Hi Everyone,
I’ve been spending a lot of time over in Aberfeldy this month, organising our new properties and enjoying the wonderful shops , arts and foodie culture they have going on in this colourful Highland town. Aberfeldy is one of those little towns that is stuffed full of great things to do and places to go and I don’t know why, but you just instantly relax the minute you sit down!
It was, of course, made famous by Robert Burns in his poem describing the wonderful Birks of Aberfeldy. Anyone serious about walking in Scotland will head for this wonderful array of walks covering everything from a gentle riverside strolls to challenging long distance routes and the majesty of The Birks’ Moness burn, with waterfalls, gorges and breath-taking views. If you are thinking of walking in the area then do pick up a copy of Felicity Martin’s Perthshire Walks books printed by Catkin press – they are invaluable and very reasonably priced!
The Birks is no longer reserved for walks in the forest though, after an amazing community project to revive the old cinema in the town’s centre. Following a successful grant application in 2009 ‘Friends of The Birks’ set about fundraising to make this vision possible. It successfully opened in April 2013 and had Hollywood star, Alan Cumming, who became patron of the Birks cinema in 2009, visit his home town for an official launch in December 2013. Film buffs everywhere will love this amazing building and its full story.
As well as the great outdoors, cinema and beautiful independent galleries, Aberfeldy is a hotbed of foodie delights! They were Scotland’s first fair trade town and it is quite fascinating to see an entire community rally behind one amazing belief. You will find local produce a plenty at Aberfeldy Farm Fresh deli; if you are staying with us we can’t recommend a visit to this wonderful deli enough. Sally and her team are passionate about using local and stock an amazing range of veggies, meats, cheeses, hams and homemade cakes and savoury treats.
I have found that I can happily while a way a few days over in Aberfeldy, eating out, shopping, pottering around and when I have time, pulling on my walking boots and hitting the trails. I am so pleased to have expanded our properties in this area and would urge you all to take a closer look at our things to do pages!
Now, I’m off to pick up a quiche from farmfresh and perhaps stop at the Birks for a coffee and a pastry... Yes, I do know how lucky I am!
Best wishes, Bea
PS Aberfeldy is also part of the Rings of Breadalbane Explorer Bus. You can find out more about this on my Rings of Breadalbane Blog.
This was our 4th visit to the Auld Smiddy. We love the location of the cottage and the cottage itself is excellent. Being next door to the Moulin Inn is ideal. The cottage is easy walking distance to the town of Pitlochry too. We have 2 small dogs and the layout of the house and the fully enclosed garden and decking area are perfect for the dogs. There was nothing nicer than sitting in the Dining Area with the door open listening to the birds and the little stream running behind the garden. So relaxing! There are so many lovely walks to do from the cottage. Perthshire has so much to offer. We definitely would love to return.
Auld Smiddy Cottage
A lovely, cosy cottage for 2 adults and 2 teenagers. It was clean, with everything we needed and lovely comfortable beds. We could walk into Pitlochry in 7 mins and there’s a lovely Inn next door serving great food. Auld Smiddy Cottage was a perfect base to explore this lovely part of Scotland.
Auld Smiddy Cottage
Cow Shed 2 is just such a lovely cosy, warm & comfortable place. Everything was as we remembered from previous visits. Spotlessly clean, great attention to detail & a real home from home. Steve & Kirsty are fab hosts.
Cow Shed 2