Spring in Rannoch

The flowers are in bud, the weather is brighter and the days are getting longer, so what can you do in Rannoch during springtime? Here are some of the best things to see and do near Rannoch in Spring.

Pitlochry Dam

The Pitlochry dam is a great place to visit. There is a visitor centre with a range of fascinating exhibits about hydroelectric power. Despite how impressive the dam and the technology it runs is, most visitors come away raving about the fish ladder. The ladder was built to allow the salmon to continue their journey to their breeding grounds even while the river is harnessed. You can watch the salmon swim up the ladder and learn all about the journey they make.

Blair Castle and Gardens

The castle is open for exploration from 9.30 – 5.30 in spring. You can explore the castle freely, and there are guides to answer your queries on each floor. The gardens are split into several sections for you to explore. The Hercules Garden is a Georgian designed nine-acre walled garden. The name comes from the lifesized sculpture of Hercules that overlooks the garden. In your explorations, you can find a Chinese style bridge, several ponds, a folly and a large orchard of fruit trees. If you like some even more art with your garden, then you can follow the Sculpture Trail. The trail features a mixture of modern and 18th Century works. Just next to the castle is Diana’s Grove. The two acres of woodland is entirely tranquil and is home to some of the tallest trees in the country.

Guided Tours

There are several ways to enjoy the area, and if you want to have a guided tour. Several companies offer guided walking tours, 4×4 tours, and bus tours of Rannoch and its surroundings. These tours can help you find all the hidden gems of Rannoch and Scotland as a whole!

Walking

The area is a paradise for hikers and walkers alike. Rannoch offers walks that are suitable for beginners offering gentle slopes and stunning views. For experienced hikers, there are plenty of challenging routes including Schiehallion, one of the Munroes.

Walks that are worth exploring include the Annat Loop Walk, Macgregor’s Cave path and the Black Wood of Rannoch. Walking in the area is especially enjoyable because pains have been taken to keep the area free of invasive species. The wildlife found in the area has become rare in other parts of the world so you may see plants of animals that are extinct in other parts of the world.