Travel: 48 hours in Blair Atholl

Friday, 4pm Check in at Blair Castle Caravan Park and unpack in one of the beautiful self- catering woodland lodges.

5:30pm Climb aboard one of Atholl Estates' Land Rovers for a dusk wildlife safari in the countryside around Blair Atholl, watching for red deer, leaping salmon and even golden eagles.

8pm Whip up a few culinary delights in your woodland lodge's well-equipped kitchen before putting your feet up in front of the flat-screen FreeSat TV.

Saturday, 9:30am Leave yourself plenty of time to take a self-guided tour through Blair Castle's 30 rooms, taking in the Victorian armoury housing a target used at the Battle of Culloden, and the 175 pairs of antlers in the ballroom. Don't forget the extensive gardens.

2pm Saddle-up for a ride on one of the estates' working Highland ponies, which are ideal for absolute beginners and will allow you to explore the forest paths at a gentle walk.

3:30pm Head for the nearby House of Bruar (01796 483236, www.houseofbruar.com) to stock up on local cheeses, meats and breads in the foodhall or gadgets in the cookshop, before trying on a range of tweed and knitwear.

7pm Treat yourself to dinner at the award-winning Two Sisters Restaurant at the East Haugh House Hotel (01796 473121, www.easthaugh.co.uk). My fish-loving wife assured me that the crab and langoustine were delicious and I can attest to the quality of the loin of Perthshire lamb and homemade ham terrine.

Sunday, 10am Check out of the woodland lodge and head for the hills to burn off those calories on one of the estates' way-marked trails.

THE FACTS

Short breaks in one of Blair Castle's two-bedroom woodland lodges (01796 481263, www.atholl-estates.co.uk), which sleep four, start from 235. Three-bedroom lodges sleeping six are also available. A three-course dinner at the Two Sisters is 49.95 per person.