Aberfeldy, Scotland - Where to stay and what to do

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A short break in Aberfeldy, Scotland, with 3 suggested itineraries

​Recently I undertook a journey across Scotland, staying at some of the country's best bed and breakfasts along the way. I put together my own itinerary and it was pretty amazing if I do say so myself!

This is the second of four blog posts covering each destination I stayed at, this article features Aberfeldy, a 2.5 hour drive north from my first stop in Ayr. You can use each blog post as a stand alone guide for visiting the featured location or follow the series of blog posts to recreate my Scottish road trip if you have more time.

Either way, I know you won't be disappointed so let's head to my second suggested stop in Aberfeldy...

Where to stay in Aberfeldy

Brae House Bed & Breakfast

I spent 2 nights at Brae House Bed and Breakfast, located in Aberfeldy, a picturesque town within Highland Perthshire. Check out my recommended itineraries below to discover some of the best things to do in and around Aberfeldy.

THE ACCOMMODATION
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Brae House is situated within walking distance of Aberfeldy town centre which is home to numerous independent shops, eateries and a local cinema. The accommodation sits in an elevated position with windows that look out to the surrounding trees, hills and mountains.

Although you are just a stone's throw from the bustling town, Brae House is in a lovely quiet position making it the perfect place to retreat to after a busy day exploring.

Owner Patti is a warm laid back host who made me feel instantly at home. She is one of the volunteer Trustees of The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy and well connected within the community so has plenty of local tips and inspiration to pass on.

My guest room at Brae House was comfortable, tasteful and bright with numerous windows providing lots of light and vistas of the lush green landscape. Everything had been thought of from a small dining table and chairs to an ironing board and luxury bathrobe.

Patti had very kindly provided some gluten free shortbread on my hospitality tray so bonus points to her for being so thoughtful! Even better, I could wash them down with some proper coffee brewed up in a cafetiere - I'm not a great fan of instant coffee so I'm always delighted to find ground coffee on my travels - double thumbs up for Patti!

It really felt like Patti had put a lot of thought in to providing little luxuries that really enhance a stay including a lovely selection of Scottish toiletries, fresh milk and an extensive range of DVDs for rainy days.

Most importantly my bed was super cosy and the black out blinds ensured I wasn't woken up by the early summer sunrise which all added up to a great night's sleep.

There are only 2 guest rooms at Brae House so it has that intimate feel of staying in an actual home, however you also have your privacy as the rooms are on their own floor. A spacious guest sitting room provides a space to relax and browse through the stacks of leaflets, books and maps, or just sit and soak up the scenery from the supersize window.

THE BREAKFAST
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I had let Patti know in advance I was gluten free so she was well prepared at breakfast time with plenty of choices, with many of the items sourced locally including meat and smoked salmon. Even the coffee is roasted a stone's throw away in Aberfeldy and the eggs are fresh from Patti's free range hens often seen strutting about her garden.

I opted for some berries to start and some cooked items to fuel me up for the day. It was another winner of a breakfast cooked perfectly and Patti made sure I had plentiful supplies of toast on the side too. I did note she had splashed out on better quality gluten free bread - I don't miss attention to details like this and think I have to give Patti triple thumbs up for thoughtfulness!

Not only is Brae House a member of Scotland's Best B&Bs, it has also been awarded a 4 star gold. From the minute I booked, to the minute I left, I couldn't help but be impressed by the effort Patti has put in to every part of her business.

If you're planning a trip to Aberfeldy, I can absolutely recommend a stay at Brae House​.

Book your stay at Brae House

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What to do in and around Aberfeldy

Now you have your accommodation sorted, you might be wondering how best to spend your time in Highland Perthshire so I've suggested 3 road trips that include some of Scotland's loveliest scenery and a few hidden gems.

THREE ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES

Using Brae House Bed and Breakfast as your base, these routes are all easy to follow. I have included all the highlights so you can personalise each route to your own interests. It is unlikely you will have the time to to visit every place listed so I suggest picking a few places that you definitely want to include and adding in more attractions if you have time left over.

OPTION 1 - AROUND ABERFELDY
​BEST FOR - A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

This circular route takes you from Aberfeldy to the nearby village of Kenmore on the edge of Loch Tay and back again. It includes outdoor experiences, historical attractions and local produce.

HIGHLIGHTS

Aberfeldy - Explore the independent businesses in town, take a tour of Dewars Whisky Distillery, catch the latest movie releases at The Birks Cinema or follow the walking trail past the tumbling waterfalls at the Birks of Aberfeldy, a landscape that inspired Robert Burns

Cluny House Gardens - Look out for the resident red squirrels in this peaceful spot

Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier - Make the short detour to Grandtully for a chocolate tour and tasting at this 4* tourist attraction

St Mary's Church - A wee hidden gem near Aberfeldy with a painted ceiling dating back to the 1600s

Kenmore - Take a stroll around this picturesque village on the banks of Loch Tay or try out some of the watersports on offer

Highland Safaris - Join a guided tour of the surrounding landscape in an off-road vehicle or book a visit to their red deer centre

Castle Menzies - Explore this fascinating and slightly spooky 16th century castle, then pick up a key to the atmospheric Menzies Mausoleum located nearby at Old Kirk of Weem

Weem Wood - Follow the 1 mile trail and look out for the carved sculptures

​OPTION 2 - CIRCULAR ROUTE AROUND GLENS AND LOCHS
BEST FOR - SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES

This circular route takes you through Glen Lyon, described as Scotland's 'Longest, Loneliest and Loveliest Glen' before heading back to Aberfeldy via the scenic Sma' Glen.

HIGHLIGHTS

Fortingall Yew - Take a short detour to the ancient yew tree thought to be at least 3000 years old, although some experts reckon it is much older than that

Glen Lyon - Get off the tourist trail and follow the road through one of Scotland's most spectacular glens, stop for a cuppa at the Glen Lyon Post Office & Tearoom
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Killin - The village is a popular stopping point with a good choice of eateries, don't miss the frothing white waters of the Falls of Dochart, especially spectacular after heavy rain

St Fillans - Make a photo stop at this settlement on the shores of Loch Earn

Crieff - Explore this historic market town - tour Glenturret Distillery, take a walk around Macrosty Park or stop by Crieff Visitors Centre, home to Caithness Glass

Sma' Glen - Enjoy one last scenery fix as you drive back to Aberfeldy through this picturesque glen

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OPTION 3 - CIRCULAR ROUTE INCORPORATING PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
BEST FOR - HISTORY AND SCENERY

This circular route covers Jacobite history, one of Scotland's most regal castles and numerous picturesque walking trails.

HIGHLIGHTS

Pitlochry - This bustling Perthshire town is packed with independent shops and cute cafes - Sample a local dram at Blair Athol Distillery (or Edradour when it reopens), walk to the waterfall in the Black Spout Woods or watch the salmon pass through Pitlochry Fish Ladder

Faskally Forest - Follow one of the walking trails around this pretty woodland with photogenic lochs

Killiecrankie - Visit the famous battle location from the first Jacobite Rising, find out the background to the battle at the small visitor centre

Blair Castle - Tour the impressive castle, home to Europe's only private army 

Falls of Bruar - Take a walk to see the waterfall at this famous beauty spot then stop by the House of Bruar, a local institution specialising in clothing, homewares, produce and a buzzing cafe

Craigh na Dun - Outlander fans may want to take a detour to Tullochcroisk, the setting of the standing stones of Craigh na Dun although it is worth noting that the hill does exist but the stones were just props

You might also like to read my 5 recommended things to do in Aberfeldy

Hopefully this has given you some ideas for a trip to Aberfeldy, a fantastic base for exploring Highland Perthshire. To discover more fantastic bed and breakfasts around the country, pop over to Scotland's Best B&Bs website.

I hope my latest Adventure Around Scotland has inspired you

Susanne x