A Road Less Travelled… The Hidden Gems Of The Highlands

The price for this tour is per group for up to 6 travellers.
This tour travels some of the roads that are less well trodden around Highland Perthshire. You will experience a feeling of isolation and will have the opportunity to admire stunning views from the high passes. You also have a good chance of spotting some of the local wildlife.

Firstly we will head north to the historic and very pretty village of Dunkeld. There was a famous battle here in 1689 where the Jacobites were defeated by Government forces. It also has an ancient cathedral which dates from the 8th century.

From here we will travel the short distance the a local beauty spot called the Hermitage. It was a historic playground for the Dukes of Atholl.

We will then leave civilization and head to Glen Quaich. A beautiful if somewhat hairy road takes you over a natural pass eventually leading to Loch Tay. The views from the summit are breathtaking. There are several lovely spots to stop for a snack or lunch.

It is now time to descend to the shores of stunning Loch Tay, one of the biggest expanses of water in Scotland. It is 23km (15 miles) long and over 150 meters (500ft) deep. It is surrounded by a number of Munros (mountains over 3000ft – 915mts) the highest being Ben Lawers on the North side at just under 4000ft (1200mts). We will stop at the beach awhile in the pretty village of Kenmore before heading up the side of the loch.

Continuing west into the isolated but beautiful Glen Lyon. It is one of the longest and most stunning Glens in Scotland. Home to the infamous Campbells who carried out the massacre of Glencoe in 1692 when seventy-eight MacDonalds were murdered.
You really get a feel for what life must have been like in those days. This is a place that was easily protected from marauding Clans, a place where you could hide your stolen cattle.

We will make our way down the winding single track road to the bottom of the Glen. Eventually into the village of Fortingall. Here we have the Fortingall yew tree. It is estimated to be between 5000 years old! Making it, by some way, the oldest living thing in Europe. Allegedly Pontius Pilot was born here – evidence is however scant! There is also a fine hotel adjacent to the kirk, where the tree is situated, so a refreshment could well be in order.

We will then climb out of the Tay valley and head over to visit 800 year old Blair Castle. The seat of the Clan Murray, home to the Duke of Atholl and regimental headquarters of his unique private army – The Atholl Highlanders.

From here it will be time to return to ‘civilization’ and head back with some wonderful pictures and memories.