Every
group that I have ever guided around Scotland has visited
Branklyn Gardens. It's an absolute " must visit." Described
as the "finest two acres of private gardens in the
UK," Branklyn Gardens are located on the way out of
the city of Perth, on the road towards Dundee. The garden
was started in 1922 on the site of a former orchard and
was taken over by the National Trust for Scotland in 1967.
It has a wonderful collection of plants and is particularly
colourful in the spring time when the rhododendrons and
many alpine plants are in bloom. Botanists come from all
over the world to see it. The gardens are open from 9.30am
until sunset (which in the summer time can be well into
the evening). While we are in the area, we might take time
out for a walk in the nearby Kinnoull Hill - there are magnificent
views down the Firth of Tay and across to the soaring Friarton
Bridge which crosses the river, avoiding the city of Perth
(not that you would want to!). And if you are keen on gardens
and flowers, the Dundee University Botanic Gardens, 15 miles
further down the River Tay, is also well worth a visit.
Other
places to visit
Alyth
Alyth
Folk Museum, open only in summer, has collection of agricultural
and domestic artefacts.
Baledgarno
Secluded
and unsignposted village built on private property. Houses
overlook village green split by rushing burn.
Barry
Hill
Remains
of Pictish fort on top of hill. Guinevere, King Arthur's
queen, is said to have been imprisoned here for loving
Pictish prince. View rewards climb.
Birnam
Village,
dating from 19th century, on River Tay. Birnam Wood mostly
birch and oak. Terrace Walk along right bank of Tay passes
oak said to be last survivor of original Birnam Wood featured
in prophecy of Macbeth's death.
Blairgowrie
and Rattray
Scotland's
largest working water wheel on view at Keathbank Mill.
Heraldic crests centre here. Two towns linked by 19th-century
bridge over River Ericht. North of town, river rushes
through 200ft deep gorge overlooked by 17th-century Craighall.
Bridge
of Cally
Peaceful
village in sheltered gorge at meeting place of River Ardle
and Black Water. Choice of walks through deciduous forests.
Camperdown
House and Country Park
European
brown bears, wolves, lynxes, arctic foxes, reindeer, raccoons
and golden eagles can be seen at wildlife centre. Other
activities include golf, horse riding, tennis and Adventure
Park. House has golf museum tracing sport's history.
Dundee
From
Law of Dundee, hill of volcanic rock in centre of town,
views of surrounding areas including docks. Iron Age hill-fort
and War Memorial here. McManus Galleries have displays
of history and art including Dutch, French, Italian and
British paintings, and oldest known astrolabe -- dating
from 1555. Barrack Street Museum has natural history exhibits.
Steeple of St Mary's Tower, dating from 16th century,
now museum of church and local history. Ruins of Mains
of Fintry Castle in Caird Park. Mills Observatory has
displays on astrology and space travel, and allows public
to use telescopes. Traditional methods of sweet making
explained at Shaw's Sweet Factory- Frigate Unicorn,
oldest British-built ship still afloat is now museum
for Royal Navy. 11115 Discovery, Captain Scott's
ship, has displays of ship's history, with actors reliving
events on board. In suburb of Broughty Ferry, 4 miles
east of town, Broughty Castle houses museum of whaling
and local life.
Dunkeld
Ruined
cathedral dates from 12th century, 14th-century choir
now houses parish church. Cathedral and High Streets have
restored 17th-century houses, one of which has metal ell,
measurement for cloth, on wall. Scottish Horse Museum
has memorabilia of one of Scotland's two Highland yeomanry
regiments.
Dunsinane
Iron
Age hill-fort enclosed by strong rampart -- said to be
site of Macbeth's castle.
Eassie
Pictish
symbol stone in ruins of Eassie church. Cross and figures
carved on one side; elephant men and animals on other.
Fowlis
Easter
St
Marnock's Church dates from 1453 and has medieval painted
panels, bronze alms dish and bell dated 1508. Jougs --
iron collars for tying up wrongdoers -- still hang from
oak doors. Nearby Fowlis Castle built early 17th century.
Glamis
Glamis
Castle, childhood home of Queen Mother and birthplace
of Princess Margaret, reputed to be most haunted stately
home in Britain. Six-storey tower built in 15th century,
but wings, turrets and castellated parapets added in the
17th century. Collection of tapestries, paintings, furniture
and weapons. Parkland and formal garden laid out by Capability
Brown; also 2lft high sundial with 84 dials. Angus Folk
Museum in Kirkwynd has collection of furnishings, clothes
and tools used by local community over last 200 years
housed in 19th-century cottages. Glamis Stone nearby has
intricate carvings.
Glen
Clova
From
gentle, forested slopes around village of Clova, glen
narrows to wild mountain home of red deer, wildcat and
ptarmigan.
Glen
Isla
River
Isla runs through picturesque valley for 17 miles. Loch
fishing, horse riding and cross-country skiing. Highland
Adventure Centre at Knockshannach, east of Kirkton of
Glenisla.
Glen
Prosen
Roadside
cairn in memory of Captain Scott and Dr Wilson, who planned
their Antarctic exploration at Dr Wilson's home in the
glen. Walks through birch woods along glen.
The
Hermitage Woodland
Walk
leads through wooded area containing numerous exotic trees,
beneath 19th-century railway bridge, along River Braan,
past 18th-century bridge to folly over-looking waterfall.
Highland
Motor Heritage Centre
Classic
and vintage cars, costumes and accessories displayed in
authentic period settings. Driving game, free slot-car
racing and motor heritage videos.
Huntingtower
Castle
Remains
of castellated mansion consisting of two medieval towers,
linked by--another tower in 17th century. Ceiling timbers
carved with scrolls, fruit and the faces of dragons and
other animals. Fragments of colourful wall paintings remain.
Inchtuthil
Ramparts
and ditches of timber fortress built by Roman general
Agricola in AD 83.
Kindrogan
Three-storey
house is the start for Victorian walk which passes wooded
river bank where Queen Victoria once took tea, then 4
mile climb up Kindrogan Hill where surrounding mountains
are indicated on circular map.
Kinnaird
Village
overlooking Carse of Gowrie, River Tay and Ochil Hills.
Kinnaird Castle dates from 12th century -- restored in
1855 and now private home.
Kirkton
of Glenisla
Ruined
Forter Castle stands 4 miles north-west of village. The
village itself is on River Isla.
Kirriemuir
Birthplace
of author and playwright J.M. Barrie, creator of Peter
Pan. His home now houses Bane Museum. On hill behind the
graveyard where Barrie is buried is cricket pavilion with
camera obscura. Views north towards highlands and south
across Strathmore Valley.
Loch
of Kinnordy
Freshwater
loch with large numbers of nesting water birds. Observation
hides.
Loch
of the Lowes
Loch
is part of Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. Hide allows
for viewing of water birds and pair of nesting ospreys.
Visitor centre has wildlife exhibition and several small
aquaria. Woods surrounding centre populated by roe and
fallow deer.
Megginch
Castle Gardens
The
grounds of this 15th-century castle have a physic garden,
16th-century rose garden, astrological garden and 1000-year-old
yews.
Meigle
Meigle
Museum contains 25 Pictish and early Christian carved
stones, found in churchyard.
Meikleour
Beech
hedge, 100ft high and 580yds long, forms eastern border
of Marquis of Lansdowne's home
-- said to be largest hedge of its kind in world.
Perth
Ancient
city, made Royal Burgh in 1210, though few old buildings
remain. St John's Kirk conse-crated in 1243, but now mainly
15th century. From here, John Knox preached his sermon
on idolatry that resulted in church wrecking throughout
Scotland. Restored mill from 18th century produces flour
and oatmeal in the traditional way. Fair Maid of Perth's
House, once home of Catherine Glover, heroine of Sir Walter
Scott's novel, now a craft shop. Black Watch Museum and
Gallery holds treasures of High-land regiments. Perth
Art Gallery and Museum has displays of local history,
art, natural history and archaeology. Whisky blending
explained at Dewar's distillery. Walk up Kinnoul Hill
to folly at top, views of surrounding area.
Pitcairngreen
Village
of 18th-century cottages and houses. North-east stands
a prehistoric burial mound.
Reekie
Linn
Impressive
waterfall where River Isla cascades into deep gorge.
Scone
Palace
Pink-stone
castellated mansion, enlarged in 1803 around 16th-century
and earlier buildings. Place where kings of Scotland were
crowned. Interior reveals china, ivories, clocks and exquisite
French furniture -- including Marie Antoinette's writing
table. Grounds include pinetum, wood-land garden, children's
play-ground and picnic area. Elaborately decorated chapel
on Moot Hill in front of palace.
Tealing
Well-preserved
example of Iron Age earth house, comprising pas-sage,
long gallery and small inner chambers. Close by is dovecote
shaped like house, built 1595.
