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 In this Area Include:
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.
If
you would like to visit this area as part of a highly personalized
small group tour of my native Scotland, or would like more information
please e-mail me:
