafting organises trips on the River Tummel in an exciting and action-packed white-water tour. Work together with your helmsman as a team to navigate a route of class two and three rapids. The best is kept till last with a two-tier, 18-foot (5.5 meters), class four rapid that drops into Loch Faskally. Splash is running trips every Friday evening (18.00), as well as all day on Saturday (09.30 am, 12.00 & 14.30), and Sunday (09.30 am & 13.00). The rafting operates from June until the end of September. Ages 16+. From £55.00pp.
White Water Rafting Half-Day Trip > > Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail PH15 5PW (Distance: 18.3 miles)
Take a relaxing wander round the charming village of Kinloch Rannoch with the River Tummel running through the centre. For the more energetic, there is a short nature trail, taking around an hour and covering just over two miles; the circular route gives you a glimpse of the different aspects of Kinloch Rannoch.
The forest walk takes around two hours to complete; the hike is relatively easy but makes most of the beautiful views of the loch and a fascinating trail through ancient woodland with plenty of flora and fauna, waterfalls and native woodland. In addition, there are gentle hikes up into the surrounding hills.
Kinloch Rannoch Nature Trail > Back to Base
DAY 6 – Dunalastair Hotel Suites > The Watermill, Aberfeldy > Castle Menzies > Back to Base
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > The Watermill, Aberfeldy PH15 2BG (Distance: 18.0 miles)
More than 300 people came along on 21 May 2005 to see Michael Palin officially opening The Watermill Bookshop, Cafe & Gallery. From this early start, the business has gone from strength to strength. Housed in a converted water mill, you can browse books, the contemporary art gallery and visit the café. There are plenty of other attractions in Aberfeldy and the surrounding area.
The Watermill, Aberfeldy > Castle Menzies PH15 2JD (Distance: 1.8 miles)
Castle Menzies is a fantastic Scottish castle dating from the sixteenth century. It eventually fell into disrepair but was lovingly restored by the Menzies Clan Society from 1957. The castle was the seat of Clan Menzies for over 500 years. Situated in a strategic location, it naturally became involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands. Admission includes the castle, the castle’s walled gardens and the Old Kirk of Weem (the mausoleum of the Menzies clan dating back to 1400) in the nearby village of Weem. Please see our published blog for film and TV locations https://www.dunalastairhotel.com/top-10-must-visit-film-and-tv-locations-in-scotland
Admission: Adults £8.00; Children 6-16 years £4.00; Children under 6 years free.
Castle Menzies > Back to Base
DAY 7 – Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Highland Wildlife Park > Pattack Falls > Back to Base
Dunalastair Hotel Suites > Highland Wildlife Park PH21 1NL (Distance: 42.4 miles)
The Highland Wildlife Park looks after 200 animals and birds, including native Scottish species and rare and endangered animals from the world’s mountains and tundra regions. From native species such as the Capercaillie and Scottish Wildcat to those from further afield such as the amur tiger, polar bear, macaque, leopards, and wolves. Wander through the park or drive through the reserve to see the birds and animals. There are three different cafes for refreshments and a digital trail to walk.
The park is open daily, and during summer, it is open in the evening from 18.30-21.30. Adults £18.50; Child (3-15 or registered disabled child 3-15) £12.50.
Highland Wildlife Park > Pattack Falls PH20 1BY (Distance: 23.0 miles)
A relaxing, short stroll will take you to pretty waterfalls, tumbling through a rocky gorge in the forest. The wet rocks create a colourful backdrop to the local plants and trees. An alternate trail leads through an attractive forest to the remains of old dwellings.
Pattack Falls > Back to Base
Restaurant
At Dunalastair Hotel Suites, our luxury hotel in Perthshire, we always try to reflect the ambience and level of service in our own restaurant, Monadh. We like to celebrate local ingredients and time our menus to seasonality. The restaurant is open all day for your convenience, and whether you are looking for a light bite or full meal, our chefs are happy to oblige. Our menus contain Scottish specialities and options for vegetarians, vegans and, of course, those in between.
Place to Stay
Dunalastair Hotel Suites, our Loch Rannoch hotel, is the perfect base to relax and recuperate from the rigours of working life. With stunning wilderness in every direction and a multitude of places to explore, Dunalastair Hotel Suites is a haven to return to. A five-star stay with attentive but not intrusive service and delightful rooms.
Experience the best that Scotland Has to Offer with Dunalastair Hotel Suites’ Family Voyagers Package – Two nights of uninterrupted togetherness on a mini adventure for four. The great outdoors (and indoors) has never been so much fun.
Planning a longer family holiday this summer? Book online for our best available rates, or call your Dunalastair Hotel Suites guest ambassador now on +44 (0)1882 580444.