Blair Castle Woodland Lodges, Highland Perthshire

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Blair Castle
Blair Castle (c) Robin McKelvie

Tucked just off the A9 in Highland Perthshire at the heart of Atholl Estates in Blair Castle. One of Scotland’s most attractive castles also enjoys a stunning natural setting, surrounded by a fold of hills, glen and woodland. The Castle and its woodland lodges are just a short drive north of Pitlochry and easily accessible from all over Scotland by road. For those traveling by train there is railway station in the village of Blair Atholl.

Modern Luxury

Blair Castle Woodland Lodges (there are five in total) recline back from the main campsite surrounded by a phalanx of tall trees, with red squirrels and birds making cameo appearances in front of the large windows that really open up all sides of the lodges.

There are a choice of two and three bedrooms lodges, all of which are modern and far more luxurious than they look from the outside. While the main living area of our three bedroom lodge was spacious, the bedrooms were a little on the small side, especially as we had a travel cot to try and squeeze in as well. There was one double and two twins, with the upside that the double was en suite. All rooms also had floor to ceiling windows that opened up great views of the surrounding forest.

Full Size Kitchen

Self-catering is the way to go with a fully equipped modern kitchen and a nice dining area. There is a small shop on the adjacent caravan site. In the village there are another couple of shops and the Watermill and Tea Room (Tel. 01796-481321), where they mill their own oatmeal and flour and conjure up great bread and other baking.

Well Equipped Throughout

The lodges boast large flat screen TVs, FreeSat receivers and DVD players which are handy on rainy days. When the sun shines the large outdoor decking area comes complete with a table and chairs so you can enjoy a drink and a meal al fresco with the birds chirping all around.

One Site Facilities

In addition to the aforementioned shop, the caravan park also has a small games room next to the reception with table tennis and a pool table. They also have two children’s playgrounds, one designed for kids under the age of seven and the other for older children.

Plenty To See and Do on the Atholl Estates

Atholl Estates, which the lodges are part of, spreads across a massive 145,000 acres. It boasts no fewer than seven Munros so keen walkers will be in their element. Close to the lodges there are also six walking trails, offering everything from easy one-mile strolls through to more challenging trails.

The estates are also excellent for mountain biking with bikes available for rent in Blair Atholl and a network of trails battering off up the hillsides. Other activities include pony trekking and Land Rover tours, the latter opening up the more remote parts of the Atholl Estates on two and half hour thrill rides. Recently they have also put in two new wildlife hides for taking it easy while you take in the wildlife.

For less active pursuits Blair Castle and its gardens and grounds await exploration.

Blair Castle Caravan Park, Blair Atholl, PH18 5SR. Tel: +44 (0)1796 481263. https://blair-castle.co.uk/caravan-estate/caravan-park/lodges

InsiderScotland Rating

For Families 7/10

For a Romantic Break 6/10

InsiderScotland Rating 7/10