Perthshire Road Trips: Routes Worth Driving

Starting your Perthshire road trip on the A9 is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Departing from Perth, this route takes you north to Pitlochry, a journey of around 27 miles. Along the way, you'll pass through Dunkeld, where you can visit the impressive Dunkeld Cathedral. Make sure to stop by the Hermitage, a scenic woodland walk leading to the roaring Black Linn Falls.

In Pitlochry, see the town's pleasant shops and cafes. A visit to the Blair Athol Distillery won't disappoint, where a tasting session costs around £10. If time permits, attend a show at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, known for its diverse performances throughout the year.

From Pitlochry, take the B8019 to Aberfeldy, a drive that promises impressive views of Loch Tummel and the surrounding hills. The route is about 20 miles long and has numerous opportunities for hiking and photography. Visit the Queen’s View, one of the most photographed vistas in Scotland, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the loch and beyond.

Aberfeldy itself is a pleasant town with plenty to see and do. make sure to see the Birks of Aberfeldy, a beautiful woodland walk with waterfalls, which inspired a famous poem by Robert Burns. While in town, consider a tour of Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, where entry is £15 and includes a taste of their signature whisky.

For a truly scenic drive, head south from Aberfeldy towards Crieff via the Sma’ Glen. This route, approximately 25 miles, takes you through dramatic glens and pastoral landscapes. The glen itself is full of history, having served as a key route for centuries. Keep an eye out for the ancient standing stones and the footbridge across the River Almond.

Once in Crieff, visit the Crieff Hydro Hotel for a luxurious afternoon tea or see the town's lively arts scene. The Famous Grouse enjoy at Glenturret Distillery is another highlight, with tours starting at £20 per person, offering an insight into Scotland’s oldest working distillery.

The Loch Tay Circuit is an ideal route for those who wish to dive into themselves in Perthshire’s natural beauty. Starting in Kenmore, this 40-mile loop around the loch has remarkable views and numerous attractions. In Kenmore, visit the Scottish Crannog Centre to learn about ancient loch dwellings. Entry costs £10 for adults.

As you drive around the loch, stop at the pleasant village of Killin to see the Falls of Dochart, a series of spectacular rapids. Enjoy a meal at one of the local pubs, where you can savor traditional Scottish fare like haggis and venison stew. Don’t forget to see the nearby Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, home to some of Scotland’s rare alpine plants.

Travel east from Kenmore to Blairgowrie, a journey of about 35 miles. This route takes you into the heart of the eastern Highlands, offering a taste of both rural and rugged landscapes. Blairgowrie is known for its soft fruit production, so be sure to try some local berries in season.

From Blairgowrie, consider a detour to the Spittal of Glenshee, where you can enjoy hill walking or simply take in the serene beauty of this remote area. In the town itself, check out the local shops and cafes, and if you’re visiting in autumn, make sure to see the annual Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games, a celebration of traditional Scottish sports and music.

For a touch of luxury, drive to Auchterarder and the nearby Gleneagles Hotel, a world-well-known golf resort. This area is about 15 miles from Crieff and has a taste of opulence with its championship golf courses and fine dining experiences. A round of golf at Gleneagles can be pricey but is considered well worth it for aficionados.

Auchterarder itself is a quaint town with boutique shops and cozy cafes. After exploring, treat yourself to a spa day at Gleneagles or enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, where you can enjoy dishes prepared with local produce.

A drive from Comrie to St. Fillans has a glimpse into the rugged beauty of Perthshire’s western frontier. This short, 8-mile route is packed with natural wonders and quaint villages. In Comrie, visit the Earthquake House, a distinctive piece of scientific history, and stroll along the River Earn.

As you continue to St. Fillans, enjoy the peaceful setting by Loch Earn. This scenic village is an excellent spot for a picnic or a gentle walk along the loch shore. For those interested in water sports, Loch Earn has opportunities for kayaking and sailing, with equipment available for hire during the summer months.

Autumn in Perthshire brings the Enchanted Forest to life, a must-see attraction located near Pitlochry. This seasonal event features a striking light and sound show set in Faskally Wood. Tickets are around £22 and sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.

To reach the forest, take the short drive from Pitlochry along the B8019. The journey is a treat in itself, as you’ll pass through some of Perthshire’s most beautiful woodland. Even outside of the event, the forest is a lovely place for a walk, with numerous trails to suit all abilities.

For history enthusiasts, a castle trail from Scone to Blair Atholl is a pleasant excursion. Begin at Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings, where entry is £12.50. The palace grounds are great for a leisurely stroll and a chance to see the famous Moot Hill.

Continue north to Blair Castle, located in the village of Blair Atholl. Entry is £14 and has a fascinating glimpse into 700 years of Scottish history. The castle is set amidst extensive gardens and also hosts the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s last remaining private army.

One of Perthshire’s lesser-known spots, Glen Lyon, has a serene escape from the more traveled routes. Stretching over 30 miles, it’s Scotland’s longest glacial glen and is filled with beautiful landscapes, from rolling hills to ancient forests.

Start your journey in Fortingall, where you can see the Fortingall Yew, believed to be the oldest living tree in Europe. As you drive through the glen, take time to stop for a walk or picnic by the River Lyon. It's an ideal spot for wildlife watching, with red deer and golden eagles often spotted in the area.

No Perthshire road trip would be complete without exploring its famous whisky distilleries. Begin in Aberfeldy and follow the trail to Blair Athol, visiting some of the region’s best-known distilleries along the way. At Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, tours cost £15 and offer an insight into the craft of whisky-making.

Continue to Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, where you can participate in a tasting session for £10. The smell of peat smoke and the warm glow of the warehouses create a truly sensory experience. For more information on distilleries, see Whisky Distilleries in Perthshire.