Dalwhinnie, from the Gaelic for 'meeting place', lies in a barren and isolated spot at the head of Loch Ericht where it meets Glen Truim midway between Perth and Inverness. This was a junction for ancient cattle drovers heading from the Highlands to the markets at Crieff and Falkirk in the central lowlands in the early 18th century. The glen is bordered by the Monadhlaith Mountains on one side and the Forest of Atholl, the Cairngorms and the Grampians on the other. It is so isolated that staff at the world-famous distillery have their own hostel in case they get cut off by bad weather! The have a community web site called Dalwhinnie Voices.

The major tourist attraction is, of course, the distillery, which is the highest in Scotland. A great deal of whisky smuggling went on along the cattle droving route but it wasn't until 1897 that John Grant and his partners founded a legal still here. Instead of taking water from the nearby River Truim, they preferred to use the clear Lochan-Doire-Uaine spring water welling up from the Allt an t'Sluic Burn because of its purity. Today Dalwhinnie Whisky is one of the most recognisable brands in the world so it's worth joining one of the many tours running throughout the year.

If you're looking for somewhere to eat, uour out of luck, the Inn at Dalwhinnie is now shut down. For other eateries, check out our fine wine and dine page.

Within a short drive of Dalwhinnie, and surrounded by magnificent scenery, there are numerous courses offering different challenges. Whether it's championship standard golf or a more leisurely recreational round that you're looking for, just check out our golf page. The two closest courses are at Newtonmore and Kingussie. They offer different challenges but are enjoyable and rewarding in their own way.

The village isn't far from Kingussie, Newtonmore and Aviemore so there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy, from watersports on Loch Insh to the Wildcat walking trails, from the Newtonmore Highland Games to skiing and snowboarding. Holidaymakers can combine a relaxing break with a spot of fishing on unspoiled waters on the banks of the River Truim. The river was made famous by fisherman and writer John Inglis Hall, who so loved fishing here that he wrote the much-loved book Fishing a Highland Stream.

There is a small local fuel station and post office where you can get basic provisions and fishing permits. Shopping-wise, there is nothing. Pursuits of nature are the most common reason for visiting Dalwhinnie - hill walking, fishing, golfing and Munro-bagging - but its excellent central location is often underestimated. The West of Scotland (Fort William, Skye, Oban, Loch Ness) can all be accessed from Dalwhinnie.