IT’S often said there’s something in the air in the Highlands – and that certainly seems to be the case at the moment in Highland Perthshire, which is undergoing something of an experience revolution.
This year the number of international visits to Scotland is set to surpass four million for the first time. While the traditional hospitality business model is struggling to balance the books, smaller-scale experience-based enterprises are on the up.
Half of people in the UK expect to spend more on “experiences” this year than last. It’s a booming area of entertainment and one the Highlands is perfectly placed to capitalise on with its swathes of undeveloped land and abundant woodland, lochs and glens.
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In particular, Highland Perthshire – the region around Aberfeldy and Pitlochry – has long been known for outdoor activities. Hills such as Ben Vrackie and Schiehallion are a major draw and the 79-mile Rob Roy Way trail brings thousands of walkers through the area.
During the summer and autumn, guests flood in keen to try paddle boarding, rafting and kayaking on the River Tay or Loch Tay. Families should check out the half-day activities from Wee Adventures, whose Family Canoeing on Loch Faskally just outside Pitlochry could be done in a day trip on the train from Edinburgh or Glasgow. And an increase in wildlife tourism has led to the emergence of beaver-spotting canoe safaris, such as those run by Beyond Adventure.
These trips take place at dusk and all but guarantee that you will spot one of Scotland’s newest inhabitants at work on the riverside.
Visitors can go badger spotting at Dùn Coillich, a community-owned rewilding project in the shadow of Schiehallion. And red deer can be seen on Highland Safaris Land Rover safaris in the hills above the village of Dull.
In recent years mountain biking has taken off in the area, thanks to the popularity and availability of e-mountain bikes. Glassie Bunkhouse and Bike Park in Aberfeldy offers 10 thrilling downhill tracks, and a range of tamer, but beautiful loops. Try the Shredo trail if you want to get your heart racing, or stick to the Bunkhouse loop for deer and red squirrel spotting.
Beyond the traditional outdoor activities of sports and wildlife spotting, the public’s appetite for adventure and learning continues to grow, and a crop of experiences have emerged in the area offering something for everyone.
Here is a selection of some of the organisations pioneering this boom in experience tourism.
Call of the Wild
RUN by naturist Hamish Martin, the location of this remarkable habitat is located high above the River Tay. Guests will witness an ecosystem under revolution, whilst they’re guided by Hamish through courses ranging from Flower Pressing, to creating a Home Apothecary.
A Shepherd’s Hut can be rented in combination with a weekend full of nature-led activities.
Ballintaggart
THIS refined rural retreat is a stalwart of the recent foraging renaissance. Ballintaggart’s cook school masterclasses are focused on quality, local, and seasonal food. Upcoming courses include fire and BBQ, fire and foraging, and fish and shellfish. December’s “stress-free Christmas” course is one we can all aspire to!
Guests can also stay over at the Ballintaggart’s recently renovated farmhouse, or steading complete with chickens, wild meadow and tennis courts, or at the nearby Grandtully Hotel with its renowned restaurant and bar.
Hot tip: Legendary Edinburgh cheesemonger IJ Mellis will be hosting a cheese and wine feast at Ballintaggart Farm in August.
Straloch Wild Picnics
IMAGINE hiking up a Perthshire hill, on the fringes of the Cairngorms, to find yourself greeted by a hidden lunch hut – complete with an extravagant picnic. With options ranging from romantic treats to larger groups, Straloch’s picnic experiences are quickly gaining a reputation as a unique Highland experience. And if you don’t fancy the walk back down the hill, there’s a Land Rover on hand to give you a lift.
www.straloch.com/wild-picnics.php
Wilderness Folk School
OPENING for the first time this summer, the Wilderness Folk School offers a range of courses you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere. It has been founded by experienced expedition leader Steven Hanton and tattoo artist Hannah Knight.
As you’d expect, there’s a heavy emphasis on getting out into nature. Three-day courses include canoe paddle making, axemanship and wooden longbow making, while the week-long bushcraft courses cover a huge range of activities.
This is a rare opportunity to learn some unique skills and all in the inspiring environment of Highland Perthshire.
Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters
THIS superb coffee roastery, named after Scotland’s “longest, loveliest and loneliest glen” has become a local meeting spot, regularly hosting music nights and yoga classes.
It has built a reputation as being synonymous with outdoor pursuits. Recently, its founder, mountain leader and photographer Jamie Grant, has been taking groups on adventures into the eponymous glen to learn photography.
With classes on black and white, and landscape photography, these small-group outings combine adventure and creativity.
The roastery also organises activities such as nature walks with local writer Linda Cracknel. Keep an eye on their website, as they are constantly adding new experiences.
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