SURROUNDING AREA
We are surrounded by stunning scenery which is the main attraction to the unique location of our beautiful lodges.
The picturesque village of Kenmore is only 5 miles from Bracken Lodges and host a choice of restaurants, beach and the Scottish Crannog Centre. Watersports, golf, a superb playpark, boat and bicycle hire can all be enjoyed from the village. Enjoy walking the Falls of Acharn, Drummond Hill or along the River Tay.
Sadly on 11.6.21 the beautiful Crannog was destroyed by a fire. We are devastated to lose this iconic structure which is a huge attraction to our beautiful area. Fortunately, none of the historic museum pieces were lost in the fire and the wonderful community at The Scottish Crannog Centre have now re-opened to visitors for guided tours of the museum and iron-age village. Their craft workshops and live music events will continue. Please visit www.crannog.uk for all updates and to book tours online.
The small market town of Aberfeldy (11 miles) has its own local distillery, golf course, watermill book shop, cinema, swimming pool and a variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels. Enjoy walking through 'The Birks of Aberfeldy' - this is a beautiful circular walk on clear and well maintained paths, with dramatic drops down into the gorge of the Moness Burn as it runs towards the town of Aberfeldy. You can start the walk in the town itself, or park in the dedicated car parks just off the road as you leave the town in the direction of Crieff. For the more adventurous, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking and gorge walking are available to try.
The pretty village of Killin is only 11 miles from Bracken Lodges and the famous Falls of Dochart are a very popular spot with visitors. There are beautiful walks to explore around the village and along the old railway track. It also has an outdoor shop with Canadian canoes, kayaks and bicycles available to hire. There are a selection of pubs and restaurants within the village.
The area is also a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hill walking, fishing and mountain biking. The lodges are located on national cycle route no.7 where you can take in the Hermit's Cave at the Falls of Acharn. Loch Tay's natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it a very popular tourist attraction and provide easy access to a number of munros in the area, including of course Ben Lawers, Schiehallion, Ben More and Ben Lui to name a few.
Highland Safaris is a super visitor attraction and offers half/full day mountain safaris, a red deer centre, trail centre with bikes available to hire and gold/gem panning experience. There is a great cafe and gift shop and everyone is made to feel most welcome. Loch Tay Safaris (seasonal), which is operated by Highland Safaris, offers a unique cruise on Loch Tay exploring the history, heritage and folklore of Perthshire’s largest loch.
For families there are many attractions to suit children of all ages. In Kenmore, there is the marina offering a wide variety of watersports, canoe hire, bicycle hire and the Crannog Centre is a great attraction. Pony trekking can also be enjoyed and the village has a fantastic adventure playpark suitable for all ages.
In Aberfeldy, the swimming pool and cinema are popular as is the superb playpark. Wee Adventures is a family run business offering half and full day outdoor adventures on foot, bike or water. We really recommend booking early in advance as these activity days are so popular. Highland Safaris, near Dull, have great facilities for families including gold panning, the red deer centre, playpark and a superb cafe. They also operate Loch Tay Safaris from Kenmore if you fancy a trip on the loch. Beyond Adventure operates from the Riverside (opposite Dewars Distillery) and offers kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding which are perfect activities for all the family. They also have an indoor bouldering wall which is a perfect rainy day activity.
Castle Menzies is spectacular sixteenth century Scottish castle, restored during the twentieth century. Located in Weem, approximately, 1.5 miles from Aberfeldy on the B846.
Fortingall Church and Yew Tree in the very pretty village of Fortingall. The Fortingall Yew is an ancient tree in its own walled garden, enlcosed within the village church yard. It is estimated to be between 2000 and 5000 years old.
A visit to Glen Lyon is an absolute must. Glen Lyon is known as Scotland's longest, loneliest, loveliest glen ... It is infamous for having been the home of John Campbell of Glen Lyon - responsible for the Glencoe massacre. The local post office/tearoom at Bridge of Balgie serves cream teas and light lunches by the banks of the River Lyon (please check their own details for opening hours).
Errichel Farm on the Crieff Road outside Aberfeldy has a new cafe and deli. If you enjoy visiting gardens, please visit Cluny House, near Strathtay, you will be amazed at the variety of plants, shrubs and the amount of red squirrels in the gardens.
Whitewater rafting is also a great experience for the whole family, local operators include Nae Limits, Splash and Freespirits.
A little further afield is Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, near Crieff, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Highland Wildlife Park, near Kingussie, Landmark Activiity Park near Aviemore and GoApe in Aberfoyle.
We have many returning families to Bracken Lodges and their children are more than happy to skim stones and play at the private beach at the lochside, enjoying a picnic or a bbq.
Bracken Lodges are ideally located to visit the popular Scottish tourist towns of Pitlochry, Callander, Crieff, Dunkeld, Perth and Aucherarder. Other great attractions to enjoy during your stay may include a visit to Blair Castle, The House of Bruar, Queen's View at Loch Tummel, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Loch of the Lowes Osprey Centre, Scone Palace, Rob Roy's Grave at Balquidder, the Dam and Salmon Ladder at Pitlochry, the stunning drive through Glencoe or one of the many beautiful forest walks in the area.
In fact there is so much to offer, you will be hard pressed to fit it all in!
https://www.visitaberfeldy.co.uk/see-do
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/perthshire/
http://www.highlandperthshire.org/enjoy-outdoors/walkingcycling