Our closest town, Crieff, is just a short 5 minute drive from Loch Monzievaird.
Visit Crieff Visitor Centre, which boasts an Art Gallery, Caithness Glass Factory, a Restaurant, Garden Centre and Gift shop, and more information on local businesses and attractions.
www.crieff.co.uk

On this page you will find some of our local favourites in the following categories:

Walking

Sports and Adventure

Family Days Out

Sights and Attractions

Walking

The lovely walk around Loch Monzievaird takes about half an hour through trees and along the open lochside. There are also dozens of other walks that you can take from here without getting into your car. Directly opposite our entrance is a track that leads into the local network of marked paths, including a lovely walk alongside the river Earn into Crieff.

www.walkhighlands.co.uk: very good site for planning walks around Loch Monzievaird.

1. Loch Turret

Drive from Crieff up to the large car park at the Turret Dam. From here you can set off on a number of walks: a short stroll across the dam or along the Loch side track and back for a 6km round trip or return via Choinneachain Hill (787m) for a 9km walk. While on any Strathearn walk care must be taken not to disturb livestock or wildlife, this area requires particular care - you should not leave the tracks.

2. Deil's Cauldron

From Comrie you can walk up above a narrow gorge to the Deil's Cauldron - a spectacular waterfall.

3. Ben Vorlich

The most serious walk in Strathearn is climbing Ben Vorlich (983m), a pyramid shaped peak above Loch Earn. Park at the roadside near Ardvorlich House, home of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich since 1589. Walk up the Vorlich Burn, then up Coire Buidhe and on up to the summit. The total round trip is about 11kms.

4. Munro's

If you are planning to walk some of the Munro's in the area please make sure that you have checked access arrangements and weather conditions, and that you are well equipped. We recommend you purchase a Munros book for details on routes and safety. The better known local Munros include Ben Vorlich, Ben Chonzie, Ben Lawers, Beinn Ghlas, Ben More, Stob Binnein and Schiehallion.

Sports and Adventure

1. Beyond Adventure

Canoeing on the river Tay, gorge exploring, rock climbing and abseiling in Aberfeldy, Perthshire. This is not just for the experienced, quality tuition will be given. They are very busy, so you will need to call to check on availability. Discounts for children and families! Our contact is Stephen Macdonald, 01887 829202 www.beyondadventure.co.uk

2. Go Ape!

Award winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides - Aberfoyle, near Stirling. Tel. 08704 282710.

3. Horse Riding

Crieff Hydro has a very comprehensive riding school, as does The Gleneagles Hotel, which is a short 20 minute drive away. The Equestrian School at Gleneagles is one of the best equipped in the world and provides facilities for every discipline of horsemanship, and at every level of experience.

www.crieffhydro.com/play/action/riding-centre

www.gleneagles.com/pursuits/riding

4. Highland Safaris

This award winning Safari will take you on a journey of discovery over land and loch, exploring the breath-taking highland landscape.
Find out more on their website:
www.highlandsafaris.net

5. Cycling

A mile down the road are out friends at Comrie Croft. Cycle hire can be arranged through their website or over the phone, can they can even drop off bikes here for rental. They have a good selection of off-road tracks to explore.
www.comriecroftbikes.co.uk

6. Splash!

River rafting, Paintball, Duckies, Kayaking, Quad Biking & Canyoning in Aberfeldy, by Loch Tay, Perthshire. All equipment provided, call to book. Tel no. 01887 829706
www.rafting.co.uk

8. Swimming Pools

Strathearn Recreation Centre: Crieff: Telephone 01764 653779. Opening times do vary so best to check: (Close to Crieff High School)
Perth: Swimming & leisure pools. Telephone 01738 492421. Opening times do vary so best to check:

Skiing

9. Glenshee ski school

Glenshee is about 50 minutes drive in good conditions. There are 21 ski tows in a quite extensive ski area with 36 runs. Check conditions before leaving, and get there early if you need to hire equipment. Tel. 01339 741320.

10. Skydive Strathallan

This club is dedicated to skydiving. Situated near Auchterarder it is one of the oldest clubs in the world having been in operation for over 40 years. Minimum age is 16. Strathallan Airfield Perthshire, Tel: 07774 686161.
If you can't bear to watch, Gleneagles is a wonderful place for afternoon tea, and Auchterarder itself has a good selection of small and interesting shops.

Family Days Out

1. Drummond Castle Gardens

Drummond Castle Gardens in Crieff- said to be one of the finest formal gardens in Europe, first laid out by John Drummond, the 2nd Earl of Perth in the early 17th century, and renewed in the 1950's by Phyllis Astor - with trees planted by Queen Victoria in 1842!
Open Easter weekend and afternoons from May to October, the gardens are well worth a visit.

2. Clay Pigeon Shooting at the Drummond Estate

Simulated game shooting set in spectacular scenery.
For more information or to book, Tel: 01764 681257
www.simulatedgameshooting.com

3. Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre

Auchingarrich is home to a collection of Highland cattle, Arctic and Silver foxes, Wallabies & Llamas, to name just a few! Children will love the hands-on experience of handling the chicks, ducklings and rabbits and watching the daily hatchings.
There is a large outdoor play park and play barn, (education packs and information sheets available), Pine Lodge Coffee Shop and a gift shop, as well as picnic tables and barbecues (bring your own charcoal) and Free Parking! Woodland walks nearby (stout shoes recommended) and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcomed.

4. Knockhill Racing Circuit

Junior and Pro-kart experiences suitable for ages 8+. In both cases drivers are given instruction on technique and safety followed by high-speed fun on a 500m long track. Race suit, helmet and gloves are provided. Near Dunfermline, Fife. KY12 9TF Tel: 01383 626264

Your reward for enduring your beloved's antics on the circuit could be a visit to the Grouse & Claret. Tel: 01557 864212, for a meal at this popular and pleasant restaurant.

5. Glenturret Distillery

Not just for the whisky lover! Glenturret Distillery is within walking distance from Loch Monzievaird. Visit the distillery, book a tour and enjoy a whisky tasting. From there you can walk over the bridge and up to the Knock of Crieff, or up the glen towards Loch Turret.
There is also a walk back around the top of Ochtertyre to Loch Monzievaird. Eat at the Distillery or at the Hydro Golf club (over the river and up the path to the Knock).

Castles

1. Stirling Castle

Famously connected with Mary Queen of Scots, the Chapel Royal within the castle was the place of her coronation in 1543. The Great Hall and the Royal Apartments have been recently restored.

2. Scone Palace

Situated just outside of Perth on the Blairgowrie road, Scone is the crowning place of the Kings of Scotland. The Stone of Destiny was brought to Scone from Dunstaffnage and was used at the coronations of the Scottish Kings until 1296. The grounds have a tearoom and restaurant, a playground and picnic area, historic woodland walks and informal gardens with strutting peacocks.
Blairgowrie is a busy market town and has some interesting shops and several places to eat.

3. Blair Castle

Home of the Atholl family for over 700 years and of Europe's only remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders, the castle is set in true highland scenery. The restored Hercules Garden and Diana's Grove are set in glorious woodlands, extensive parklands and a deer park. Pony trekking and nature trails to explore, guided walks with a Ranger, picnic area, children's play area, gift shop and restaurant.
There are places to eat in Blair Atholl, and to the south there are all types of restaurants in Pitlochry and at the Festival Theatre overlooking the Faskally Dam.

4. Glamis Castle

Glamis is the legendary setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth! The family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorn since the 14th century and the childhood home of the late the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth.. There are fine collections of armour, paintings and furniture, as well as beautiful woodland walks and gardens, shops and restaurants. To the north of Glamis is Kirriemuir, birthplace of J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan! There are shops, coffee shops and fish-and-chip shops, as well as pubs and restaurants.

5. Doune Castle

Five miles west of Dunblane is the magnificent 14th century courtyard castle that was used in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It has an impressive gatehouse and Lords Hall with its musician's gallery. Set above the River Teith, there are walks along the riverside. There are pubs in the town, but for fish and chips or ice cream drive back into Bridge of Allan where the Allan Water Cafe is renowned.

For a more extensive list of castles, visit www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/CastlesinScotland/