Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCHS TUMMEL & RANNOCH
The route along Lochs Tummel and Rannoch is worth doing any way you can - by foot,
bicycle or car. Hills of ancient birch and forests of spruce, pine and larch make up the fab-
ulous
Tay Forest Park
. These wooded hills roll into the glittering waters of the lochs; a
visit in autumn is recommended, when the birch trees are at their finest.
Queen's View Centre
(
www.forestry.gov.uk
;
10am-6pm late Mar-mid-Nov)
is at the
eastern end of Loch Tummel. Despite the signage, the shop here is a shop and not an ex-
hibition, so if you pay the parking fee (£2) it's for the magnificent viewpoint over the wa-
ter and towards
Schiehallion
(1083m).
Waterfalls, towering mountains and a shimmering loch greet visitors in
Kinloch Ran-
noch
. It's a great base for cycle trips around
Loch Rannoch
and local walks, including
the hike up Schiehallion, a relatively easy climb rewarded by spectacular views unob-
structed by other hills, from Braes of Foss. See
www.jmt.org/east-schiehallion-est
ate.asp
for more information.
Eighteen miles west, the road ends at romantic, isolated
Rannoch train station
, which
is on the Glasgow-Fort William line. Beyond is desolate, intriguing
Rannoch Moor
, a
winding, vaguely threatening peat bog stretching as far as the A82 and Glen Coe. There's
a tearoom on the platform and a welcoming small hotel situated alongside.
There's no petrol in this area; the closest pumps are Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, and Blair
Atholl.
Sleeping & Eating
B&B
Bunrannoch House££
(
01882-632407;
www.bunrannoch.co.uk
;
Kinloch Rannoch; s/d £45/90, with dinner
£70/140; )
We've racked our brains, and can't come up with a place that offers
better value or a better attitude in this part of Scotland. This historic former shooting
lodge is a short way from town but feels utterly isolated and makes a great away-from-it-
all destination. The rooms - including a great family one, and lovely room 7 with skylight
for stargazing - are all recently renovated with understated elegance and offer substantial
comfort, but it's the friendly, generous, can-do hospitality that is so striking. Excellent
meals (vegan/vegetarian diets catered for) feature the likes of pike fished from Loch Ran-
noch or locally stalked venison. Dinner for nonguests is £30.
Moor of Rannoch Hotel££
HOTEL
