Summer in Rannoch

While a Scottish summer is never predictable, there are plenty of summer activities in Rannoch to enjoy in the summer sun!

The Jacobite

From May to October, you can ride a steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. The 84-mile round trip is considered one of the best railway journeys in the world. The route takes you past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the deepest freshwater loch, the shortest river and the deepest seawater loch in Europe.

Blair Castle and Gardens

The castle and gardens are open from March through to October. They open every day from 9.30 – 5.30. You can get tickets to view the gardens, or both the gardens and the castle. The tours of the castle are self-guided. There is information in every room and guides on each floor to answer your questions. If you are in a group of more than 12 you can request a guided tour but should book this in advance.

The gardens are beautiful and extensive. Dogs are welcome in the gardens but not the castle. In summer, you can explore the grounds and wander through nine acres of walled gardens. The wooded grove surrounds the small ruined kirk. You can view the gothic folly and the red deer park. There is plenty of wildlife to be found in the grounds, with red squirrels, peacocks, and deer roaming the grounds.

Castle Menzies

This castle dates from the sixteenth century. Its restoration began in the twentieth century and continues to date. The castle was built at a time when castles were becoming less fortress-like and more like country houses. This makes the castle an architectural curiosity. Because the castle has been restored there is not a great deal of furniture and decoration. This means that the castle has an authentic feel that encourages you to explore and really experience the bones of the building.

Climbing

Schiehallion is the name of the mountain that dominates the views of the area. It is one of the Munros and is considered one of the easiest to climb. If you want to start ticking off Munros with Munro Bagging, then this is a good place to start. It takes around 4-6 hours to reach the summit. The views from the top stretch out for miles across the moors and the surrounding peaks.