20 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Charming Town of Pitlochry Scotland

Pitlochry is a charming town that sits almost right in the middle of Scotland.

It’s in the Council area of Perth and Kinross and is just 30 minutes from the city of Perth.

And while Pitlochry is a small town of just under 3000 residents, there is a lot to do, see and experience in the town and in the surrounding area.

There is a train station which means those without a car can get here and see and do all that I have on this list.

I didn’t have a car and had plenty to do!

If you have a car, then there will be a few more experiences not on this list you’ll be able to have.

Okay.

Let’s dive into all the things there are to do in this Victorian town.

Visit Pitlochry Dam (and see the fish ladder)

The Pitlochry Dam is one of the attractions in Pitlochry Scotland.

It’s an engineering marvel for sure.

You can walk across it and there’s even a visitor center that I’ve not actually visited.

Ooops!

But I have walked across it and along the side with the fish ladder.

No fish in early January!

It’s a cool spot and it gives excellent views in both directions.

Not to mention that it’s a feat of green energy engineering.

See a performance at the Pitlochry Festival Theater

While I didn’t see a show at the Pitlochry Festival Theater, I understand it’s a wonderful venue that puts on some good shows.

So this is going on my “next time” list.

If you are into theater performances, then do try to catch a show at this marvelous theater.

Tour Blair Athol Distillery (and taste some delicious Scottish whisky) and have a drink at the Mash Tun bar

One of the best things to do in Pitlochry is to tour the Blair Athol distillery.

Yes, there is the town of Blair Atholl (2 l’s) up the road.

But the Blair Athol (1 l) Distillery is in Pitlochry.

It happens to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.

The tour is fabulous.

You’ll not only get the typical “this is how whisky is made”, but you’ll also hear some fun stories.

There are a couple of different tastings and tours you can do depending on your interest in Scottish whisky.

However, even the basic tour gives you 3 whisky tastes as the guide talks you through each one.

The Mash Tun bar which is in the Visitor Center is also worth checking out.

It’s a great spot to have a wee dram or perhaps a cocktail either before or after your tour.

Or you can even pop in one afternoon for an early happy hour treat.

I will say that all the folks that work at Blair Athol Distillery are also very warm and welcoming.

Play golf

Pitlochry has a golf course that may interest some of you.

I’m a golf fan but I don’t play — yet.

This golf course looks wonderful though.

It’s quite hilly but the scenery is beautiful.

For golfers, this may be one of the best things to do in Pitlochry.

See the Pitlochry Standing Stone

Admittedly the Pitlochry stone is a bit underwhelming.

But it’s easy enough to see.

This standing stone sits in the middle of a field — typically filled with sheep — near the golf course.

I didn’t walk out into the field to see it up close.

But I wish I had just to see if there were any interesting marks on it.

For those of us (like me) who love these ancient stones, do at least stop by to see it.

Walk through Faskally Woods

Or perhaps run through Faskally Woods.

Another of my favorite walks in Pitlochry is to follow the different paths though this wooded area.

It’s gorgeous!

Conifers and deciduous trees make up this wooded area.

It runs along Loch Faskally and you’ll find another wee loch, Loch Dunmore, as you wander the trails.

The paths roll along so it makes an excellent spot for you runners.

And in autumn?

Yes, stunning colors!

I love this park!

Wander the town of Pitlochry

There’s nothing better than to wander about Pitlochry.

While the main street has all the shops, cafes and restaurants, don’t be afraid to venture onto some of the other streets to see where the locals live.

There are some beautiful homes here.

Pitlochry is actually not all that old as the town we see today dates to Victorian times, so the mid-1800’s.

But it’s just a charming town so taking a wander around is a treat.

Walk to Killiecrankie (village and pass)

One thing that I didn’t do when I was in Pitlochry (and wish I had) is to make the walk to Killiecrankie.

Killiecrankie is a wee settlement and a pass about 5 miles north of Pitlochry.

There are a couple of trails you can take, but the one through Faskally Woods is the one I would have taken.

It’s not a hard walk but it is 10 miles round trip, so you just need to have the time and daylight.

For you walkers, you’ll definitely want to put this on your list for your time in Pitlochry.

Savor some unique and tasty chocolate at Explore Chocolate

I love chocolate.

I’m pretty sure I have an addiction.

So when I saw the sign for Explore Chocolate I was like, “Of course I’ll explore chocolate!”

Matt runs this ethically sourced, gourmet, boutique chocolate shop.

It’s not Friar’s in Ambleside. (although there is good chocolate there!)

This is adult chocolate for refined palates.

The chocolate is all different and simply divine!

Chocolate connoisseurs must put Explore Chocolate on your Pitlochry list.

Eat at the Old Mill Inn (and listen to some local musicians)

There are a few good places to eat in Pitlochry and the Old Mill Inn is definitely one of them.

The Old Mill Inn is also a hotel.

But it has an excellent restaurant with a menu that caters to all eaters.

As a gluten sensitive pescatarian, I had no problem finding a few tasty dishes.

They bring in local musicians at the weekends.

I never managed to listen to the music as it didn’t start until 9pm or so.

I’m typically thinking about my bed then.

However, if you want to hear live music, this is a great venue for it.

So for tasty food and live music, put the Old Mill Inn on your list!

Dine at Victoria’s

Victoria’s might be my favorite restaurant in Pitlochry.

I ate dinner here twice, choosing to dine here for my New Year’s Eve feast.

Again, the menu serves those of us with special diets.

And the service is outstanding!

Friendly and attentive staff take good care of you without being overbearing.

Victoria’s has a superb atmosphere as well, fun and festive, nice yet casual.

I highly recommend having dinner at this Pitlochry restaurant.

Enjoy tea and a treat at Hettie’s (or have lunch)

Hettie’s is a must for your time in Pitlochry.

Stop in for tea or coffee.

The teas are amazing!

Have a sweet treat — even a gluten free one.

Or eat lunch.

The food is delicious.

The staff are friendly.

And the atmosphere is fun and whimsical.

I love Hettie’s!

Have lunch at Cafe Calluna

Cafe Calluna is another of the wonderful cafes that dot the main street of Pitlochry.

I had a light lunch of soup here in December.

The soup is tasty!

You can get tea, coffee, a treat or a complete lunch — think sandwiches and soups.

I love that they allow dogs in this cafe.

I fell in love with a Golden Retriever named Max.

Eat and drink at Auld Smiddy

Auld Smiddy is another of my favorite places in Pitlochry.

The bar area is welcoming with friendly staff ready to help you select the right gin (in my case).

You can also eat some tasty food at Auld Smiddy.

It’s a bit more pub food, but good pub food.

The aubergine (eggplant) starter is yummy!

Sit by the fire in colder weather months.

One thing I will really emphasize is the superb staff here.

I ate here twice and had outstanding service both times.

See how they make HeatherGems

The HeatherGems “factory” is located in Pitlochry.

I bought a piece of this jewelry at a shop in Fort William in 2017.

And if you’ve traveled around Scotland, you may have seen some pieces in a shop or 2.

It’s in Pitlochry that you can actually visit the home of this uniquely Scottish jewelry.

The process is pretty fascinating as they take dried heather and press it, etc.

You can watch a short video on this at the store/factory.

Then you can wander the shop and buy something for yourself or for a loved one back home.

A gift from HeatherGems is a special gift from Scotland for sure!

Climb up Ben y Vrackie

Ben Vrackie is not a munro as, at 2759ft, it falls short of the 3000ft.

However it’s a popular peak to climb up if you’re visiting Pitlochry.

I didn’t make it up this due to very rainy weather during my October stay.

The days were too short and the ice was around come December so it didn’t happen then either.

Hopefully next time.

I will say that folks that have summited this peak say it’s a very doable climb for the average hiker with some steep sections toward the top.

And I hear the views from the top are amazing.

So, yes, it’s on the list for a future trip back to Pitlochry.

Special Events in Pitlochry to consider…

Wander through the Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest is a light show through the Faskally Woods in October.

Every year there is a different theme.

And the event typically begins the first weekend in October and goes through the first week in November.

It’s a great place to take kids and has gotten very popular with folks throughout the UK.

Do note that most schools in the UK get a half term break for one week at some point in October.

So yes, the Enchanted Forest can get busy and Pitlochry can actually be busy during this time.

Do plan ahead.

But it’s a pretty cool event.

Treat yourself to the Festive Lunch at Fonab Castle Hotel

I was fortunate to be in Pitlochry over the Christmas and New Year’s (Hogmanay) holidays.

So one of the things I chose to do was to have a Christmas-y meal at Fonab Castle Hotel.

Fonab Castle Hotel is across the River Tummel from the center of Pitlochry and has views of the water.

It’s more of a baron home than an old time castle as it was originally built in the late 1800’s.

But it is grand.

And the food here is superb.

During the Christmas season, from December 1 to 23, they offer a “festive lunch” menu.

It’s a 3 course meal where you’ll have 3 choices within each course plus you get coffee, tea and mince pie at the end.

I actually had a friend join me for my December 23 reservation.

And we stuffed ourselves with 3 amazing courses and a shared bottle of wine.

3 ½ hours later we waddled back to the flat, happy, full and satisfied.

It was a special experience for sure!

Take part in the New Year’s Day Street Party

Pitlochry has a marvelous New Year’s Day party.

They close off part of the main street running through town and they dance, eat, listen to music, drink and wish friends and neighbors Happy New Year.

It was a dry day this year, although cold.

But it wasn’t raining which is a plus in Scotland.

The festivities go from 1 to 4pm so I ventured out around 1:30.

There were a LOT of people!

I made my way to the bandstand where the musicians and MC were.

Then the people started with the ceilidh — dancing.

It was so fun to watch them as they danced some of the traditional dances.

There were a few booths set up so you could get some food and drink.

And everyone was having a grand time!

For me though, it was the local pipe band.

Even thinking about it gives me goosebumps and makes my eyes well up.

The band is made up of drums and bagpipes and it’s just so Scottish.

I was able to get up in front (thanks to a lovely lady who was practically pushing me to the front of the crowd so I could see) and get some great video and images.

It was mesmerizing.

And everyone was so quiet during this performance.

The Scots really relish their traditions.

As they paraded back up the street, I realized I had tears in my eyes.

I turned back to the kind woman and said “That was amazing! I actually had tears in my eyes!”

And she replied, “It gets you right here” as she put her hand on her heart and then said, “You really feel all the feels.”

I feel like it was a wonderful way for me to ring in the new year.

And as I walked back to the B&B I just remember feeling so much love for Scotland.

So there are 20 Reasons why you need to visit the Pitlochry Scotland

I highly recommend spending some time in Pitlochry.

There really are a lot of things to do.

I hope you’ll have some of these experiences.

Pick and choose the ones that resonate with you.

Above all, enjoy Pitlochry and the friendly locals!

 

Some tips for visiting Pitlochry

If you can avoid the high summer season, do so.

Visit over the holidays! It’s a magical time to be here. The Street Party is awesome! And winter in general can be such a great time to visit.

Autumn is a nice time too as there are lots of trees so the autumn foliage is gorgeous! Just know that the Enchanted Forest runs through October and it can get busy. Not summer busy, but busy enough.

Stay at Tigh Na Cloich B&B. Stephanie and Steve are so warm and welcoming and they have great senses of humor too. Plus the location is fab!

 

If you have tips for Pitlochry, leave them in the comments below.

Or send me an email at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

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