One of the few areas of flat land in the Grampian Highlands, Blair Atholl is located in the unspoiled heart of Scotland. You won't have any difficulty finding this town when you take the M90 to Junction 11. It is only 50 miles from the airport at Dundee and 30 miles from the railway station in Perth. The town is built at the confluence of the Rivers Tilt and Garry in the Perth and Kinross region of the country.
Blair Atholl is most famous for its castle – Blair Castle. Today this is one of the most stately homes in Britain and was one of the last of the Scottish castles to be attacked during the Jacobite Rebellion. The oldest part of the castle, Cummings' Tower, is believed to date back to the 13
th century, but the majority of the castle dates back to the 16
th century. The grounds of the castle are quite exquisite. Visitors like to visit such places as Diana's Grove and Hercules' Garden, both of which boast many Greek statues. Here you will also find the old parish church, around which the present settlement was established and grew.
During the summer, you can learn the history of Blair Atholl with a visit to the Atholl Folk Museum. This museum has many vivid displays featuring the social and archaeological history of the area. You can take guided walks or just ramble on your own when you visit the Atholl Estates. The nature paths give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and catch a glimpse of the wildlife in its natural habitat. The Blair Atholl Water Mill is another site that will take you back in time to an earlier time. This mill is still in operation and you can see how flour and oatmeal are made. Enjoy some of the delicious home baked goodies in the tea room after your tour of the mill.
The wide range of activities available in Blair Atholl will not leave you any time to be bored. Bowling begins in April of each year and curling is the main indoor sport during the winter months. Rent a mountain bike and plan a full day of exploring the countryside and the Grampian Highlands. Go pony trekking through the hills. The peaceful surroundings of Blair Atholl lends itself to an afternoon of fishing and the area is renowned for its supply of salmon and trout.
Tee off at the Blair Atholl Golf Course, a nine–hole course set amid stunning scenery. The backdrop of the mountains to the North will provide you with the perfect photo opportunities and hill walking opportunities are in ample supply. Although the climbs are not arduous, the distances are quite long, so you should devote a full day to this activity. At Atholl Estates, you can enjoy low level walking around the estate, along the Glen Tilt Trail or to the Falls of Bruar.
Along with watching wildlife, engaging in watersports or practicing your target shooting, you will also enjoy traditional Scottish music in many locations in the town. You won't have difficulty finding accommodations to suit your taste and budget. Once you visit Blair Atholl, you are sure to return.