Aberfeldy · Perthshire · Scotland

Things to Do

Discover the extraordinary adventures, history, and natural beauty that await just minutes from Fois Bhrus lodge.

Fois Bhrus sits within the Glengoulandie Estate in the heart of Highland Perthshire — one of Scotland's richest areas for outdoor adventure, history, and natural beauty. From Munro summits and white water rafting to world-class whisky distilleries and ancient castles, there is something extraordinary to discover every day of your stay.

Munros & Walks
Water Adventures
Whisky & Food
History & Culture
Wildlife & Nature
Scenic Drives

Editor's Picks

Not to Be Missed

4 miles·8 min

Highland Safaris & Red Deer Centre

Award-winning Land Rover safaris into the wild Perthshire hills, a hands-on Red Deer Centre where you can feed and photograph Britain's largest native land mammal, gold and gem panning, and guided mountain biking. One of the most popular family attractions in the area.

Red Deer feedingLand Rover safariGold panning
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5 miles·10 min

Splash White Water Rafting

Aberfeldy's premier adventure company offering exhilarating white water rafting on the River Tay, canyoning at Keltneyburn, river bugging, and paintball. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. All equipment provided.

White water raftingCanyoningRiver bugging
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12 miles·25 min

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

At 1,214 metres, Ben Lawers is the highest peak in Perthshire and one of Scotland's finest Munros. The Ben Lawers Loop is a rewarding full-day hike with breathtaking panoramic views over Loch Tay and beyond. The nature reserve is also renowned for its rare alpine flora.

Munro summitAlpine floraPanoramic views
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0 miles·On-site

Dun Coillich & Estate Walks

The hill of Dun Coillich rises directly above Glengoulandie and is laced with waymarked walking trails. Several routes lead through ancient woodland, past moorland and lochan, with some paths connecting all the way to Schiehallion. Walk straight from the lodge door.

Walks from the doorWaymarked trailsMoorland & woodland
5 miles·10 min

Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery

One of Scotland's most celebrated Highland distilleries, Dewar's has been crafting single malt whisky in Aberfeldy since 1898. Immersive heritage tours, blending masterclasses, and tastings of the award-winning Aberfeldy 12, 16, and 21 Year Old expressions.

Distillery tourWhisky tastingBlending masterclass
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4 miles·8 min

Castle Menzies

A spectacular 16th-century Z-plan tower house, ancestral seat of the Clan Menzies for over 400 years. Bonnie Prince Charlie rested here in 1746 during the Jacobite rising. The castle has been lovingly restored and houses a fascinating clan museum.

16th-century castleJacobite historyClan museum
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Complete Guide

Explore the Area

Browse all activities and attractions by category, or search for something specific.

32 attractions found

Outdoor AdventureFeatured

Highland Safaris & Red Deer Centre

4 miles8 min drive· Year-round

Award-winning Land Rover safaris into the wild Perthshire hills, a hands-on Red Deer Centre where you can feed and photograph Britain's largest native land mammal, gold and gem panning, and guided mountain biking. One of the most popular family attractions in the area.

Red Deer feedingLand Rover safariGold panningMountain biking

Insider tip: Book the Land Rover safari in advance during peak season — it sells out quickly.

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Outdoor AdventureFeatured

Splash White Water Rafting

5 miles10 min drive· Apr–Oct

Aberfeldy's premier adventure company offering exhilarating white water rafting on the River Tay, canyoning at Keltneyburn, river bugging, and paintball. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. All equipment provided.

White water raftingCanyoningRiver buggingPaintball

Insider tip: The canyoning trip at Keltneyburn is a hidden gem — less crowded than rafting and equally thrilling.

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Outdoor Adventure

Wee Adventures

6 miles12 min drive· Apr–Oct

Local outdoor adventure specialists offering guided kayaking, wild swimming, bushcraft, and bespoke Highland experiences for all ages. Perfect for families and groups wanting a more intimate, guided connection with the landscape.

KayakingWild swimmingBushcraftGuided walks
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Outdoor AdventureFeatured

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

12 miles25 min drive· May–Oct (best)

At 1,214 metres, Ben Lawers is the highest peak in Perthshire and one of Scotland's finest Munros. The Ben Lawers Loop is a rewarding full-day hike with breathtaking panoramic views over Loch Tay and beyond. The nature reserve is also renowned for its rare alpine flora.

Munro summitAlpine floraPanoramic viewsWildlife spotting

Insider tip: Start early to avoid afternoon cloud cover on the summit. The NTS visitor centre has excellent interpretation boards.

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Outdoor Adventure

Schiehallion

8 miles18 min drive· May–Oct (best)

The iconic 'Fairy Hill of the Caledonians' is one of Scotland's most recognisable and beloved mountains. Its distinctive conical summit is visible from the lodge on clear days. The well-maintained path from Braes of Foss makes it accessible to fit walkers.

Iconic conical summitVisible from lodgeWell-marked path360° views

Insider tip: Waymarked walks from Glengoulandie lead directly towards Schiehallion — ask us for the local route.

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Outdoor Adventure

Loch Tay Safaris & Taymouth Marina

6 miles12 min drive· Apr–Oct

Explore the stunning 14-mile length of Loch Tay by boat. Loch Tay Safaris offers wildlife boat trips spotting ospreys, red kites, and otters. Taymouth Marina at Kenmore hires kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats for independent exploration.

Wildlife boat tripsKayak hirePaddleboardingOsprey spotting
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Outdoor AdventureFeatured

Dun Coillich & Estate Walks

0 milesOn-site drive· Year-round

The hill of Dun Coillich rises directly above Glengoulandie and is laced with waymarked walking trails. Several routes lead through ancient woodland, past moorland and lochan, with some paths connecting all the way to Schiehallion. Walk straight from the lodge door.

Walks from the doorWaymarked trailsMoorland & woodlandWildlife

Insider tip: Ask us for the estate walking map when you arrive — we have routes for all abilities.

Whisky & FoodFeatured

Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery

5 miles10 min drive· Year-round

One of Scotland's most celebrated Highland distilleries, Dewar's has been crafting single malt whisky in Aberfeldy since 1898. Immersive heritage tours, blending masterclasses, and tastings of the award-winning Aberfeldy 12, 16, and 21 Year Old expressions.

Distillery tourWhisky tastingBlending masterclassHeritage exhibition

Insider tip: Book the 'Blending Masterclass' for a truly memorable experience — you blend and bottle your own whisky to take home.

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Whisky & Food

Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier

8 miles15 min drive· Year-round

World-renowned chocolatier Iain Burnett creates extraordinary artisan truffles and chocolates in his Perthshire studio. His Velvet Truffles have been described as 'the world's best chocolate' by leading critics. A unique and indulgent Highland experience.

Award-winning trufflesTasting experiencesChocolate giftsArtisan workshop

Insider tip: Pre-order a box of Velvet Truffles for arrival at the lodge — the perfect Highland welcome gift.

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Whisky & Food

The Watermill Bookshop, Gallery & Café

5 miles10 min drive· Year-round

A beloved Aberfeldy institution housed in a beautifully restored three-storey oatmeal mill. Browse thousands of new and second-hand books, discover local art in the gallery, and enjoy excellent coffee and homemade food in the café. A perfect rainy-day retreat.

Independent bookshopArt galleryExcellent caféLocal crafts
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Whisky & Food

Errichel Restaurant & Charcuterie

4 miles8 min drive· Year-round

A farm-to-table restaurant and artisan charcuterie producer set in a stunning converted steading near Aberfeldy. Chef Andrew Mackenzie creates exceptional dishes using produce from the surrounding estate and local suppliers. One of Perthshire's finest dining destinations.

Farm-to-table diningArtisan charcuterieLocal produceStunning setting

Insider tip: Book well in advance — Errichel is extremely popular and tables go quickly, especially at weekends.

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History & CultureFeatured

Castle Menzies

4 miles8 min drive· Apr–Oct

A spectacular 16th-century Z-plan tower house, ancestral seat of the Clan Menzies for over 400 years. Bonnie Prince Charlie rested here in 1746 during the Jacobite rising. The castle has been lovingly restored and houses a fascinating clan museum.

16th-century castleJacobite historyClan museumGuided tours
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History & CultureFeatured

The Scottish Crannog Centre

7 miles14 min drive· Apr–Oct

A remarkable living history museum on the shores of Loch Tay, reconstructing an Iron Age loch dwelling (crannog) based on archaeological discoveries from the loch bed. Fascinating demonstrations of ancient crafts including fire-making, weaving, and woodturning.

Iron Age reconstructionLoch Tay settingCraft demonstrationsArchaeological finds

Insider tip: The fire-making demonstration is genuinely impressive — allow at least 2 hours for a full visit.

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History & Culture

Black Watch Monument & Museum

5 miles10 min drive· Year-round

The Black Watch Monument in Aberfeldy commemorates the formation of this famous Highland regiment in 1739. The full Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth tells the regiment's 300-year story through extraordinary artefacts, uniforms, and personal accounts.

Historic monumentRegimental historyFree entry (monument)Aberfeldy town centre
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History & Culture

Blair Castle

22 miles35 min drive· Apr–Oct

One of Scotland's most visited historic houses, Blair Castle has been home to 19 generations of the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl for over 700 years. The castle commands Europe's only remaining private army — the Atholl Highlanders. Magnificent state rooms, extensive grounds, and a walled garden.

700 years of historyPrivate armyState roomsWalled garden
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Nature & SceneryFeatured

The Birks of Aberfeldy

5 miles10 min drive· Year-round (best in autumn)

A magical gorge walk through ancient birch woodland, immortalised in Robert Burns' 1787 poem. The circular trail follows the tumbling Moness Burn through a series of spectacular waterfalls to a viewpoint high above the town. One of Scotland's most romantic short walks.

Spectacular waterfallsAncient birch woodlandRobert Burns connection2-hour circular walk

Insider tip: Visit after heavy rain for the most dramatic waterfall display. The gorge is particularly beautiful in October when the birches turn gold.

Nature & SceneryFeatured

Queen's View, Loch Tummel

14 miles25 min drive· Year-round

One of Scotland's most photographed viewpoints, looking west along Loch Tummel towards the distinctive peak of Schiehallion. Queen Victoria visited in 1866 and gave the viewpoint its name. The Forestry Commission visitor centre has excellent facilities and waymarked forest trails.

Iconic viewpointLoch Tummel panoramaSchiehallion backdropForest walks
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Nature & Scenery

Cluny House Gardens

6 miles12 min drive· Mar–Oct

A hidden gem of Perthshire horticulture — a woodland garden of extraordinary richness, home to one of the finest collections of Himalayan plants in Britain. Giant Himalayan lilies, rare primulas, and towering conifers create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.

Himalayan plant collectionGiant liliesWoodland walksRare species

Insider tip: Visit in late June for the spectacular Giant Himalayan Lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum) in full bloom — up to 3 metres tall.

Nature & SceneryFeatured

Glen Lyon

10 miles20 min drive· Year-round

Often called 'the longest, loneliest, and loveliest glen in Scotland', Glen Lyon stretches for 32 miles through some of the most dramatic Highland scenery in Perthshire. Ancient standing stones, a Roman fortlet, and the headwaters of the River Lyon make this a truly special drive.

32-mile scenic glenAncient standing stonesRoman fortletDramatic scenery

Insider tip: Drive the full length to Loch Lyon for a truly remote Highland experience. Allow a full day.

Nature & Scenery

Tay Forest Park

8 miles15 min drive· Year-round

One of Scotland's largest forest parks, encompassing vast areas of ancient Caledonian pine forest, lochs, and moorland around Loch Tay and Loch Tummel. Hundreds of miles of walking and cycling trails, red squirrel spotting, and osprey watching.

Ancient Caledonian pineRed squirrelsOsprey watchingCycling trails
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Family Fun

The Birks Cinema

5 miles10 min drive· Year-round

Aberfeldy's beloved independent cinema, housed in a beautifully restored 1930s building. Showing the latest releases alongside classic films, special events, and live broadcasts. A warm, community-focused experience with excellent homemade food and local drinks.

Independent cinemaLatest releasesHomemade foodCommunity events

Insider tip: Check the website for special events — they regularly host live opera, theatre, and music broadcasts.

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Family FunFeatured

The Enchanted Forest

20 miles30 min drive· October only

Scotland's most popular outdoor event — a spectacular sound and light show held in the ancient woodland of Faskally near Pitlochry every October. Thousands of lights, dramatic music, and magical installations transform the forest into an unforgettable experience for all ages.

World-famous light showAncient woodlandAll agesOctober only

Insider tip: Book tickets months in advance — the Enchanted Forest sells out every year. Check dates when planning your stay.

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Family Fun

Rannoch Station & Moor

20 miles35 min drive· Year-round

A wonderfully remote railway station on the edge of the vast Rannoch Moor — one of the largest and most desolate wilderness areas in Britain. The station tearoom is a Highland institution. Take the West Highland Line train through to Mallaig, passing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Remote wildernessHistoric railwayGlenfinnan Viaduct trainStation tearoom

Insider tip: Combine with a drive across Rannoch Moor on the A82 for one of Scotland's most dramatic road journeys.

Family Fun

The House of Bruar

22 miles35 min drive· Year-round

Scotland's premier country clothing and food emporium, set in a stunning Highland location near Blair Atholl. Browse exceptional Scottish cashmere, tweed, and outdoor clothing alongside an outstanding food hall stocked with the finest Scottish produce. The waterfall walk is free.

Scottish cashmere & tweedFood hallWaterfall walkFree entry
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Day TripsFeatured

Pitlochry

18 miles30 min drive· Year-round

One of Scotland's most popular Highland towns, Pitlochry offers excellent shopping, the famous Dam and Fish Ladder where you can watch salmon leaping upstream, the renowned Pitlochry Festival Theatre, and a wealth of excellent restaurants and whisky bars.

Fish ladder & damFestival TheatreHighland shoppingWhisky bars
Day Trips

Kenmore Village & Loch Tay

6 miles12 min drive· Year-round

The charming village of Kenmore sits at the eastern end of Loch Tay, just 6 miles from the lodge. The Kenmore Hotel — Scotland's oldest inn, dating from 1572 — is a wonderful lunch stop. The village is the gateway to Loch Tay's water activities and the Crannog Centre.

Scotland's oldest innLoch Tay gatewayWater activitiesScenic village

Insider tip: Robert Burns carved a poem on the chimney breast of the Kenmore Hotel in 1787 — ask the staff to show you.

Day Trips

Perth City

35 miles50 min drive· Year-round

Scotland's newest city and historic 'Fair City' offers the outstanding Perth Museum (home to the Stone of Destiny), the Black Watch Castle and Museum, a thriving independent food and arts scene, and beautiful riverside walks along the Tay.

Stone of DestinyBlack Watch MuseumPerth MuseumRiverside walks
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Outdoor AdventureFeatured

Sauna Boats on Loch Tay

6 miles12 min drive· May–Sep (weather dependent)

Unique floating sauna experience on Loch Tay. Relax in a wood-fired sauna boat, then jump into the pristine waters of the loch. An unforgettable Highland wellness experience combining traditional sauna culture with wild swimming.

Wood-fired saunaWild swimmingLoch Tay viewsWellness experience

Insider tip: Book in advance — these are extremely popular and slots fill quickly. Bring a towel and swimwear.

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Nature & Scenery

Killin & Falls of Dochart

8 miles15 min drive· Year-round (best in spring/autumn)

Charming village at the western end of Loch Tay, famous for the spectacular Falls of Dochart where the River Dochart tumbles over rocks in the heart of the village. Excellent walking trails, local shops, and the Breadalbane Folklore Centre.

Falls of DochartRiver walksFolklore CentreVillage charm

Insider tip: Visit in spring when the falls are at their most dramatic after snowmelt.

Outdoor Adventure

Loch Tay Water Sports Centre

6 miles12 min drive· Apr–Oct

Full-service water sports facility offering kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing on the pristine waters of Loch Tay. Lessons available for all abilities. Stunning mountain backdrop with Ben Lawers visible across the water.

KayakingPaddleboardingSailingWindsurfing
History & Culture

Breadalbane Folklore Centre

8 miles15 min drive· Year-round

Small but fascinating museum in Killin exploring the folklore, history, and culture of the Breadalbane region. Features the famous 'Healing Stones' and exhibits on local legends, clan history, and Highland traditions.

Healing StonesLocal folkloreClan historyHighland culture
Family Fun

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

18 miles30 min drive· May–Oct (main season)

One of Scotland's most renowned theatres, producing world-class productions of classics, new plays, and musicals. The riverside location is beautiful, and the theatre bar offers excellent food and drinks with views over the River Tummel.

World-class theatreRiverside settingBar & restaurantSummer season

Insider tip: Book tickets in advance — popular shows sell out quickly.

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Plan Your Visit

What's On, Season by Season

Spring

Mar – May

  • Cluny House Gardens in bloom
  • Osprey return to Loch Tay
  • Rafting season opens
  • Red deer calving at Highland Safaris
  • Quieter roads and trails

Summer

Jun – Aug

  • All outdoor activities open
  • Long Highland evenings
  • Loch Tay water sports
  • Ben Lawers wildflowers
  • Highland Games season

Autumn

Sep – Nov

  • Red deer rut (spectacular)
  • Birks of Aberfeldy golden leaves
  • Enchanted Forest (October)
  • Whisky harvest season
  • Dramatic Highland skies

Winter

Dec – Feb

  • Snow-capped Schiehallion
  • Cosy distillery tours
  • Peaceful woodland walks
  • Christmas at The Birks Cinema
  • Stargazing (dark skies)

Getting Around

Location & Distances

Fois Bhrus is perfectly positioned at Glengoulandie Estate, just 5 miles from Aberfeldy town centre, with easy access to the best of Highland Perthshire.

Destination
Distance
Drive Time
Aberfeldy Town Centre
5 miles
10 min
Kenmore & Loch Tay
6 miles
12 min
Highland Safaris
4 miles
8 min
Castle Menzies
4 miles
8 min
Dewar's Distillery
5 miles
10 min
Ben Lawers (trailhead)
12 miles
25 min
Schiehallion (trailhead)
8 miles
18 min
Queen's View, Loch Tummel
14 miles
25 min
Pitlochry
18 miles
30 min
Blair Castle
22 miles
35 min
Rannoch Station
20 miles
35 min
Perth City
35 miles
50 min
Edinburgh
75 miles
1 hr 30 min
Inverness
90 miles
1 hr 45 min

Ready to Explore?

Book Your Highland Adventure

Fois Bhrus is your perfect base for exploring the very best of Highland Perthshire. Check availability and book your stay directly with us.