walking pitlochry bed breakfast
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A private estate wonderfully situated east of the settlement of Kinloch Rannoch and between beautiful Loch Tummel and much wilder Loch Rannoch, Dunalastair is set amidst one of the most scenic areas of Scotland.
Dunalastair was the name of the original estate, formerly the seat of the Struan Robertsons, Chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh, or Duncan, descended from the Celtic Mormaers of Atholl. Much excitement has occurred here. Of all the clans, The Robertsons of Struan were amongst the most loyal to the Stewarts.
The area is known and loved by naturalists, and there are opportunities for hill climbing, walking, fishing , biking, white water rafting and sailing, or just strolling down by the shores of the loch and taking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery..
Dunalastair is wonderfully located for visits to Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Killiecrankie, Glen Lyon, Blair Castle, the Falls of Bruar, The Queen's View and so much more - even the evening theatre productions in Pitlochry. It also makes a wonderful relaxing base from which to visit Dunkeld, Perth, St Andrews or even Balmoral and Royal Deeside.
The Dunalastair Hotel has a long tradition of real 'Highland hospitality', having been built as an inn soon after the Battle of Culloden by the returning soldiers. It remained as such for well over 100 years until its development into a hotel at the end of the nineteenth century under the guiding eye of Major General Alastair Macdonald, Commander of the forces.
Tucked away at the foot of thickly wooded hills, you will discover one of Perthshire's gems - the cathedral town of Dunkeld. And that's not all ! Resting on the opposite bank of the river Tay is the Victorian village of Birnam. Together the beautifully restored buildings and rich heritage of these Highland Perthshire sister towns are an inspiration for lovers of history, the arts and the outdoors.
Ecclesiastically Dunkeld represents a national treasured landmark; it was proclaimed the first eccelesiastical capital of Scotland, by Scotland's first king, Kenneth MacAlpin. The majestic ruin of the cathedral still dominates Dunkeld today.
The only way to truly appreciate Dunkeld and Birnam is on foot; it is so small and compact and extremely easily explored with something of interest around every corner.
But, as an experienced Tour Guide, what I love best about Dunkeld is its easy access to Perth, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Stirling, Pitlochry and a hundred points of interest in between. The Dunkeld area truly makes for an excellent base from which to tour much of Scotland. The Cross in Dunkeld is a good starting point. The Atholl Memorial fountain at The Cross was erected in 1866 in memory of the 6th Duke of Atholl. From here a walk down picturesque Cathedral Street leads you to Dunkeld Cathedral standing idyllically amidst wide lawns that sweep down to the River Tay.
A walk back along Atholl Street will prove interesting, with its variety of shops. Across the bridge in Birnam, The Beatrix Potter Garden awaits you. Beatrix Potter drew inspiration from her childhood holidays spent along the banks of the River Tay and is reputed to have written " The Tale of Peter Rabbit " on one of her trips here.
Dunkeld is one of my favourite towns in all of Scotland. Not only is the town and local area very beautiful, but Dunkeld is ideally situated as a base location, within east driving distance to numerous other great Scottish sites.
Dunning is situated at the south east of Strathearn in Perthshire. St Serf's church in the centre of the village was rebuilt in the 19th century but the tower is early medieval (12th century) with two-light arched Anglo-Saxon windows like Muthill Church. Like so many Strathearn villages, Dunning was burnt after the Battle of Sheriffmuir by the retreating Jacobite army. However the village retains it's earlier pattern with later buildings (18-19thC) gathered around the church. A standing stone outside the village is said to mark the site of the Battle of Duncrub in 964AD. A local woman, Maggie Wall, was burnt as a witch in 1657 and a monument commemorates this sad event.