Exploring Perthshire: A Guide to Adventure and Culture

 

In the heart of Scotland lies Perthshire, the county Sir Walter Scott referred to as “the fairest portion of the northern kingdom”. The fourth largest historic county in Scotland, this portion of the country is stunning, with incredible woodlands, serene lochs, rushing rivers, rugged mountains, charming towns, and rich culture. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday, particularly if you are looking for an adventure. Splash Rafting is based in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, close to a host of natural wonders to explore.

Perthshire Landmarks

Come to Perthshire to explore some of the bonniest towns and villages in Scotland, and you will find a host of noteworthy landmarks.

  • Pitlochry has a rich history, and gorgeous landscapes, and Queen Victoria famously praised the town for its clean air and spectacular scenery. Today, the Queen’s View is a popular landmark, a stunning vantage point along the River Tummel, from which you can see one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Scotland. Aside from its vistas and air, Pitlochry is known for theatre and whisky distilleries, and it is an excellent base for exploring nearby mountains and lochs.
  • Dunkeld is the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, home to the historic Dunkeld Cathedral, and sits on the River Tay. Nearby, Birnam Oak is what remains of Birnam Wood, mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Dunkeld is also home to an exhibition centre honouring Beatrix Potter, the children’s author who enjoyed spending holidays here.
  • Blair Atholl is home to Blair Castle, with its sprawling estate and rich history. This lovely village is a welcoming place to spend some time, enjoying the beautiful scenery, exploring the local pubs and eateries, visiting one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland, and perhaps playing a round of golf at the Blair Atholl golf course.
  • Perth is the historic county town of Perthshire, a bustling city on the banks of the River Tay. It is home to Balhousie Castle, home to the Black Watch Museum, and near Scone Palace, where Scotland’s kings were crowned. While in Perth, you can also see the spectacular Perth Concert Hall or visit the Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
  • Aberfeldy is a launching spot for outdoor activities, with beautiful scenery. The Birks of Aberfeldy, a circular walk made famous by Robert Burns, showcases beautiful waterfalls and lush greenery.

Activities in Perthshire

There is plenty to do in Perthshire, whether you are looking for cultural events, entertainment, or outdoor adventures. The county hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including The Highland Games, celebrating traditional Scottish sports, music, and dance. The Perth Festival of the Arts features a wide range of exhibitions and performances, and the Birnam Arts Festival highlights local and national talent. There are also museums and galleries to visit, gardens to explore, and much more.

Perthshire Mountains

Some of the most breathtaking mountains in all of Scotland are in Perthshire. The highest peak in the region is Ben Lawers, offering challenging hikes and stunning views over Loch Tay. Schiehallion offers equally beautiful views with a less strenuous climb.

Perthshire Lochs

The lakes in Perthshire are truly enchanting. Loch Tay is a favourite for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, such as boating and salmon fishing, which attract anglers from far and wide. With its iconic Queen’s View, Loch Tummel offers one of the most photographed vistas in Scotland. Loch Rannoch reaches a depth of 130 metres, and can be explored by boats, kayaks, or canoes.

Food in Perthshire

Perthshire’s culinary scene is a rich and varied. The region is known for its high-quality local produce, including fresh salmon, game and produce. Savour traditional Scottish dishes in your preferred local pub or restaurant, or sample and purchase local delicacies at Aberfeldy Farmers’ Market or Perth Farmers’ Market. Just about any kind of dining establishment can be found in Perthshire, from charming country inns to Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants.

Perthshire Waterfalls

The region also has stunning waterfalls. Black Linn Falls, located in the Hermitage, is a dramatic cascade best viewed from Ossian’s Hall. The Falls of Bruar, near Blair Atholl, provide a serene spot for a hike with multiple stopping points where you can enjoy the thundering water. A walk from the village of Acharn, through Hermit’s Cave, takes you to the majestic Falls of Acharn – where we provide activities such as Canyoning – a 25-metre waterfall best viewed in full spate, after heavy rainfall.

Outdoor Activities in Perthshire

If you want an outdoor holiday, Perthshire is the place to be. The Hermitage is a magical Perthshire forest, the lochs of Perthshire are plentiful and beautiful, and the Cateran Trail is a 103km circular walk, clearly waymarked and meticulously maintained, perfect for exploring the Perthshire Peninsula. Where Perthshire really shines, though, is in outdoor adventure sports.

  • White water rafting: Navigate the rapids of the River Tay, River Tummel, and River Orchy, with opportunities for both beginners and seasoned rafters.
  • Abseiling: Conquer your fear of heights as expert guides help you lower yourself down a vertical rock face and overhang before gently reaching the ground.
  • Paddleboarding: Propel yourself down the river on a stand up paddleboard, taking in the glorious scenery.
  • Canyoning: Experience Acharn, Keltneyburn, or Bruar canyon in a new and thrilling way, with this rapidly growing sport.
  • River bugging: Experience the thrill of navigating rapids on a small one-person raft.
  • River duckies: Use inflatable kayaks, known as duckies, to navigate white water rapids.

Let Splash Rafting Take You on a Perthshire Adventure

When you are ready for an outdoor adventure in Perthshire, you will find no better provider than Splash Rafting. With over 20 years of industry experience, we take pride in making sure our clients have a great experience, no matter what they are interested in doing. You do not have to worry about anything, and Splash Rafting provides and carries all of the equipment you need. We are based in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, and we use the River Tay, River Tummel, and River Orchy for our white water rafting, river bugging, and river duckies. Keltneyburn and Acharn canyons are used for our canyoning experiences. Whether you are interested in a fun family outing, a stag do or hen party, a team building day, or even a school trip, we will provide the experience of a lifetime in as safe an environment as possible, using all the latest safety equipment and safety precautions. Come join the fun of outdoor adventure in an incredible location, surrounded by the best of Scotland’s wildlife and scenery! To learn more, contact us through our website or schedule a tour today.

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