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.
“A beautiful house - very comfortable and very tastefully furnished. We had the most amazing week here. Enjoyed the wildlife in the garden, including the red squirrel who visits daily. Highly recommend canyoning and white water rafting, so exciting especially when an osprey flies down low over the River Tay. Beautiful walks nearby. Livvy’s bakery, the butcher, fish and chips are fab shops. The Taybank Hotel and Atholl Hotel are good for meals. Definitely be back next year! Thank you. “
Rowan Cottage
Everything about the house and the welcome is 'generous'. Very high quality throughout. Lots of welcoming extras. We booked it for proximity to town and being dog friendly, but the best surprise bonuses were the brilliant access out the back gate to faskally woods and the lovely warm and high quality accommodation. Easy access to the local Parkrun was also a plus. We loved our stay and will definitely keep it in mind for another stay in Pitlochry.
North Shore
It was perfect in every respect. Steve and Kirsty are wonderful hosts - available when you need them, prepare everything very lovingly and attentively and give you space and peace. A little gem in a beautiful area in the centre of Scotland.
Cow Shed 2