This page contains some links to websites and
publications that may be of interest to members extending
their stays in Scotland. It is not intended that this list
should be exhaustive.
Cycle Highland
Perthshire
*****
The guide
(pictured) contains plenty of information about cycling
in the Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Dunkfield and Rannoch areas
along with rather too many advertisements.
*****
Please click
here
to download the guide as a PDF file or here
to view it on line.
During the summer months visitors to Scotland can take
trips on various steam operated trains. Between May and
October the Jacobite service runs once or twice a
day from Fort William to Mallaig and back on the West
Highland Line.
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This route is
sometimes described as one of the great railway journeys
of the world. The 84 mile round trip passes Ben Nevis,
Britain's tallest mountain, and other remarkable
scenary.
Why not take a trip some 50 miles north up the A9 to
Aviemore where you will find the Strathspey Steam
Railway?
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This preserved line is mainly staffed by
volunteers and runs some 20 miles further north east to
Boat of Garten and Broomhill. In due course it is hoped
that the line will be extended to
Grantown-on-Spey.
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The
railway is claimed to be the most scenic, vintage trip
through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It is often
possible to dine on board the train.
*****
Please click here for
further information and to book
tickets.
Take a Drive to Rannoch
Station
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Rannoch Station
The slighly less adventurous might like to consider
taking a scenic drive to Rannoch Station on the West
Highland Line - one of the most remote railway stations
in Scotland. Just head north and then west along the
B8019 from Pitlochry following the signs for Loch Tummel
and Queen's View. At Tummel Bridge join the B846 (west)
and follow your nose until you get to the station. You
cannot go too far - the road ends at the station! Your
journey will take you for about nine miles along the
north bank of Loch Rannoch. Coming back the brave could
try the un-numbered road that goes along the south bank
of the loch - your webmaster makes no guarantees about
the condition of this road. There is a tea room at the
station - with restricted opening hours and also a
hotel. Your webmaster undertook this trip in 2016 and
very much enjoyed the experience - mind you he is a bit
of a railway buff!!
*****
If you plan
ahead you might even be able to take a train up the line
to Corrour or beyond to Fort William. A word of warning
- please make sure that there is a train to get you
back. Trains only stop at Corrour on request and there
are very few facilities. There is a hotel closeby.
Corrour is perhaps the remotest mainline station in the
UK and certainly the highest (1339ft above sea level).
The nearest public road is ten miles
away.
Why not consider
taking a trip to the Highland Widlife Park in Kincraig -
just 49 miles up the A9 from Pitlochry.
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The park is run
by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland who also own
Edinburgh Zoo.
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The park specialises in conservation and has a
number of Scottish Wildcats that will be of interest to
members. At midday you may wish to attend
"Wildcat Talk" where you can watch the Scottish wildcats
being fed by the keepers in the forest area of the
park whilst learning about the important conservation
efforts to save this native species.
Why not visit the Loch of the Lowes
Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve in Dunkfield just a
few miles South East of Pitlochry (PH8 0HH)? The
Reserve, run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, is perhaps
best know for its breeding ospreys that have regularly
featured on this website. However there is lots more to
see - red squirrels, beavers, wildfowl and deer. There
is also a gift shop selling a range of wildlife-themed
gifts, souvenirs, birdcare products and light
refreshments.
More energetic
members might like to consider spending a few days on
the 64 mile long Cateran Trail. Please click here for
details.
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When walking in
the Highlands please remember to tell someone where you
are going and take the appropriate equipment. Please do
not forget that there can be sudden and unexpected
changes in the weather.
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