EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

Three miles north of Killiecrankie, the village of BLAIR ATHOLL makes for a much quieter and more idiosyncratic stop than Pitlochry. At the Atholl Estates Information Centre (April-Oct daily 9am-4.45pm; tel 01796/481464) you can get details of the extensive network of local walks and bike rides; alongside is Atholl Mountain Bike Hire. Blair Castle (April-Oct daily 10am-6pm; £6.25; grounds only £2), a whitewashed, turreted castle, surrounded by parkland and dating from 1269, presents an impressive sight as you approach up the drive. A piper may be playing in front of the castle, one of the Atholl Highlanders, a select group retained by the duke as his private army - a unique privilege afforded to him by Queen Victoria, who stayed here in 1844. Thirty or so rooms are open for inspection, and display a selection of paintings, antique furniture and plasterwork that is sumptuous in the extreme. Highlights are the soaring entrance hall , with every spare inch of wood panelling covered in weapons of some description; the Tapestry Room , on the top floor of the original Cumming's Tower; and the vast ballroom , with its timber roof, antlers and mixture of portraits.