Spotlight on: Blair Castle Caravan Park, Perthshire

You could hardly wish for a more scenic spot to spend the night or take a longer break.

After checking in at the swish modern reception building, I followed the one-way system through acres of grassy parkland to my pitch. All the 200 or so pitches are arranged around the edge of the park, which is surrounded by majestic trees. My view extended over the park to Tulach Hill on the other side of the glen.

I found the campsite well appointed, with several washroom blocks and a laundry, games room and free WiFi lounge in the reception building. Fully serviced and super-sized pitches are available. There is a £2 charge for dogs (maximum two).

After settling in, I walked through a gate onto the adjacent path to walk beside the River Tilt into the village, visiting the Watermill Tea Room. Refreshed, I continued down to the larger River Garry, crossed a footbridge and followed a path uphill to get a great view back to Blair Castle and the adjacent campsite. On previous occasions I have walked and cycled many other trails through the woods, up Glen Tilt and into the Atholl mountains.

The next day I took advantage of the 25% discount voucher campers receive to visit Blair Castle and Gardens, strolling there along the entrance avenue and returning on the red squirrel trail. I enjoyed the sumptuous rooms and décor where royalty have stayed, but also loved Diana’s Grove of record-breaking conifers and Hercules Garden, which has some very upmarket duck houses!

Blair Atholl is an attractive stone-built estate village which has a shop, a couple of places to dine out and an information centre, from which rangers run lots of activities. These range from Land Rover safaris to Segway tours around the vast and beautiful estate.

Blair Castle Caravan Park
Blair Atholl, Perthshire PH18 5SR
01796 481263

This site review first appeared in MMM magazine, May 2018 issue, submitted by Felicity Martin.