The village of Bruar in the Cairngorms National Park

Bruar is a small hamlet eight miles northwest of Pitlochry. The waterfalls here have been a tourist attraction since the 18th century and were immortalized in the Robert Burns poem The Humble Petition of Bruar Water to the Noble Duke of Atholl, which supposedly entreats the duke to plant some trees in the once barren landscape alongside the river. However, a hydroelectric power station built in the 1940s has dramatically reduced its flow. The House of Bruar is a must visit. Bruar shares the Blair Atholl community web site www.blairatholl.org.uk.

Bruar boasts a small visitor centre on the magnificent Falls of Bruar walk, which starts in the car park behind the House of Bruar and takes in the astonishing Vale of Atholl. The House of Bruar shopping emporium and restaurant have been described as the "Harrods of the North" (see Bits & Bobs below). There are several scenic walks, from a peaceful stroll by the Garry to strenuous hikes in the hills. Why not visit the Clan Donnachaidh Centre?

Meals and accommodation are available at the Struan Inn a mile away and the area offers a number of charming B&Bs as well as plenty of self-catering accommodation. There is also the famous House of Bruar restaurant which seats 350 people and serves the finest Scottish cuisine. Why not see our Cairngorms fine wine and dine page to find out more about great places to eat in the Cairngorms National Park?

The nearest golf club is Blair Atholl golf course about four miles away but if you're prepared to travel a little further there are plenty of wonderful courses littering the Scottish Highlands. Check out our Cairngorms National Park golf page for more information.

Nearby Blair Atholl offers plenty in the way of entertainment, from a visit to Blair Castle to the annual Highlanders Parade (May), to midsummer Celtic nights with the Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band, and the Glenfiddich piping and fiddle championships in October. For more events throughout the Cairngorm National Park, see our annual Cairngorms events page.

There is only one place to visit when in Bruar, and that's the House of Bruar. Where do we start? Yes, they have a great selection of high quality clothes, kitchenware, fine art and sculptures, but the main attraction is the food court. As you walk in you are overwhelmed by a Willy Wonker-sized selection of fine chocolates and sweets (keep the kids on a short rein!). There are also the finest selection of cheeses, handmade pies and delicacies this side of the Forth Road Bridge. This is THE place to stop and stock up if you need indulgence during your stay in the Cairngorms National Park. If you love food, you'll love the House of Bruar.