Sunset over Loch Tay
Sunset over Loch Tay
Sunshine and Snow
This site is a labour of love and is provided without the use of intrusive and inappropriate advertisements and those darned annoying cookie settings. I really do care about your privacy!
The Perthshire Highlands is a wonderful place and so recording what I see and discover is pure joy. I hope that my photographs will whet your appetite and that the suggestions of what to do and where to go will add to the quality of your time here. However this is a time-consuming and costly exercise and so should you wish to make a contribution towards my expenses, that would be really appreciated.
Additionally if you have discovered something of interest that you feel should be included, please let me know. I might include it, I might not. But I will investigate!
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Aberfeldy is at the geographic centre of Scotland and at the heart of Breadalbane (bre'dal-ban), a beautiful and hidden corner of the Scottish Highlands. Sandwiched between those great arteries to Inverness, the A82 and the A9, it is often ignored by those dashing north to experience the adrenaline-filled activities of Lochaber and those who are lured by the world-famous attractions of Pitlochry and Aviemore.
Perthshire is rightly known as the 'big county' - admittedly it used to be much bigger than at present, once including Crianlarich, Aberfoyle, Dunblane and an exclave at Culross. It's still big. In Ben Lawers it has Britain's highest hill south of Fort William and the Cairngorms. The River Tay is Britain's biggest river, and Scotland's longest. Loch Tay is the fourth biggest lump of water in Great Britain. The tallest trees are to be found near Dunkeld. Britain's highest railway line is at Drumochter. The A93 at Glen Shee is Britain's highest public road; two others give it three in the top seven - there will be something to impress you. Whether you fancy a gentle walk or a vigorous hike; maybe fishing, boating or kayaking; distilleries, food and drink; or just standing and staring, you will be well satisfied.
Whilst I have climbed all the Munro's in the area it is not my intention here to replicate the excellent walking guides that already exist. If you wish to tackle one or more I will recommend the following:
You will also need a reliable weather forecast. Geoff Monk's Mountain Weather Information Service is a very good recommendation. Go for the Southeastern Highlands area.
Please take care in the mountains. Take plenty of food and drink, spare warm clothing, waterproof clothing, map and compass. Even in summer! Do not rely solely on electronic devices. Mobile signal is sparse and technology will fail you when you need it most! The means and ability to navigate in the old fashioned way may well save your life.
The Right to Roam. Here in Scotland there are very few public rights of ways. If you look at an OS Landranger map from England or Wales you will note that it is covered in pink lines showing where you are legally allowed to venture. These lines are noticeable by their absence on the maps of Scotland. You may feel that this gives you the right to go where you please. To a large extent, this is true. Please do not abuse this privilege. All land is owned by someone. You do not have the right to invade privacy, leave gates open, harass livestock, cause damage, camp wherever you please, leaving your campfires burning and your garbage for others to dispose. Be respectful. Tidy up after yourself. Clean up after your dog. Take it all away and dispose of it properly. Enjoy Scotland's wild beauty. Leave it so that others can enjoy it too. Thank you.
A note on the 'Publicly Available Toilets' scheme. Nature calls! It happens. Yet Councils are becoming increasingly reluctanct to spend a penny in providing for this basic human need. We are grateful to the local businesses who participate in this scheme. You will see the signs around the towns and villages. Please do not feel embarassed to enter, or indeed obligated to purchase their wares. They do receive a small allowance from the Council for providing this service. Therefore a smile and a 'thank you' is all that is required. But if the hospitality so provided encourages you to spend a pound or more, your trade will be most welcome.
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Above the Clouds, Loch Tay