25 BEST Things to Do in Pitlochry, Scotland (Your Complete Guide)
Looking for the best things to do in Pitlochry? In this article, I’ll share Pitlochry’s top attractions, from woodland waterfalls and ancient castles to iconic Scottish Highland viewpoints.
Pitlochry is a Victorian town on the River Tummel, just south of the Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Iconic views fit for royalty can be found at Queen’s View on its doorstep while mighty waterfalls tumble through the surrounding woodlands of Black Spout and Bruar Falls.
Ben Vrackie rewards hikers with a sweeping panorama from the summit, history lovers can wander the baronial walls of Blair Castle and red squirrels scamper in the canopies of Big Tree Country.
I was based in Pitlochry for a few days and quickly fell in love with its beautiful woodlands and striking river views. Below, I’ll share a list of my favourite things to do in and around this charming Highland town.
1. Walk Across the Pitlochry Dam
Built between 1947 and 1951, the Pitlochry Dam and hydroelectric power station were highly contentious. Pitlochry’s residents thought it would destroy the town’s tourist appeal. Luckily, it’s done the exact opposite and the station still runs today, powering enough energy for about 15,000 homes.
The dam has a free visitor centre with exhibitions about its history and how it’s evolved to produce renewable energy in a nature-positive way. There’s also a cafe with floor-to-ceiling windows and a viewing platform overlooking the river.
But the best? Walking across the top of the dam itself. It’s free and you get great views of the River Tummel and Loch Faskally. Once you reach the other side, you come to the fish ladder.
2. Look for Salmon in the Pitlochry Fish Ladder
Salmon and sea trout swim up the River Tummel to spawn in Loch Faskally but they need to pass Pitlochry Dam. A fish ladder became a requirement to protect salmon in the highlands.
In 1952, engineers built a 310-metre-long fish ladder with 34 tiered pools and three resting pools linked by tunnels. An average of 4,500 salmon swim through it each year, and it takes them about 12 hours to reach the other side.
You can’t see the salmon in the murky, churning water but there is a screen with a live feed to watch them. Spring and autumn are the best times of year for salmon spotting.
If you’re a bit impatient or don’t spot anything, the other screen shows recordings of salmon using the ladder with a count of how many have passed through so far that year.
3. Admire the Regal Vistas from Queen’s View
If you’re looking for top-rated free things to do in Pitlochry, Queen’s View is the most famous viewpoint in the area. Some say it’s one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Scotland but I’ll leave that up to you to decide!
This iconic vantage point looks west across Loch Tummel, lined with the tree-dotted foothills of the Schiehallion. On a clear day, you can spy the mountains that surround Glencoe.
Queen’s View has been a famous attraction since the 1800s. Queen Victoria wrote in her diary that it was named after her when she visited in 1866.
People didn’t have the heart (or stomach!) to correct her but it’s most likely named after Queen Isabella, the 14th-century wife of Robert the Bruce. It’s thought that she rested here during her travels.
There is a visitor centre with a small shop and cafe run by the Forestry Commission. It’s open from April to the end of October.
You can also find some beautiful walking trails in the area, including Allean Forest with the remains of an 18th-century farmstead and an ancient Pictish fort.
4. Find the Hidden Black Spout Waterfall
Black Spout is a waterfall set within a woodland of the same name. It tumbles 60 metres down a sheer rock face, framed on either side by a curtain of trees.
The waterfall has a narrow viewing platform with front-row seats to the action. It’s at its best after heavy rainfall as it’s big and thunderous. I saw it on a dry day; it was impressive but it was a shame to miss it at its most powerful!
You can find the waterfall viewpoint by following the short, well-signposted trail from the Black Spout Wood car park. If you’re on foot, it’s about 30 minutes from the centre of Pitlochry and can be included in a wider walk through the woods—making it a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Pitlochry without a car.
I was surprised to find the waterfall quite quiet for a popular attraction in Pitlochry. I visited in late September and had the viewing platform to myself, which was ideal for taking photos!
5. Take a Leisurely Walk Through Faskally Wood
Approximately one mile north of Pitlochry lies Faskally Wood, a woodland area belonging to the wider Tay Forest Park. The layout is mostly manmade, designed in the 19th century as part of the grounds of Faskally House.
Today, it’s used by the Forestry Commission to train new foresters and it’s a lovely spot for a walk. Here 200-year-old trees stand along the shores of Loch Dunmore, with its small boat house and timber footbridge.
There is an easy, wheelchair-friendly trail circling Loch Dunmore which takes about half an hour to complete. A slightly more challenging route is the Forester’s Trail, up to Faskally House and along the shores of Loch Faskally in about an hour.
The best time to visit Faskally Wood is between October and November when the autumn foliage puts on a blazing show of gold and red. The leaves were starting to turn even during my September visit.
Editor’s tip: Ignore Google Map’s directions if getting there on foot. Instead, turn off the A924 down Clunie Bridge Road and past the Pitlochry Boating Station. There is a nicer pedestrian trail along Loch Faskally that isn’t very visible on the map.
6. Stroll Along the Banks of the River Tummel
The River Tummel is a 15-minute stroll away from the centre of Pitlochry. As a tributary of the River Tay, it’s part of a Special Area for Conservation and an important site for wildlife like otters and salmon.
The riverbanks have paths to stroll along on either side, as well as recreation grounds and picnic benches. It’s a particularly popular spot on sunny summer days or during the autumn when the leaves turn.
For an easy circular stroll, cross the pedestrian Port-na-Craig Bridge and walk up past Pitlochry Festival Theatre until you reach the Pitlochry Fish Ladder and dam. Walk over the dam and back down the other side of the river.
There is a cafe in the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre. The riverside Port-na-Craig Bridge Inn & Restaurant is another good option should you wish to stop and relax with refreshments.
7. Sip a Wee Dram at Blair Athol Distillery
Sample a wee local dram at Blair Athol Distillery on the outskirts of Pitlochry. Established in 1798, it’s one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Today, it’s owned by the beverage conglomerate Diageo.
The distillery makes mellow malts using water from the Allt Dour which flows from Ben Vrackie and through its grounds. If you’re a fan of Bell’s Original, you may have already tasted it as it makes up a substantial part of its blend.
Even if you’re not a whisky drinker, it’s worth paying a visit to the building alone and it’s free! The 18th-century stone exterior is swathed in bright green Virginia creeper which starts to turn a very photogenic ruby red by September.
The distillery has a bar where you can sample some of its blends and a shop to buy a bottle or two. Distillery tours and tastings are also available to book in advance.
8. Discover the Best Places to See Autumn Foliage
Pitlochry is one of the best places in Scotland for autumn foliage. Located in Highland Perthshire, it’s surrounded by pockets of the Tay Forest Park. From mid-October to early November, the area is awash with bright fiery colours.
Some of the top places to see autumn foliage around Pitlochry include:
- Faskally Wood
- Along the shores of Loch Faskally
- Along the banks of the River Tummel
- Blair Castle & Gardens
- Black Spout Waterfall
- Garry Bridge near Killiecrankie
- The Hermitage in Dunkeld & Birnam
9. Enjoy Waterfalls and Whisky on the Edradour Walk
The Edradour Walk is one of the easiest walks around Pitlochry. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to get a flavour of the local landscape without doing a strenuous hike. You’re also rewarded with spectacular views of the 60-metre Black Spout Waterfall halfway through.
I did this walk while waiting to check into my hotel (check-in was 4pm!). It’s about three miles and takes two hours but packs in a lot. It’s supposedly quite popular but I barely encountered a single person.
The trail leads you past distilleries, including Blair Athol Distillery, which you can pop into en route. You then walk through Black Spout Wood, passing the waterfall and Edradour Distillery (not open to the public).
After skirting open farmland, you head back down into the woods before returning to Pitlochry via the entrance to Atholl Palace Hotel.
10. Climb Ben Vrackie for Rewarding Views
See a different perspective of Pitlochry from the summit of Ben Vrackie, the mountain towering behind the town. It stands 841 metres tall and is classified as a Corbett.
On a clear day, the summit offers spectacular panoramic views down towards Pitlochry, the Cairngorms and Beinn a Ghlò in the north and Strathtey to the west.
Considered moderately challenging, the route is just over six miles and takes about four hours to complete. The well-marked path takes you through moorland with a final 30-minute climb to the summit. It’s pretty windy at the top so make sure you pack layers!
There are two possible trailheads with one in Killiecrankie to the west but the most popular route begins from the Ben Vrackie car park in Moulin. You can easily walk to it from Pitlochry in about 20 minutes.
From there, I recommend following the Walkhighlands route. It gives clear, step-by-step instructions with photos of what to look out for. It’s not done me wrong yet!
11. Eat Cake at Hettie’s Tea Room
For an impressive tea selection and cakes bigger than your head, Hettie’s Tea Room is a must. It’s a quirky cafe with plenty of tables, which is good as it tends to get busy.
Sandwiches, paninis, homemade soup and 9” pizzas alongside sweet treats, are all on the menu. The convenient combo deal lets you choose from scones, cakes, cheesecakes, traybakes, muffins or brownies with your savoury course.
I had a slice of Victoria sponge and it was enormous! If you’re a tea drinker, you’ll love the extensive tea menu, including green tea, black tea, blue tea, tea infusions and Hettie’s own house blends.
12. Go Shopping at the House of Bruar
Need to do some souvenir shopping? The House of Bruar is a high-end department store just outside Blair Atholl. It sells women’s clothing and menswear, focusing on Scottish country attire and tweeds.
The department store also has a pretty impressive selection of gifts and – my personal favourite – a gourmet food hall.
You can spend a happy half hour wandering around the towers of fudge and nougat, browsing the cheese and pasta selection and debating whether you have enough space in your bag for a gift hamper.
There is a large drinks section, including Scotch whisky, so it might be a good time to start acquainting yourself with the local tipples. Make sure you also visit the poshest toilets in the highlands.
The House of Bruar’s main restaurant is a buffet canteen where you serve yourself and pay at the counter before sitting down to eat in the Victorian-style glass-covered conservatory.
There is also a fish and chip shop with possibly the most indulgent fish suppers you’ve ever had. Expect a choice of haddock, cod, squid and lobster served with garlic butter. Pies are also available.
13 Soak Up the Views of the Falls of Bruar
Falls of Bruar is one of my favourite scenic spots near Pitlochry. Located in Blair Atholl, it’s a series of waterfalls tumbling down the Bruar Water, with a steep gorge on either side. The dramatic sight once captured the imagination of Scotland’s most prominent poet, Robert Burns.
On visiting in 1787, he penned the poem “The Humble Petition of Bruar Water” to ask the 4th Duke of Atoll to plant more trees and bring the site back to its forest-covered glory. The duke obliged and it’s been a woodland ever since.
You can see the waterfalls from a short 1.5-mile circular trail. It’s a little strenuous and uneven in places but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of two stone bridges arching over the falls. There’s a picnic spot at the top for a well-earned rest.
To find the Falls of Bruar, follow the signs behind the House of Bruar car park and walk up the hill along the banks of the Bruar Water. You can’t miss it!
14. Visit Blair Castle & Gardens
Blair Castle is set within 220 acres near the village of Blair Atholl. It’s been the family home of 19 generations of the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl.
The grand, whitewashed building we see today was constructed in the 1700s and 1800s, though the earliest known parts of the castle date back to 1269.
It’s just as grand inside with each room lavishly decorated in the 18th-century Scottish baronial style, with many personal artefacts belonging to the succession of dukes.
Step inside the Entrance Hall and be met with a weapons display of shields and muskets used in the Battle of Culloden. The Drawing Room has chair covers embroidered by the 3rd Duchess and the Tapestry Room has tapestries once owned by King Charles I.
The castle is open to visitors from April to the end of October. I recommend booking a ticket with access to the gardens as there’s so much to see.
You can explore the Hercules Garden, a nine-acre restored Georgian walled garden, see red squirrels in Diana’s Grove and feed the deer at the deer park. On weekends and daily during summer, a lone bagpiper plays on the hour from 11am to 3pm.
Editor’s tip: Did you know the Duke of Atholl owns the only private army in Europe? The Atholl Highlanders are a ceremonial infantry regiment that serves as the duke’s bodyguard and takes part in parades and special events at Blair Castle.
15. Feed Red Deer at Blair Castle
If you visit Blair Castle at the weekend, you can feed the resident red deer – and it’s free! One of the best things to do in Pitlochry with kids who love animals, there are daily feeding sessions at around 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
Head up to the deer park near Banvie Hall. You’ll be met by the groundskeeper who will show you how to feed them. The red deer are gentle and curious, led by a magnificent 25-year-old stag. I was lucky enough to see fawns when I went in September!
Their field is lower than where you stand, so you can offer them deer pellets and apples through the fence while they crane their heads up at you. Once you’re finished, you can clean your hands at the sanitising station.
16. Look for Red Squirrels in Diana’s Grove
Highland Perthshire is red squirrel country. If you’re lucky, you can spot them scampering about in the woods around Pitlochry but I had the most success in Diana’s Grove at Blair Castle.
This two-acre wooded area on the banks of the Banvie Burn is home to some of the tallest trees in the UK, including a Grand Fir. Towering 62.70 metres high, it’s the second-tallest tree in the country.
Keep an eye out for twitching branches and the telltale flash of orange. You’ll need to keep still and be patient. It’s never certain they’ll appear but when they do, they’re quick!
Red squirrels are not a common sight in the UK, although they are native. Their population has declined rapidly since the North American grey squirrel was introduced in the 1800s.
Now, 75% of red squirrels are found in Scotland in places like Perthshire where grey squirrels have been removed.
17. Rent a Boat or Bike at Pitlochry Boating Station
Pitlochry Boating Station is one of the best things to do in Pitlochry for outdoor enthusiasts. Located on the shores of Loch Faskally, you can hire water-based equipment here, like ocean kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or rowing boats and pedalos.
It’s also a popular spot for fishing. About 5,500 salmon swim through Loch Faskally each year, alongside brown trout, perch and pike. The boating station can provide you with tackle, permits and boats with outboards.
If water-based activities don’t take your fancy, why not hire bikes or e-bikes? There are some great family-friendly cycling trails around the loch. The National Cycle Network Route 7 also runs through Pitlochry, connecting the town with Aberfeldy.
18. Take a Seasonal Stroll Around the Enchanted Forest
Every year in October and November, Faskally Wood is transformed into the Enchanted Forest, a magical evening light and sound show in the trees around Loch Dunmore.
The immersive family experience is a dazzling display of lights and interactive exhibits accompanied by music. Make sure you book tickets in advance as it’s likely to sell out.
I visited Faskally Wood just as they were putting up the lights. It looked complicated but since the event has been running for over two decades, it’s clearly a well-oiled machine!
19. Explore the Gorge in Killiecrankie
Killiecrankie is a small village between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. Sitting on the River Garry, it’s home to the Pass of Killiecrankie, a gorge famous for a gory Jacobite battle that took place nearby.
Despite the odds, an outnumbered Jacobite army beat government forces in 1689. A place marked the ‘Soldier’s Leap’ shows where the English Redcoats leapt 18ft across the raging river below to escape the Jacobites.
Bloody battles aside, the gorge is an outstanding beauty spot and area of conservation with walks through oak and deciduous woodland. There’s also a visitor centre open from Easter to October, with a shop and a cafe.
At the southern end of the Pass, you can find a footbridge that crosses the river. It’s spectacular in autumn when the fiery foliage is out in all its glory.
20. Have a Drink at The Old Mill Inn
After a busy day exploring Pitlochry, celebrate with a drink in The Old Mill Inn. The family-run inn had a former life as a gristmill, dating back to the 18th century. It still has a working water wheel.
In the summer, the beer garden is the place to be. It has a beer tent with a bar and a wood-fired pizza menu available on selected days. You can dine and drink al fresco whatever the weather, making it a top choice for things to do in Pitlochry when raining.
The inn has gastropub dining and cosy seating indoors. It also offers a selection of boutique rooms complete with ensuite bathrooms and Highland Soap Company toiletries.
21. Have Breakfast at the Garden Cafe
My favourite spot for breakfast in Pitlochry is the Garden Cafe on the main high street. It’s open daily although summer and winter hours may differ.
It serves hearty classics like full Scottish breakfasts, eggs benedict and breakfast muffins as well as sandwiches, cakes, burgers, cheese scones and traditional specials like Cullen skink. Takeaway options are also available.
I found it homely with contemporary floral decor, prompt service and seating both inside and out. It’s dog-friendly too. My eggs benedict was superb with a top-notch presentation to match!
22. Make Use of the Train to Visit Dunkeld & Birnam
Pitlochry is on a scenic train line that joins Edinburgh with Inverness, so why not make the most of it? One of the best day trips from Pitlochry is Dunkeld & Birnam. It’s the next stop on the train, just 13 minutes away.
Dunkeld & Birnam is home to the Hermitage, a woodland pleasure ground created by the 2nd Duke of Atholl in the 18th century. It’s now under the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
The Hermitage is free to visit and there are some beautiful landmarks, including a stone bridge and Ossian’s Hall, a summerhouse with a dramatic view of the Black Linn Waterfall below. In autumn, the fiery foliage really puts on a show.
23. Climb Craigower Hill for Striking Views
If you want views but don’t fancy climbing up Ben Vrackie for them, Craigower Hill is an easier alternative. It has rewarding views of Loch Tummel and Schiehallion from the summit after a manageable ascent through woodland.
Just over three miles, the hike takes about two hours to complete. The trailhead starts from the small Craigower Car Park. If you’re without wheels, you can walk up from Pitlochry in about 30 minutes.
From there, the trail leads you along the edge of a Pitlochry Golf Course, up through larch plantations and into woodland owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Once again, use Walkhighlands for the best directions.
24. Eat Fish and Chips in Town
The Plaice to Be is a casual takeaway serving traditional fish suppers as well as burgers and other chip shop bites. It also has a dedicated gluten-free menu where chips, battered fish and onion rings are cooked in a separate fryer.
I don’t usually go in for big fancy meals when I travel, so The Plaice to Be hit the spot when I was looking for something quick and easy. The portions were a good size. I didn’t even finish mine!
For a sit-down dinner in Pitlochry’s restaurants, Fern Cottage and Victoria’s are both highly rated alternatives. McKays Fish & Chip Shop does both sit-in and takeaway dish suppers.
25. Browse Festive Ornaments in the Christmas Emporium
For a more unusual thing to do in Pitlochry, if you’ve ever wished it could be Christmas every day, this is the place to make that dream come true. The Christmas Emporium is a year-round Christmas shop filled to the brim with all kinds of festive trinkets.
There are rooms divided by themes and you can find some pretty unique ornaments. Some of them can also be personalised to add names and dates. The emporium has an online shop and offers worldwide shipping in case you see something you like.
The shop was closed when I was in Pitlochry, which appears to be a recurring issue with other customers. If that’s the case, you can always peek through the window for some festive cheer.
Practical Information About Visiting Pitlochry
Here are some practical tips to help you plan what to do in Pitlochry:
How Do You Get to Pitlochry?
Pitlochry is on the railway line connecting Edinburgh with Inverness. It takes just under two hours on the ScotRail train from Edinburgh and just over an hour and a half from Inverness.
The town is also on the A9, so you can get a direct Megabus from Edinburgh, which takes just over two hours or drive for one hour and 45 minutes.
Whichever option you choose, it’s a lovely route up to Highland Perthshire via Perth, Dunkeld & Birnam and the Tay Forest Park.
How Do You Get Around Pitlochry?
Most of the places I’ve featured in this article are accessible on foot. For Pitlochry’s attractions that are a little further away like Queen’s View, Blair Atholl and the Falls of Bruar, you’ll need some form of transport.
The easiest and quickest way to get around is by car but you don’t need one to still enjoy Pitlochry. I didn’t! I used Scotland’s public transport, like buses and trains but it did take twice as long to explore.
The 87 bus can take you to the House of Bruar car park and the entrance to Blair Castle. You can also take the train to Blair Atholl. For the Queen’s View, take the number 82 bus.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Pitlochry?
Pitlochry is a year-round destination. For outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking, summer is best as you have warmer weather and longer daylight hours.
If you’re looking for the wow factor, I recommend autumn as the turning leaves are simply spectacular. Mid to late October is best for seeing those fiery colours.
Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Pitlochry?
I stayed in a private room at Pitlochry Backpackers. It was nothing fancy but it was cheap, homely and had an ensuite bathroom. The hostel has a kitchen and a great lounge. The reception staff were very friendly and the location is excellent, right opposite the train station.
A more high-end option is The Old Mill Inn, with cosy boutique rooms and fabulous food just downstairs from you. Fisher’s Hotel is another top option. Housed in a Victorian townhouse, it’s right on the main high street. People love its breakfast service.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a Scottish Highland playground with so many outdoor adventures on its doorstep. The best thing to do in Pitlochry is to immerse yourself in nature.
You can easily spend a few days rambling through woodlands, relaxing on the shores of Loch Faskally and gazing at the regal landscape from the Queen’s View.
Those in need of a challenge can hike up Ben Vrackie for dramatic panoramic views while history buffs can learn about the Jacobites in Killiecrankie and walk among Scottish baronial splendour at Blair Castle.
If you’re planning a trip to the local area, check out my guide to Aviemore, just an hour north of Pitlochry. It features all my favourite local day trips.
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