The Highland Railway
Explore the region by train and discover a journey that is every bit as breathtaking as the destination. Travelling along one of Scotland’s most scenic railway lines, this itinerary showcases beautiful Perthshire landscapes and charming towns along the way.
From the city of Perth to the historic streets of Dunkeld and the Victorian charm of Pitlochry, each stop offers something unique to discover. The journey concludes in Blair Atholl, where Highland heritage, woodland walks and Blair Castle await.
Sit back, relax and enjoy a memorable rail adventure through the heart of Perthshire.
Stop One
Dunkeld has plenty to offer as the first stop on your journey. Discover the historic Dunkeld Cathedral, built in 1318, and explore the famous Birnam Wood, immortalised in Shakespeare's Macbeth and home to the 500-year-old Birnam Oak and the 300-year-old Birnam Sycamore.
When it's time to refuel, visit Aran Bakery owned and run by Great British Bake Off star Flora Shedden, for freshly baked breads, pastries and sweet treats. Or stop by Dunkeld Whisky Box to sample a regularly changing selection of whiskies from across Scotland so you can find the next dram you'll love!
Round off your visit at Birnam Arts, where you'll find a programme of exhibitions, theatre, live music and comedy, alongside a permanent exhibition celebrating the life and work of Beatrix Potter.
Mouth-watering baked goods
Home to artefacts such as "The Little Dunkeld Bell"
Stop Two
Next, hop off in Pitlochry, a bustling Highland town packed with unique attractions. Discover how Scotland's national drink is made at Blair Athol Distillery with a guided tour and whisky tasting, or visit Pitlochry Dam to learn about the region's hydroelectric heritage and see the famous fish ladder in action.
The mainly woodland Explorers Garden was conceptualised as a Theatricum Botanicum and came to life in the late 1990s, and now not only hosts outdoor performances but also rare varieties of Meconopsis. Making it even more special, this garden has its own completely unique version of Meconopsis, the Himalayan blue poppy GSG Explorers - (what a claim to fame!) which visitors can see blooming during the month of May.
One of Scotland’s most unique jewellers, Heathergems, create beautiful hand-crafted gems using heather stems harvested from the Highlands. As the only producers of these gems in the world, Hethergems create beautiful and unique jewellery with a flare of the Highlands.
Sample a blend of whisky unique to Perthshire
Stop Three
The next stop is Blair Atholl, home to the magnificent Blair Castle. Seat of the Atholl family for over 700 years, the castle offers visitors the chance to explore centuries of Scottish history within its grand rooms and grounds.
Blair Atholl Watermill is one of the last three operational watermills in Scotland, with milling being carried out on the site since the 1590s. You can view how the expert flour millers use traditional methods to stonegrind wheat, oats, rye, and spelt into their own flour. And enjoy home baking staples in the tea room made from their own flour.
For shopping and local produce, visit the House of Bruar, Scotland's premier country fashion retailer, home to a food hall, bakery, restaurant and whisky shop. Just beyond lies the picturesque Falls of Bruar, a beautiful woodland walk that has captivated visitors since the days of Robert Burns.
Celebrate traditional techiniques
Falls of Bruar
Stop Four
Your final stop is in Perth, where you’ll find Kinnoull Hill overlooking the city centre. With its summit reaching 222 metres (728 ft), the hill provides panoramic views out towards the Perthshire highlands. There’s also the 18th century castle folly Kinnoull Tower, which can be found sitting dramatically on the edge of the precipice.
In the heart of Perth, discover Perth Museum, home of the Stone of Destiny, before exploring nearby St John's Kirk, the city's oldest standing building. Art lovers can also visit Perth Art Gallery, which has one of the UK's oldest collections and an impressive range of Scottish and European works.
The hand-crafted gins from The Perth Distillery Co. are expertly made in small batches and include a range of flavours to suit every palate. Perth’s craftsmen combine tastes of Scotland with flavours from the far corners of the globe to create unique blends that still hold the classic experience of gin.
Stunning views into Highland Perthshire
Explore Scottish artists and thought-provoking collections
