the shed things to do

8/9/2019 The Shed Things to Do

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Things To Dohttp://observatorypitlochry.com/

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1Pitlochry.......................................................................................................................3

2Cafes, Pubs, Restaurants..............................................................................................3

3Cycle Rides From The Observatory.............................................................................5

4Fishing Close To The Observatory............................................................................10

5Astronomy At The Observatory.................................................................................16

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1 Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a popular centre for highland holidays with a wealth of local facilities

including a theatre, restaurants, pony trekking, boat and bike hire etc. Many famous

highland attractions are also close by. Loch Tummel, the pass of Killikrankie,

Aberfeldy, and Kinloch Rannoch are less than half an hour away. Much of the best

walking and climbing in Scotland, to suit all abilities, is equally near.

Travelling time, Pitlochry to Edinburgh airport by car: approx. 70 minutes, Pitlochry

to Central Edinburgh approx. 90 minutes. It is also possible to catch a direct train to

Pitlochry from Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and many intermediate stations. The

London sleeper also stops at Pitlochry.

Pitlochry Tourist Information can be contacted on 01796 472215

2 Cafes, Pubs, RestaurantsThe Old Armoury . 01796 474281Opposite the entrance to The Observatory is areal asset. Quality cuisine is available less than five minutes from the front door. The

food is modern Scottish, with heavy emphasis on quality ingredients. For many years

it was the closest that Pitlochry came to an event place for an evening meal. Lunch

for two usually comes in at around 15, evening meals around 30.

Port-na-Craig 01796 472777 has gone through several guises in recent years. In

summer 2008 is was serving decent, enjoyable, modern Scottish cuisine. A roast

haunch of venison could be had for 15.95 and a chargrilled steak of tuna was 14.95.

There was a cheaper menu for lunch.

The Prince of India. 01796 472275 and 473770 In a major city this might be

regarded as no better than a standard curry house. For the Highlands it is exceptional:

friendly service, year round opening, take always (but not, to my knowledge,

deliveries) and the standard range of curried favorites. It is perfectly possible to phone

from The Observatory, walk to the curry house and be back with your meal in 20

minutes. Take away for two, around 15, around 20 if you sit in. How to find the

Prince of India

McKays. McKays was once a temperance hotel but no longer. Until recently itwas the only bar in town with a late licence and was consequently packed with youth.

It now appears to be undergoing another make over.

The Old Mill. Behind the Royal Bank of Scotland on Atholl Road. A recent revamp

has given The Old Mill the look of a first generation Avimore social club.

Nevertheless, the beer is acceptable, if not very interesting, and the pub fayre menu is

a touch above average. There is also a no-smoking section and they admit children to

one area.

Fern Cottage. Walk down Atholl Road, past Fisher's Hotel and past the war

memorial. To your right, before Victoria's, is Ferry Road - it leads under the railway.Fern Cottage is on the left, before you reach the railway bridge. The restaurant still

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has the appearance of the tea room that it once was, but don't let that put you off. The

owner/chef is Turkish and has injected a good deal of Mediterranean flavour into his

menu. On my one evening venture there the food was fantastic: freshly cooked, from

quality ingredients and full of delightfully flavoursome surprises. Dinner from

approximately 40 for two, lunch and pre-theatre is cheaper. 01796 473840

The Spice of India. A recently-opened rival curry house is a short walk down Atholl

Road, close by the Tourist Information Centre. It attracts less trade than the other

Indian at the moment, but arguably the food has the edge. It is standard curry house

issue, but arguably a little tastier and fresher than you would expect. There service is

also friendly. They also do take aways. 01796 474400 How to find the Spice of India

The Moulin Inn. 01796 472196About a miles walk turn off Atholl Road oppositeWH Smith, past the Coop. Is a gentle climb to the older village of Moulin. The Inn

brews its own beer and does top quality pub food, or rather posher fare in their

restaurant. The Braveheart ale is excellent and, if you are of a mind to do so, you will

easily find someone to chat with in the small public bar.http://www.pitlochryhotels.co.uk/moulinhotel/hospitality.cfm

The same management also run the Bothy Bar in Blair Atholl. Time your evening

right and you can travel to and fro Blair Atholl for the evening by train.

The House of Bruar. 01796 483236 Drive up the A9 (it is around 6 miles) to Blair

Atholl and carry on until the next junction. The House of Bruar is signposted. The

caf would be excellent anywhere - you can get a hearty Sunday lunch style meal, or a

wonderful plate of smoked fish for 7 - 10 a person. The cakes are good too. The

Spectator called it 'the only civilized motorway service station in the UK. There is

also an extraordinary retail experience it is an out-of-town mall devoted to country

clothing, golf and gardening. However, behind the shop is a path up the side of the

hill, along the banks of a steep mountain stream. A romantically-inclined Duke of

Atholl added bridges and paths from which to appreciated the profusion of waterfalls

and pools. The caf is welcome upon your descent from the hill. How to find the

House of Bruar

The House of Menzies.01887 829666 a car drive, but worth the journey. From

Aberfeldy, take the road to Tummel Bridge. And already attractive round farm

steading, beautifully converted by Edinburgh architect, Michael Gray. The caf is

quality modern. They sell interesting art and deal in Antipodean wines. How to find

The House of Menzies

Farleyer 01887 820 332 Also a car drive, it is on the same road as the House of

Menzies. Taken over in the summer of 2003 by a young South African who is making

a real go of the place and makes the journey well worth it. Also runs a 'booze bus' to

take diners home at the end of the evening. I suspect that Pitlochry is in general

beyond his normal range, but he might be persuaded for a larger party, by prior

arrangement. (In the summer you could either get the bus to Balanluig, walk up the

Strath, have dinner and then get the bus home, or get a bus to Kinloch Rannoch and

walk over the hill). www.farleyer.com

Victorias Pitlochry - How to find Victorias

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3 Cycle Rides From The Observatory

Bikes can be hired form Escape Route in Atholl Road (01796 473859 www.escape-

route.biz) - it is one of the first shops that you pass as you come in to town from the

south.

All these routes are on cycle tracks or very quiet roads. I plan to add some mountain

bike routes at a later date. Feel free to print out these routes, if you intend to follow

them.

Tim

Loch Tummel Loop approximately 32 miles

Free-wheeling from Dalwhinnie approximately 28 miles

The quick Ballanluig loop approximately 12 miles

Aberfeldy and Schiehallion approximately 37 miles

Loch Tummel Loop Approximately 32 Miles

My favourite. Turn right at the end of the drive and go across the dam. Follow the

road up past the theatre, towards the A9. As the A9 hoves into view, you see a path

behind the roads crash barriers going north. It passes in front of the entrance of

Portnacraig House. This path initially follows the route of the A9, then cuts though a

small wood beside the road. After less than a mile, the path emerges though a five bar

gate onto the Foss road, which has just come off the A9. Foss Road is a tiny, single

track that follows the Linn of Tummel to the side of the Loch itself.

Initially the road climbs up the side of the valley. Some of the ascents are very

punishing indeed, but all are short lived. As the road rises it passes at least one

standing stone and the monumental arch that marks the entrance to the Errochty

power station. The toughest climb of all is the last, you will know that you have

climbed as much as you will have to, when Bonskied House, a vast nineteenth century

baronial pile comes into view.

The road thereafter is among the most dramatic and pleasurable you are every likely

to speed along. It drops to the loch side affording views of unbroken water up ahead.

Several times the road disappears into woods, only to emerge to another spectacular

vista. The road is very quite, it is easy to cycle its lengths without seeing a single car.

And locals tend to drive very considerately. In the high summer, however, dont

abandon all caution, occasional cars also indulge in closed road fantasies, so you

sometimes need to respond quickly.

Foss, towards the end of the road is scarcely a hamlet, but is marked by a sturdy little

Church. At the end of the road is a T junction. Turn left to climb over Schiehallion,

turn right down to Tummel Bridge. Past the power station, the road forces you over

the bridge take the old one for better views and to a junction where the right turn

to Pitlochry is marked. At Tummel Bridge refreshments are sometimes available at

the campsite and you can always fill your water bottles in the laundry block (followthe road into the camp on the opposite side to the shop and the pool).

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The road back is easier and you should usually have the wind behind you. The views

of the loch are from a higher vantage point. After Strathtummel the road rises steadily.

You know that you are nearly as high as you need go when, rather bizarrely, the legs

and feet of people visiting the Queens View appear in the trees above. Thereafter, the

road falls quickly, affording an exhilarating last rush. There is another slight climb at

the foot of Glen Fincastle, when you go around the extraordinary gate-house ofBonskied house. Thereafter, it is another rush down to Garry Bridge, where you turn

right to return to Pitlochry.

The road after that is the old A9 that in two easy miles brings you back on to Athol

Road, from the North.

Free-Wheeling From Dalwhinnie Approximately 28Miles

This is a cheats ride, but a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Its great appeal is thatthe road rises by more than 1,000 feet between Pitlochry and Dalwhinnie. Take a train

up the hill and then freewheel down the 28 miles of dedicated cycle track nearly all

the way back.

Take you bike onto a north-bound train. Really you should pre-book your bike as the

rolling stock is very limited in the number of bikes it will take. Particularly in the

summer, there tend to be lots of people with bikes going north. However, in reality, it

is usually possible to get on with your bike willy-nilly. The worst that can happen is

that you are put off at Blair Atholl. While on the train, if there are lots of bikes, you

might have to stay with your own to move it for people going up and down the train.

The train ride takes a spectacular route though the Pass of Killiecrankie over the

castleated bridges of the Highland Railway. Thereafter the countryside become more

and more desolate as the loco drags you up to Drummochter.

It takes less that half an house to reach Dalwhinnie, where the station is set a little

apart from the village. The main attraction at the village is the distillery, the product

of which is exceptional. Apart from that there is little to detain you.

From Dalwhinnie the cycle track isnt desperately well signposted at the outset, but as

you can see it from the road, if you head for the A9 you cannot miss it. From the

railway station, cycle down the long road on to the main road, then turn right, awayfrom the village. Once you are on the cycle path, the need to navigate is over. The

track varies from sections of the old A9 to purpose-built sections that are metalled or

in one or two sections covered in cinders. And for the last few miles, the route is on a

section of the old A9 that is shared with cars. The signs are better at the end.

It is a journey of dramatic contrasts. From Dalwhinnie the road rises, almost

impercebtibly for the six miles to Drummochter. At this height - over 1,500 feet - the

weather can change quickly, so don't set out entirely without warm clothes, even in

the middle of the summer. At the Drummochter summit, the mountains are high and

desolate. The most imposing peaks, to your right are the Boar of Badenoch and the

Sow of Atholl. There are few trees, almost no houses and, as the snow poles hint, theroad is often impassable during the winter. At Dalnaspindal -a former station - there

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are spectacular views up Loch Garry. As you drop, the barren moorland gives way to

dense, tree covered hillsides that are at their most dramatic as you descend though the

Pass of Killicrankie. The first place to get any food is the House of Bruar, nearly 20

miles from Dalwhinnie, so either eat first or pack a snack. Beyond Bruar, the route is

entirely on the old A9, though Blair Atholl.

The Quick Ballanluig Loop Approximately 12 Miles

A short ride that gives a good impression of the beauty of the Tay valley.

Leave the Observatory and turn right. Carry on over the dam and pass in front of the

theatre. At the T junction after the theatre turn left, back towards the town. After

about 100 meters, there is a turning to the right that takes you along the western side

of the valley. Almost as soon as you turn, there is a standing stone with a small

explanatory sign. Typical of early valley-side roads, this one climbs and falls though

farms and fields before eventually dropping to down Logierait.

Turn left and follow the main road over the A9 at Ballinluig. It is possible to get a cup

of tea at the excellent Garden Centre. There is also a curious shop specialising in

fishing tackle and stuffed animals, if you are looking to kill a little time.

Most traffic at Ballinluig heads straight on to the A9 to return to Pitlochry, and

indeed, there is a National Cycle route that runs beside sections of the A9. A more

interesting route climbs up the hillside from Ballinluig, signposted for Dalcapon. The

climbs are tougher on the return route than the outward. Follow this road along the

side of the valley until it comes out on the East Haugh Road, which in turn meets the

main road though Pitlochry, just to the south of the town.

Aberfeldy And Schiehallion Approximately 37Miles

This is far the toughest route, with a serious climb. It would make a good day ride for

an infrequent cyclist or a serious work out for someone who is fitter.

Start at for the Loch Tummel Loop (described above), getting on to the Foss Road

and continuing until nearly the half way point, where you meet the T junction just

after Foss. Instead of turning right, to Bridge of Tummell, turn left for Aberfeldy.

The road climbs for several miles into wilder landscapes more reminiscent of the

higher peaks. The route to Scihallion itself is on the couple of miles of flat at the top

of the climb. A preserved limb kiln at the top gives an idea of how life once was for

the earlier inhabitants of Atholl.

The descent is long and satisfying, dropping to the valley bottom beside the Tay. The

road continues down the strath, past the village of Dull and Castle Menzies. Just

before the Castle, the House of Menzies is a beautifully converted farm steading that

now operates as a caf, art gallery and wine dealer. The combination might sound

odd, but the environment is sublime. Castle Menzies is a good example of a more

elaborate sixteenth century fortified house albeit with the kind of quirky contents

that typifies private museums.

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At Weem, you have a choice. Either turn right, across the fabulous Thomas Telford

bridge, or carry straight on the Strathtay. If you are not in a hurry, go into Aberfeldy,

have a look around and then come back to Weem to take the quieter and more

interesting route though Strathtay.

Aberfeldy is Pitlochrys great rival in Highland Perthshire with numerous shops and

attractions. You will find the main-road route back to Pitlochry by continuing though

the town and following the signs. So long as you dont turn right to Kenmore, you

cant go wrong.

The road from Weem is a among the loveliest and most interesting in the area. It is

very quite, although given that it is narrow, you need to take a bit of care in case of

cars. Most importantly you see a lot of the river, which by this stage has a broad and

rushing course. And there are some fascinating houses the largest of which are part

of an unusual feuing pattern developed in the nineteenth century to provide mini

1,000 acre estates providing for grouse shooting, deer stalking, farming and salmonfishing.

The first house, Killiechassie belongs to author JK Rowling. A little further along

(and signposted) is the garden at Cluny House where the local vet devoted his life to

creating a Himilayn garden that is now open to the public. Strathtay itself is among

the most well-heeled villages in Scotland. Look carefully though the trees at the end

of the village to see one of the finest houses recently built in Scotland in the grounds

of Tulliepowrie it is the glass boxes on the roof that you will see first.

Before Logierait this road will return you to the main route back on to the A9. From

here there are three choices. If you energy is waning a thrash up the A9 is the quickest

way home. Alternativly you can take either the west of the east valley side routes

described above in Ballanluig Loop. The first of these two requires you to take a left

turn in Logierait almost opposite the pub.

For more routes, have a look at http://www.cyclingscotland.com/

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White Water Rafting And Adventure Sports

The Tay offers some of the best family whitewater rafting in Scotland. Starting from

both Aberfeldy and Stanley, several companies (Nae LimitsandSpashamong them)

offer day and half-day excursions that are generally tailored to the preferences of the

participants. So if you fancy white knuckles, plenty of time in the water and the full-

on rapids, it can be accommodated, as can a more stately progress down the river.

It is usually necessary to book in advance, although often this need only be a day or

two in advance. It is also only operated on certain days of the week, by agreement

with local fishermen so it is wise to make your plans in advance. The only thing you

need to take is your swimming costume. Wet suits, helmets and buoyancy aids are

included in the cost (30 per person for half a day in 2002).

The 6 mile journey down the river takes about 2 hours and offers an entirely new

perspective on many of the building of this beautiful strath. And the guides (there isone on each raft) are genuinely friendly and helpful, beneath their surf-dude exteriors.

Nae Limits also offer a head-spinning variety of other adrenalin sports and activities.

Sailing is possible on both Loch Tummel and Loch Tay. Facilites at the latter are

provided by Legend Sailing.

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4 Fishing Close To The Observatory

There is a wealth of fishing to be had, in the immediate vicinity of The Observatory all year round most of it very inexpensive. Those waters

marked with an asterisk (*) below, are between five and ten minutes walk from the house. None of the rest is more than half an hours drive.

While it is hoped that the following information is accurate, none of it can be guaranteed. Please check all details well in advance.

There is a lot of good information about fishing in the area on the Pitlochry Angling Club's site.

For a pretty guaranteed catch, rod hire and instruction try Drummonds Trout Farm (40 miles and about 50 minutes drive away)

http://www.drummondtroutfarm.co.uk/

Game Fishing

Water Species Permit From(Tel No)

Cost Season Other Info

Dunalastair Resevoir Brown Trout and Pike Lochgarry Cottage,

Kinloch Rannoch,

01882 632354

Dunaiastair Hotel,

Kinloch Rannoch,

01882 632323

17-20 per day

per boat (2 rods)

15 Mar - 6 Oct no bank fishing six

boats

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Loch Eigheach Brown Trout Mr J Brown, The

Square,

Kinloch Rannoch,

01882 632268;

Rannoch Station Tea

Room; Mr C

Robertson, Dunan,Rannoch Station

1.50 (half day or

Evening

3 (day)

12 (week)

1 Apr - 30 Sept Fly fishing only

*Loch Faskally Salmon, Brown

andSea Trout

Mr D McLaren,

Boating Station,

Clunie Bridge Road,

Pitlochry

01796472919 or

472759

3 per day/12 per

week (from bank)

5.25 per day/23 per

week (from boat)

5 Mar - 15 Oct Outboards and rowing

boats for hire, live

bait and tackle for

sale.

All legal baits

allowed, no fires near

water, cafe facilities

*River Garry Rainbow and Brown

Trout

The Highland Shop,

Blair Atholl, 01796

481303

3 per day, 15 per

week, Jnrs and OAPs,

2 per day 8 per

week

15 Apr - 6 Oct Fly, bait or spinning

River Gaur Details as for Loch

Laidon below

Loch Kinardochy Brown Trout Mitchells of

Pitlochry,

01796472613

10 per day per boat 15 Mar - 6 Oct No bank fishing, fly

only, stocked by club

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Loch Laidon and

River Gaur

Brown Trout Moor of Rannoch

Hotel, Rannoch

Station, 01882

633238

3 per day (free to

hotel guests), special

weekly

15 Mar - 6 Oct Boats available (half

price to hotel guests)

Loch Rannoch Brown Trout, Charr,

Ferox

Shops and hotels in

Kinloch Rannoch orcontact Mr RGlenrannoch House,

01882 632307

4 per day, 14 per

week, 25 per season,under 12s and OAPsfree

15 Mar - 6 Oct Fly and spinners only,

no live Legate, bait,ghillie service, rodhire, tackle shop, boat

hire from Dunalastair

Hotel

River Tilt Salmon The Highland Shop,

Blair Atholl, 01796

481303

On application On application

Loch Tummel Brown Trout Pitlochry TIC,

01796472215;

Queen's View Centre,

01350 727284;

Tummel Valley

Holiday Park, 01882

634221; Mitchells Of

Pitlochry, 01796472613

3 per day 15 Mar - 6 Oct Only fish over 9

inches to be kept

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River Tummel

(upper)

Brown Trout Shops and hotels in

Kinloch Rannoch and

Tummel Bridge half

price

3 per day, 10 per

week, Jnrs and OAPs

15 Mar - 6 Oct Lochgarry Cottage,

01882 632354 or

Inner-hadden

Keeper,01882 632339

River Garry

Ruan Ruarie

Salmon Finlayson Hughes, 31

Barossa Place, Perth01738630926

15 - 30 per day 15 Jan - 15 Oct

*River Tummel:

N Bank Portnacraig

to Ballinluig

S Bank below Milton

of Fonab Caravan

Park to Ballinluig

Brown Trout Mitchells of

Pitlochry, 01796

472613: Pitlochry

TIC, 01796 472215;

Milton of Fonab

Caravan Park, 01796472882; Ballinluig

PO, 01796 482220;

Ballinluig Services,

01796 482212

4 per day, 12 per

week, season tickets

available

15 Mar - 6 Oct Fly only until 30

June, then

maggot/worm;

general advice from R

Gardiner

01796472157 (eves)or R Harriman 01796

472484

*River Tummel

(Portnacraig)

Salmon Written enquiries to

Pitlochry Angling

Club c/o TIC, 22

Atholl Road,Pitlochry, or call Mr

Gardiner 01796

472157 (Eves)

6 to 35 per day 15 Jan - 15 Oct Advance booking

recommended. max 3

anglers; spinning, fly

or worm - no naturalshrimp or prawn

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*River Tummel

(West Haugh and

Dunfollondy)

Salmon Milton of Fonab

Caravan Park,

Pitlochry,

01796472882

20 to 40 per day 15 Jan - 15 Oct

*River Tummel

(Lower)

Salmon Westlands Hotel,

Pitlochry,01796472266

30 per day per rod

(max 4 rods)

15 Jan -15 Oct Available only 18-23

May

*River Tummel

(Lower)

Salmon Written enquiries to

Pitlochry Angling

Club c/o TIC, 26

Atholl Road,

Pitlochry (also

accepts bookingsduring week of

fishing) or call Mr

Gardiner 01796

472157 (evenings)

12 per day 15 Jan - 15 Oct Available 6 July to 29

Aug; max 4 anglers;

fly, spinning, worm -

no natural shrimp or

prawn

Coarse Fishing



Dunmore Water Carp, Perch, Pike,Roach and Tench

Mitchells ofPitlochry,

01796472613

5 per day Tickets limited.

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Loch Eigheoch Perch Mr J Brown, The

Square, Kinloch

Rannoch, 01882

632268

No charge 1 Apr - 30 Sept

Errochty Dam Pike (also Brown

Trout)

The Highland Shop,

Blair Atholl, 01796481303

3 per rod per day 15 Apr - 6 Oct Fly or spinning; no

close season for pike;walk of 0.5 mile

*Loch Faskally Perch and Pike Boating Station,

Clunie Bridge Rd,

Pitlochry, 01796

472919

3 per day from bank,

5.25 per day from

boat

All year All legal baits

allowed; boats

available 15 Mar to

15 Oct; cafe facilities

Loch Rannoch Perch and Pike and

Trout

Mr R Legate,

Glenrannoch House,01882 632307 and

Dunalastair Hotel,

01882 632323

On application 15 Mar - 6 Oct Boats from

Dunalastair rod hire

Loch Tummel Perch and Pike As under Game

Fishing above

On application All year

*River Tummel Grayling As under second

Loch Tumel entry inGame Fishing above

3 per day, 10 per

week, season ticketavailable

All year As under second

Loch Tummel entryabove

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5 Astronomy At The Observatory

The Observatory is a great place for star-gazing, as you might expect. There are

numerous astronomical reference works, two telescopes and a pair of binoculars at the

house for the use of guests. The skies, particularly to the west, are as dark as they

were in George Forbes day.

However, George Forbes roof top platform no longer exists - although I occasionally

dream of rebuilding it. It lasted until the early 1980s when it became clear that it was

no longer safe. It may be replaced one day, but this is not imminent. There are also a

number of trees around the building that obscure some of the sky, particularly to the

north. In high summer (when there are only two or three hours of darkness anyway),

the trees can be frustrating, if your main interest is astronomical. They are far less of

a problem during the winter months.

The optical equipment comprises: a very inexpensive refractor telescope, a high-quality pair of 7 x 35 binoculars and, a Meade 4.5 inch equatorial reflector telescope.

Guests are welcome to use all three, although the big telescope is probably too

complex for an inexperienced user.

For those who are interested, there is also a small archive of material written by or

about George Forbes.

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Golf

There is Golf in Pitlochry within walking distance of The Observatory. Within 20

minutes drive there are at least six courses there are more than 40 courses, including

those at Gleneagles, within three quarters of an hours drive and more than 100

courses, including those at St Andrews, within an hour and a quarters drive. A golf

ticket giving discounts on three or more games is available from

http://www.perthshire.co.uk/golf

This listing is in order of distance from The Observatory. An excellent booklet of all

courses in Perthshire is available from the tourist board.

For directions and to see distances, use the directions function on

www.multimap.com. Enter The Observatorys postcode, PH16 5AP, and that of the

golf club in question to see route. Courses are 18 hole unless indicated otherwise.

Pitlochry pitch and put 0.25 miles

Pitlochry Golf Club PH16 5QY (1 mile) contact George Hampton 01796 472792

Blair Atholl, PH18 5TJ (8 miles) 01796 481407 - 9 holes 01796 481407

Strathtay Golf Club 9 holes (9 miles) PH9 0PG contact Ian Ramsey 01887 840211

Aberfeldy Golf Club PH15 2BH (15 miles), contact P Woolley 01887 820535

Kenmore Golf Club 9 holes - PH15 2HN (21 miles), contact 01887 830226

Glenshee 9 holes PH10 7QG (26 miles) contact Simon Winton 01250 885226

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Books To Enhance Your Stay At TheObservatory

There are a wealth of guide books, maps and reference works at The Observatory

covering all aspects of life in Scotland, Perthshire and Pitlochry. You might,however, like to read up on the area before you arrive, in which case these are my

recommendations.

Scotlands Heartland a visitors digest of Highland Perthshire

by James Irvine Robertson

pub Heartland Publishers isbn 0-9541304-0-5

This is a book in two parts, the first is a lively jog though the history of the area, the

second a collection of shorter pieces of specific places in the locality. IrvineRobertsons real interest is in the period of the Jacobite rebellions (1689 1745), but

as that era gave rise to so many good tales, the book is none the worse for that. This

is an excellent book if you are planning some modest tours around Highland

Perthshire it brings alive both the larger towns and many of the tiniest settlements.

Pitlochry, History of a Highland District

by Colin Liddell

pub Perth and Kinross Libraries

An enjoyable and informative account of the towns history by the local solicitor.

One of its strengths is that it brings the story right up to date, answering such

questions as why was the new A9 planned as it was and what was the thinking behind

the hydro-electric scheme. (160 pages and 150 illustrations.)

Perth and Kinrosss, an illustrated architectural guide,

by Nick Haynes,

pub Rutland Press isbn 1-873-190-123

Until the Buildings of Scotland (Pevsner) series reaches Perthshire, this is the best

guide there is to the built environment. Intended for the general reader and with many

illustrations on each page, this is a great book to keep in your pocket if you take off

around the county. Whether its an ancient fortalice or the weird and wonderful

buildings of Fortingall, this is the book to set them in context and tell you who

designed them. It is also ideal if you want to make a plan to see Perthshires castles,.

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Things To Do 5 Minutes From TheObservatory

There is enough to do within five minutes walk of The Observatory to fill a week. In

each case below, I have indicated the length of the initial walk, and the overallduration.

Circumnavigating Loch Faskally

Initial walk: none. Duration: 40 minutes to an hour.

From the conservatory end of the house, walk down the steep slope towards the loch.

It is steep and a bit overgrown, so some care is needed. Bear around to the right as the

ground levels off and you will find a space where there used to be a gate. It is an easy

place to climb over, or though the fence. You will find yourself on the bank of the

loch. For those who are not game for the slope and the fence, leave the house by thedrive, turn left and then carry on walking, keeping to the left. You will eventually

come out in the same place.

The well worn track to the right takes you along the wooded banks of the loch. After

quarter of a mile, you have to follow a stone wall back up to the road past a field in

which a couple of horses are usually kept (belonging to Jock McQueen of the

Armoury Stables, who works them to this day). On the tarmaced road, turn left down

the hill.

At the bottom you will find the boat station, from which rowing boats, powered boats

for fishing, fishing rods and fishing permits can be hired. A rowing boat is 6.50 per

hour, a day licence to fish from the bank 4.25. The boating station is open every day

from March to October, 01796 474147 for more information.

A brisk walk from The Observatory gets you to the boat station in under ten minutes

At this point you can retrace your footsteps, returning though town, if you dont cut

down past the horses when you reach them. Or, by walking in front of the boat

station, you can continue around the loch.

The path rises up though the woods, until you reach the stone marking the award themain bridge received upon its completion. From this point both bridges are evident

the new road bridge, high above that takes up A9 north, and the foot bridge, way

beneath it.

On the opposite bank, you quickly find yourself on the Foss Road, the tiny single

track road that would take you to Loch Tummels northern shore. Turn left and follow

the slightly incongruous pavement to the top of the hill. At this point you have the A9

in front of you. To your left, however, is a farm steading, and a metal gate through

which a footpath is sign posted. Follow this though the woods until its divides. The

left fork takes you to the banks of the loch again, for arguably the loveliest and

quietist bit of the walk. This route eventually leads on to the dam, across which thepath to the road back to The Observatory is clear. The right fork takes you to the

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theatre, the spectacular Port na Craig House (private, but worth a peak up the drive)

and the Seed Collectors Garden.

Alternative, taking in artificial pond, spooky forest and Faskally House

Instead of crossing the bridge half way up Loch Faskally (the one after the boatstation), carry on up the Loch. The path takes you through a forest in which you will

find a number of curious, man made attractions. It is not easy to find all of them, but

you should see one or two each time you pass though the wood. Here is one - it is on

the side of a very steep hill.

The forest path takes you past an artificial lake, in on the banks of which there are a

number of picturesque boat houses. Further still along the path, you will come to

Faskally House. This was, in the nineteenth century the home of the Butters, the

family who to this day are the major landowners in and around Pitlochry. They

divested themselves of their potentially ruinous - albeit still very attractive - country

house. It now serves as the Scottish Executive's Freshwater Fisheries research center,the management of which which does not really encourage people to wander its

grounds. Nevertheless, I have never seen anyone stopped from walking on to the

lawn. Return to The Observatory from here means retracing your footsteps - but it is

quite hard to take the same route though the wood twice.

The Dam and Fish Ladder

Initial walk: 3 minutes. Duration: 30 minutes to an hour

Leave The Observatory by the drive and turn right, down the hill. The granite mass of

the dam and the turbine hall is immediately visible. At different times of day, and of

the year, the dam can be observed being used in very different ways. Sometimes a

giant spout of water is shot up from an opening towards the bottom of the dam. And

occasionally, the top of the dam is lowered, and water allowed to flow over it is an

awesome sight, if you catch it.

Fish really are, regularly visible in the observation chamber, particularly in the late

summer. And for a while in September, you can look over the loch from the dam and

see salmon jumping every couple of seconds.

The Festival Theatre

Reached in 5 minutes

Cross the dam and carry on along the road on the other side. The Theatre stages a

lively program of events though out the summer. Its productions tend to be crowd

pleasers, rather than the avant garde. It is nevertheless a well-designed, intimate

auditorium and and walk too and fro is magical. The restaurant at the theatre is

expensive and disappointing. Both the Old Armoury and the recently revived Port na

Craig (opposite the theatre) offer pre-theatre menus.

The Plant Collectors Garden

Initial walk: 5 minutes. Duration: up to 2 hours.

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The plant collectors garden opening, falteringly, in 2003 . It surrounds the Theatre

from the top and to one side. The landscaping is impressive, and the little pavilions,

designed by Gaia Architects of Edinburgh, show just what can be done with wood,

when people put their minds to it. At the time of writing (January 2004) I have not

had a chance to see if the plants themselves justify the entrance price - they certainly

did not last summer. At the time of writing, their web site is going to be at:http://www.scottishplantcollectorsgarden.com )

Circular walk taking in the Dam, the suspension bridge and the town

Initial walk: none. Duration: 45 minutes (or longer if the shops tempt you)

. Leave The Observatory by the drive and turn right, across the dam. Follow the

road past the theatre. Once you have passed Port na Craig and the old ferrymans

cottage, the suspension foot bridge can be seen. It bounces underfoot. This brings you

out by the recreation ground (where weekly Scottish entertainments are offered on

Saturday nights in the summer and the towns Highland Games take place in the late

summer). There is a childrens play area, here. Take the right fork when you come to

the road beyond the recreation ground. The brings you up the hill, under the railwaybridge and back on to Atholl Road (Pitlochry's main street). There you can take in all

the retail pleasures, before returning to the Observatory via Rie-Achen Road

Black Spout

Initial walk: 20 minutes. Duration: 2 hours (more to discover in the woods, if you are

minded to)

Black Spout is a 400 feet long waterfall that is a short walk from the town center. The

picture above does it no justice - it is a great sight on any day, and it awesome in full

spate.From The Observatory, walk on to Atholl Road and down the hill past the

shops. A little beyond the petrol station, on the opposite side of the road, is a rough

road. Walk up this and you find yourself in a car park, with an information board

about the woods. Follow the track up the hill for about 15 minutes, and it clearly leads

to Black Spout. There used to be several bridges over the burn, allowing a circular

walk, of about an hours duration. In the big storm of August 2002, these were all

washed away. The last time they looked, they had not been replaced, but it is always

worth checking.

Pitlochry Links

Scottish Towns, Pitlochry - good local information and lots more links.

www.scottish-towns.co.uk/perthshire/pitlochry Perthshire Tourist Board - more information about Perthshire and its visitor

attractions. www.perthshire.co.uk

A useful directory of local businesses www.pitlochry.org

The theatre's guide to Pitlochry www.pitlochry.org.uk/guide/index.html

Heartlander - good community site based in Aberfeldy

www.heartlander.scotland.net

Gazetteer for Scotland - guide to settlements, history and people

www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/
http://www.scottish-towns.co.uk/perthshire/pitlochry/index.htmlhttp://www.perthshire.co.uk/http://www.perthshire.co.uk/http://www.pitlochry.org/http://www.pitlochry.org.uk/guide/index.htmlhttp://www.pitlochry.org.uk/guide/index.htmlhttp://www.heartlander.scotland.net/http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/http://www.scottish-towns.co.uk/perthshire/pitlochry/index.htmlhttp://www.perthshire.co.uk/http://www.pitlochry.org/http://www.pitlochry.org.uk/guide/index.htmlhttp://www.heartlander.scotland.net/http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/

the shed things to do

Documents