The village of Blair Atholl in the Cairngorms National Park

Blair Atholl is a small village at the gateway of the Cairngorms National Park built around the confluence of the Tilt and Garry rivers. Blair Atholl is centred around the famous landmark of Blair Castle. Steeped in history, the castle and grounds are open to the public for day visitors. The village has its own community web site www.blairatholl.org.uk.

Six miles north of Killiecrankie stands Blair Castle, the traditional home of the Dukes of Atholl. Visitors are welcome to tour the castle and its extensive grounds during the season. Lude House, the Castle Pony Trekking Centre, the Atholl Country Life Museum, the world famous Water Mill and the Blair Atholl distillery, wich is actually in nearby Pitlochry, are all worth a visit.

For fine dining try The Loft. The Bridge of Tilt Hotel on the high street is a former hunting lodge bordering the salmon-rich waters of the River Tilt. Receive a warm Highland welcome, friendly service, and dine in comfortable surroundings. The hotel boasts its own bar lounge with open fire and dance floor. The Blair Atholl Chippy is great for fish and chips. Kirsty's Pizza in the Park is also great for takeaway or home delivery. Check for reduced opening in the winter.

Blair Atholl's nine-hole golf course lies between the village and the River Garry and boasts splendid views along the valley. There are numerous championship courses within a short drive. Check out our Aviemore & the Cairngorms National Park golf page for all the details.

There is usually a music festival in Blair Atholl on the second weekend in February, whereas the Atholl Highlanders mark their annual parade and the Atholl Gathering over the last weekend in May. Why not pop along to the charity day at Blair Castle in June and follow that up with a Celtic night at the castle with the Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band? There are two annual summer gala nights held in Memorial Park in July and August, with the Local Skills Trail and International Horse Trials & Country Fair over the last weekend August. October sees the renowned Glenfiddich International Piping & Fiddle Championships.

The Blair Atholl Water Mill & Tea Room is a must visit. This is a delighful working water mill dating back to the 1590s where stoneground oatmeal and flours were milled and sold. The tea room bakes fresh cakes, scones, a variety of breads, bagels and rolls. There are many pleasant walks through Glen Tilt as the river flows down to the River Garry. About a mile north of Blair Castle, the famous Falls of Bruar (immortalized in poem by Robert Burns) provide a spectacular setting for a romantic walk. Click here for more info on local walks.