Five reasons why you need Aberfeldy, Scotland on your staycation radar

Imagine a place where sustainability, farm-to-fork and sounds of nature are not buzzwords but a legitimate way of life? Well, I found a place. It’s real and it’s just a few hours from Kings Cross, London by train. So, you needn’t even get on a plane. Arrive at that little town Edinburgh and a taxi ride of just over an hour will bring you to Aberfeldy. It’s a place so staggeringly beautiful that none less than Robert Burns himself immortalised the village in the song The Birks of Aberfeldy. With the festive season coming up here are five reasons why you need Aberfeldy, Scotland on your staycation radar.

Thyme at Errichel Restaurant

This restaurant is a part of Errichel luxury cottages and estate. You don’t need to be staying with them to eat here. From game shot on their estate to local produce from slow food suppliers Chef Paul Newman creates sublime dishes. The menu changes constantly to reflect what’s seasonally available. I highly recommend the venison and don’t miss the freshly baked bread. The food is utterly divine.

For opening times and bookings visit: www.errichelhouseandrestaurant.co.uk

Dewars Distillery

Aberfeldy has been the home of Dewars Whisky since 1896. The distillery took home no less than three awards, for its compelling tours; Best Visitor Attraction in the regional final for Central East and Tayside at the Scottish Thistle Awards, Excellence in Tourism & Leisure Award at The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards and Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Scotland 2018 Awards. 

With a heritage museum, private gourmet dining experiences, whisky tasting, whisky master classes and an exceptional restaurant serving local produce it’s little wonder that the distillery has become the talk of the town.

For more information and to book your tour visit: www.dewars.com

 Highland Safaris

If you haven’t got in a 4×4 with a kilted ranger have you even been to the Scottish Highlands? Well, Highland Safaris will take care of that. A local guide will pick you up from your hotel and track rare wildlife across some astonishing scenery. Prepare to be spellbound by the rugged beauty of the highlands; icy streams, rocky mountains, vast plains and wild flowers await you.

For more information visit: www.highlandsafaris.net

Mains of Taymouth golf course

A round of golf at Mains of Taymouth, in the heart of Aberfeldy, is sure to help melt away the stresses of city life. Even if golf isn’t your thing there are plenty of other things to do on the resort. There are stables, a restaurant that serves a mean Scottish breakfast and a gift shop selling the finest fudge you will ever taste. From here, Loch Tay is but a few minutes walk. Hiking around the resort is priceless.

For more information visit: www.taymouth.co.uk

Scenery

As a travel writer I assure you that no place has ever left me speechless. That was until I arrived at Aberfeldy. The scenery will simply mesmerise you. Loch Tay sits silently, boats bobbing on its surface in the distance, as you walk by. Wild ducklings cross your path and green leaves chime against a mountainous backdrop everywhere you look. If you’re a city-dweller, as most of us are, it may take you a few hours to adjust. When you do, I promise you it will be more than worth it.

 

 

 

I was a guest of Dewars Distillery, Aberfeldy. Opinions expressed in my writing are always my own. Dewars Distillery is located at: Aberfeldy PH15 2EB.