Blair Atholl - Other

Other local highlights near the hotel include

Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder
Each year between April and October an average of 5,400 salmon fight their way upstream from Atlantic feeding grounds to spawn in the upper reaches of the River Tummel. They must by-pass the Hydro-Electric dam at Pitlochry by travelling through the interconnected pools that form the Pitlochry "fish ladder" up and around the dam. Three resting pools provide patches of slack water for a break in the struggle against the current.

The flow from the bottom of the fish ladder attracts the salmon into the first pool and from there they rise in steps through connecting pipes from pool to pool until they have climbed the height of the dam. Witness all at a very special attraction.

The Queens View
One of the outstanding beauty spots in all of Scotland is the Queen’s View where a panorama of lake and mountain scenery stretches westwards as far as the Glen Coe hills, on clear days.

There is just a little doubt about which Queen is meant. Victoria certainly visited it in 1866, when travelling privately - “incognita” as she so correctly puts it.

Killiecrankie
The Pass of Killiecrankie offers a splendid walk beside the River Garry through a densely wooded gorge with abundant wildlife. A visitor centre provides information on Killiecrankie's natural history, as well as the battle fought here in 1689. The woodland is famous for its autumn colour, with the view along the pass from the Garry Bridge being one of the most photographed in Perthshire.

The Hermitage at Dunkeld
The waterfalls, rapids and swirling pools of the River Braan provide the focal point for this wild 'tree garden'. Created by the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th century, it includes two romantic 'follies'. A short nature trail takes you through varied woodland, with a good chance of seeing red squirrels. Also featured is Britain's tallest tree, a stately Douglas fir measured at 64.5 metres (212 ft).

Blair Athol Distillery Visitor Centre
Blair Athol Distillery and its excellent Visitor Centre is located on the Southern Edge of Pitlochry about half a mile from the town centre. Established in 1798 Blair Athol is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. The distillery produces a lovely 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, with a mellow deep-toned aroma, a strong fruity flavour and a smooth finish.