Cairngorms & Highland Perthshire
Britain's largest national park and the dramatic highlands of Perthshire — around one hour north of the hotel
A Gateway to Scotland's Wild Heart
One of the great advantages of staying at The Inchture Hotel is just how quickly you can reach the Scottish Highlands. Within an hour of leaving our front door, you can be standing beneath the towering peaks of the Cairngorms National Park — Britain's largest national park and one of Europe's last great wilderness areas.
The drive north from Inchture is itself a journey worth savouring. As the rolling farmland of the Carse of Gowrie gives way to the wooded gorges and tumbling rivers of Highland Perthshire, you'll feel the landscape change around you. By the time you reach Dunkeld, Pitlochry or Blair Atholl, you're in a different Scotland altogether — wilder, grander and utterly breathtaking.
Whether you're seeking mountain walks, ancient castles, whisky distilleries, wildlife or simply the awe-inspiring scenery of the Highlands, this is a day trip you won't forget.
Pitlochry
The bustling Highland town of Pitlochry has been welcoming visitors since Queen Victoria made it fashionable in the 19th century, and it remains one of Scotland's most popular destinations. It's around 50 minutes' drive north of The Inchture Hotel along the A9 — a scenic route that follows the River Tay through increasingly dramatic countryside.
In Pitlochry itself, don't miss the Pitlochry Festival Theatre — Scotland's Theatre in the Hills — which runs a celebrated programme of plays, musicals and concerts throughout the year. Nearby, the Pitlochry Dam and Salmon Ladder offer a fascinating window into Scotland's hydroelectric heritage and the chance to watch Atlantic salmon leaping upstream during the summer months.
Whisky lovers are spoilt for choice with the Blair Athol Distillery right in town and the renowned Edradour Distillery — one of Scotland's smallest — tucked into the hills just outside. Both offer excellent tours and tastings.
Must-See Attractions
From ancient castles to thundering waterfalls, Highland Perthshire is packed with unforgettable experiences.
55 minutes · Blair Atholl
Blair Castle
The ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl and home to Europe's only remaining private army — the Atholl Highlanders. Over 700 years of history set against a magnificent Highland backdrop. The castle's 30 rooms are filled with paintings, arms, armour and treasures, while the grounds stretch across a stunning estate.
40 minutes · Near Dunkeld
The Hermitage
One of Scotland's most popular short walks. A magical path through towering Douglas firs — among the tallest trees in Britain — leads to Ossian's Hall, a folly overlooking the thundering Black Linn Falls on the River Braan. An enchanting walk at any time of year, especially atmospheric in autumn.
1 hour · Loch Tummel
Queen's View
Perhaps the most celebrated viewpoint in all of Scotland. Named after Queen Victoria, who admired it during her visit in 1866, this panoramic vista gazes westward along Loch Tummel towards the distant peak of Schiehallion. On a clear day, it's a view that will stop you in your tracks.
More to Discover
Pass of Killiecrankie
55 minutes · Near Pitlochry
A dramatic wooded gorge where the Battle of Killiecrankie was fought in 1689. The Soldier's Leap — an 18-foot gap over the River Garry — marks where a fleeing soldier supposedly jumped to safety. Beautiful woodland walks and a visitor centre tell the story.
Falls of Braan
40 minutes · The Hermitage
Part of The Hermitage walk, these impressive falls crash through a narrow rocky gorge below Ossian's Hall. The viewing platform offers a dramatic vantage point directly above the roaring water — a thrilling sight after heavy rain.
Dunkeld & Birnam
35 minutes · River Tay
The pretty cathedral town of Dunkeld sits on the banks of the River Tay and makes a perfect stop on the way north. Browse the beautifully restored little houses on Cathedral Street, visit the ancient cathedral, and see the famous Birnam Oak — last survivor of the forest that inspired Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Highland Wildlife
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms are home to some of Britain's rarest wildlife. Red deer roam the hillsides, golden eagles soar above the peaks, and if you're lucky you might spot red squirrels, pine martens, ospreys or even the elusive Scottish wildcat. The Cairngorms Wildlife Park near Kingussie brings you closer to these magnificent creatures.
Loch Tummel
1 hour · Highland Perthshire
This beautiful freshwater loch stretches through some of Highland Perthshire's most spectacular scenery. The road along its northern shore offers one stunning viewpoint after another, and the loch itself is popular for fishing, kayaking and wild swimming in summer.
Winter Sports
1.5 hours · Cairngorm Mountain
In the winter months, the Cairngorm Mountain ski resort offers skiing and snowboarding on Scotland's highest slopes. Even outside the ski season, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway takes you close to the summit for breathtaking views across the Highlands.
An Easy Day Trip from Inchture
The Cairngorms and Highland Perthshire are remarkably easy to reach from The Inchture Hotel. Simply head north on the A90 towards Perth, then join the A9 — Scotland's main Highland road. Dunkeld and The Hermitage are around 35 minutes away, Pitlochry is under an hour, and the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is around 90 minutes north.
The A9 itself is a beautiful drive, climbing through the mountains and following the line of General Wade's historic military roads. We recommend making a full day of it — leave after breakfast, explore at your leisure, and return to the hotel in time for dinner at The Priory restaurant.
A Perfect Highland Day
Breakfast & Depart
Fuel up with a full Scottish breakfast at the hotel, then head north on the A9. The drive is part of the experience — watch the landscape transform as you climb into the Highlands.
The Hermitage Walk
Stop at The Hermitage near Dunkeld for a magical woodland walk to the Black Linn Falls. Allow around 45 minutes for the circular walk — comfortable shoes recommended.
Lunch in Pitlochry
Continue north to Pitlochry for lunch. The town has a wonderful selection of cafés and restaurants. Visit the salmon ladder and browse the independent shops along the high street.
Queen's View & Loch Tummel
Drive west to Queen's View for the famous panorama over Loch Tummel. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Schiehallion — one of Scotland's most recognisable mountains.
Return to The Inchture Hotel
Head back south on the A9, arriving in time for a well-earned dram in the bar and dinner at The Priory. You'll have stories to share.
Stay With Us
Base yourself at The Inchture Hotel and explore the Cairngorms and Highland Perthshire at your leisure. Comfortable rooms, fine dining and genuine Scottish hospitality — the perfect home base for your Highland adventure.