Pitlochry is located in the picturesque region of Perthshire, a delightful Victorian town known for its stunning natural location. Often regarded as the gateway to the Highlands, Pitlochry draws visitors year-round. Situated just off the A9, Pitlochry is an ideal stop for travellers travelling to and from Inverness.
One of the town's highlight attractions is the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Located along the banks of the River Tummel, this vibrant venue presents a lineup of plays, musicals, and events throughout the year. Nicknamed the "Theatre in the Hills," it provides superb entertainment in a breathtaking setting.
The Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, constructed in the 1950s as part of a hydroelectric initiative, showcases impressive engineering, complete with a fish ladder that enables salmon to navigate past the dam as they journey upstream to spawn. Visitors can explore the interactive displays at the Dam Visitor Centre and, during specific seasons, see salmon going up through the ladder.
For the hill walkers, Ben Vrackie offers an unforgettable hiking experience. Its name translates to "speckled mountain" in Gaelic. Standing proudly above the town and providing sweeping views of the surrounding area. The climb typically lasts around four hours, and with Ben Vrackie soaring over 800 meters in height, the views from its summit make the climb well worth it.
The Queen's View is an iconic viewpoint situated along Loch Tummel. With stunning panoramic views across the loch towards the distant mountains. Named in honour of Queen Victoria, who admired the landscape during her visit, it remains one of Scotland's most photographed locations. The visitor centre has a cafe, toilets, and plenty of car parking.
No visit to Pitlochry is complete without exploring the local whisky distilleries. Edradour Distillery and Blair Athol Distillery offer guided tours that delve into the whisky production process and allow you to sample some of Scotland's finest single-malt whisky. Edradour is known for being one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, dating back to 1825.
The town's origins as a tourist destination trace back to Queen Victoria's visit in 1842, which significantly enhanced its appeal. The arrival of the railway to Pitlochry helped it become a favoured getaway in Scotland. The Victorian architecture and hotels around the town showcase this historic period, with many structures preserving their charming character.
Pitlochry can be easily accessed by train with regular connections to and from Inverness, to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Pitlochry is also conveniently located just off the A9 road that connects Perth and Inverness. Making it a prime stop during a Highland road trip. Once in the town, visitors can easily explore on foot.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy Pitlochry with plenty of activities. From hiking paths fishing to water sports on nearby lochs in this beautiful Scottish countryside.
