Spring Travel: Relax in fine style

One of the best ways to relax away from everyday life is to explore Scotland’s unrivalled abundance of rolling hills, rugged terrain and thriving woodlands.

Atholl Palace Hotel. Image: David Brown

Pitlochry is situated in the heart of Highland Perthshire and is surrounded by rich countryside packed with lochs, rivers and hills.

The 2,757-ft Ben Vrackie provides a dramatic backdrop to this historic town, once a favourite Victorian spa destination, and is popular among hillwalkers nationwide.

The four-hour climb to Ben Vrackie’s rocky summit is well worth the effort, with it affording stunning views across Beinn a’ Ghlo and over to the Cairngorms.

Those seeking a shorter route that offers a glimpse at some of the Pitlochry area’s heritage should look to the Moulin Path.

The two-hour option begins on Atholl Road and winds through the town past Blair Athol Distillery to Moulin, a large Pictish town which was established to north of the town.

The River Tummel, meanwhile, flows south of Pitlochry and is a total anglers’ paradise. Fishing enthusiasts can spend a day on the river’s banks and experience the surrounding peaceful nature while doing their best to catch salmon and trout.

Nestled among 48-acres of private grounds west of the town centre, Atholl Palace Hotel is the ideal base for venturing around this breathtaking destination, and it currently has a Spring offer available.

This consists of a two-night stay, with a chilled bottle of prosecco in the room upon arrival, and a three-course dinner from the table d’hote menu. There is also the option to start each day with a full Scottish breakfast, and there is access to the hotel’s leisure facilities.

The Scottish Baronial palace was built in 1874 to house luxurious accommodation, Turkish baths and treatment rooms, while the Manor House, erected on a plateau at Corriebruach, was built for the owners three years earlier.

It has been extensively refurbished and has ten rooms, all of which benefit from great views of Tummel Valley.

In the main building, the Turret Suites are the most quirky and located at the highest level of the palace towers. Each one features a cosy double bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor, with a winding staircase to a lounge with incredible panoramic views across Highland Perthshire.

The range of unique feature rooms include canopied half-tester and four-poster beds.

For groups, there are four cottages with one or two bedrooms, as well as three-bedroom pet-friendly lodges set within the hotel’s gardens.

Its Verandah Restaurant showcases the very best of Scotland’s larder, the indulgent menu here featuring game and fish specialities which are sourced as locally as possible.

And, after a day spent trekking through the delights of the region, the Stag’s Head Bar has a satisfying selection of malt whiskies that are best enjoyed by its log-burning fire.