Dunkeld and Blairgowrie

Historic Dunkeld – once the ecclesiastical centre of Scotland – is a gateway to the Highlands when approaching from the south. It is a picturesque and historic little town of many independent shops and old buildings, and enjoys a fine setting on the banks of the Tay, Scotland's grandest river, clothed with magnificent woodlands. Nearby is the Loch of Lowes with its famous ospreys.

East of Dunkeld is Blairgowrie and neighbouring Alyth. Blairgowrie was a centre for textiles and its many old Flax mills still line the River Ericht. The countryside here – Strathmore – is more fertile with rolling hills and farmland, renowned for the growing of soft fruit. North the countryside becomes more rugged as the road leads north through Glen Shee. The Cairnwell and Glas Maol ranges at the top of Glen Shee and covered in our Braemar section.