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  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Pitlochry

Queen's View

Pitlochry

Explore scenic trails and discover the beauty of Pitlochry, where adventure and breathtaking scenery await around every corner.

Pitlochry at a glance

  • Active & adventure:

    Killiecrankie Gorge, Loch Tummel walks, Ben Vrackie, white water rafting on the River Tay

  • Food & drink:

    Highland whisky, Tay salmon, venison and estate game, whisky ice cream, Highland chocolate

  • History & heritage:

    Blair Castle, Killiecrankie Battlefield, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre

  • Nature & outdoors:

    Loch Tummel, Queen’s View, Falls of Bruar, Black Spout Waterfall, Faskally Forest.

Map of Scotland

What to expect in Pitlochry

Surrounded by forests, hills, rivers and lochs, Pitlochry is an ideal base for discovering Highland Perthshire. Feel the Highland breeze as you hike through pine forests, adventure on the winding bends of River Tummel, or head into the hills for experiences on land and water. With spectacular scenery in every direction, it's easy to see why this small town has long been a favourite stop on a Scottish escape.

Drove along through birch woods, high above Loch Tummel, which is only a mile long. At the end of it, on a high point, called after me “the Queen's View”, we got out and took tea.

Queen Victoria, October 1866

Highlights in Pitlochry

A town shaped by history

Step into the stories of Perthshire, where castles, battlefields and ancient landscapes bring Scotland’s past vividly to life. Wander through the grand rooms and gardens of Blair Castle, discover the dramatic story of Killiecrankie Battlefield, or watch salmon make their journey through the Pitlochry’s famous fish ladder. Everywhere you go, the landscape reveals another chapter of Highland history.

Learn about Pitlochry’s history and heritage

The gateway to Highland Perthshire

Beyond Pitlochry, a world of mountains, forests, rivers and lochs awaits. Take in the breathtaking panorama from Queen’s View, breathe in the scent of pine as you wander through Faskally Forest, listen to the rushing waters of the Falls of Bruar, or follow the River Tummel through the surrounding countryside. With stunning landscapes in every direction, Pitlochry is the perfect place to slow down, explore and embrace the wild beauty of Highland Perthshire.

Experience Highland Perthshire

Local food, drink and culture

Experience the flavours and creativity of Perthshire in and around Pitlochry. Step inside Blair Athol distillery to uncover the craft behind Scotland’s most famous spirit, then settle in for an evening of theatre at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, with the River Tummel and wooded hills as your backdrop. Add local food, independent shops and hospitality, and you’ll find a town with culture at its heart.

Explore Pitlochry’s food and drink

Find local shops in Pitlochry

 

Blair Castle

The Falls of Bruar near Blair Atholl

The Falls of Bruar near Blair Atholl

Loch Faskally in Autumn

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Pitlochry Golf Club

© Golf Perthshire / Mark Alexander

Black Spout Waterfall, Perthshire

See Pitlochry through a new lens

Get inspired by the experiences of fellow visitors and step into the places they loved most. From colourful autumn strolls and scenic trips to hidden waterfalls and cosy cafés serving local treats, uncover the moments that make a trip to Pitlochry so memorable.

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The Enchanted Forest

Experience Faskally Wood transformed by dazzling lights, immersive soundscapes and autumn colours during Pitlochry's world-famous Enchanted Forest.

Visit the Enchanted Forest

Trip ideas around Pitlochry

Local walks in Pitlochry

Watch for red squirrels darting through the trees, listen to birdsong in the forest and discover colourful wildflowers as the seasons change.

Active days out in Pitlochry

Enjoy Pitlochry's lochs and rivers with an unforgettable day on the water or follow scenic cycling routes through forests and glens.

The Heart 200 road trip

Wind your way past lochs, castles, distilleries and charming villages, uncovering some of Scotland's most iconic scenery along the way.

Rob Roy Way walk

Follow in the footsteps of one of our most celebrated Scots through outstanding Trossachs, Stirlingshire and Perthshire scenery.

Plan your trip

Getting to Pitlochry

Train

Pitlochry sits on Scotland's Highland Main Line, with direct train services connecting it to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Inverness and beyond. Frequent rail services also make Pitlochry an ideal base for exploring more of Scotland.

From Edinburgh: around 2 hours

From Perth: 40 minutes

From Inverness: around 2 hours

Plan your journey by train in Scotland


Driving

Pitlochry is easy to reach by car. It is located just off the A9, the main road connecting Perth and Inverness.

From Edinburgh: 1 hour 40 minutes

From Perth: 45 minutes

From Inverness: around 1 hour 45 minutes

Find out more about driving in Scotland

If you're travelling northbound on the A9, please be aware that the slip road into Pitlochry will be closed from 15 June until the end of December 2026. A signed diversion via the A924 will be in place, adding approximately 2 miles and around 5 minutes to your journey.


Accessibility

Many of Pitlochry's attractions, accommodation providers and visitor facilities offer accessible features, and several scenic spots can be enjoyed without tackling challenging terrain. Accessible parking, step-free access and adapted facilities are available at several locations, although accessibility can vary between venues. It's always worth checking directly with individual businesses before your visit.

Find accessibility reviews for Pitlochry with Euan's Guide

Discover accessibility guides for Pitlochry with AccessAble

Explore nearby

From stunning coastlines to family-friendly activities, plan a trip to Dundee and beyond with our selection of itineraries and recommendations for regions to explore around the area.

Angus

Leave the crowds behind in Angus, where rolling farmland meets the vast North Sea.

Fife

Fish & chips by the harbour, exquisite coastal walks and world-class golf. The joys of Fife life!

Perthshire

Explore Perthshire, where ancient history, thrilling outdoor adventures and charming towns come together for an unforgettable escape.

FAQs

What is Pitlochry known for?

Pitlochry is known for its beautiful Highland Perthshire setting, surrounded by lochs, rivers, forests and hills. It's a popular base for walking, cycling, fishing and outdoor adventures, and is home to attractions including the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre, Fish Ladder, Blair Atholl and nearby whisky distilleries.


How many days do you need in Pitlochry?

Make the most of Pitlochry's incredible location and spend (at least) four days - you can really explore the town itself, enjoy walks and some nearby attractions, and then set out a bit further to see Highland Perthshire's walking trails, lochs, castles, distilleries and scenic landscapes. There are so many treasures to find from stepping through autumn leaves in the forests, to tumbling down the rivers in an inflatable or a kayak!


When is the best time to visit Pitlochry?

September to November is one of the best times to visit Pitlochry, as the surrounding woodland bursts into shades of gold, amber and red.  

Spring (March–May): Take a stroll around Loch Faskally and Faskally Wood, where blooming wildflowers and fresh spring colours create some of Pitlochry's most beautiful scenery. 

Summer (June–August): Treat yourself to an ice cream from The Scotch Corner before browsing Pitlochry's independent shops. 

Autumn (September–November): Admire the spectacular autumn colours at the Enchanted Forest or, for an extra thrill, take the leap at Highland Fling Bungee. 

Winter (December–February): Wrap up warm and enjoy a performance at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, followed by a cosy meal in one of the town's welcoming pubs. 


Where can I stay in Pitlochry?

Pitlochry offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cosy B&Bs and self-catering cottages to boutique hotels, luxury lodges and family-friendly stays.

Find accommodation in Pitlochry


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