Getting out there… in Perthshire

by Donald Riddell

Highland Adventure Safaris

Perthshire all of the best of Scotland in one County? Well certainly when it comes to the outdoors, scenery, culture, history and Adventure then yes we must have the greatest variety in the smallest area. Take Aberfeldy for example. The term Adventure Capital of Scotland has been banded about for some time but is it really? Let’s travel north from Perth to the market town of Aberfeldy and see what is available. This is the town sited on the mighty river Tay only six miles from Loch Tay the largest loch in Perthshire. As you would expect there are a breathtaking array of water activities to choose from.

Take your pick from the rafting companies such as Free spirits run by Steve Thomas an ex marine who pioneered this sport on the Tay and has his base at Grantully complete with changing rooms and hot showers. For the faint hearted you can even enjoy a drink over the road in the Riverside Hotel and watch others get wet as they negotiate the famous Grantully rapids.

If rafts are not your thing and you want the ultimate in adrenaline rushes try Canyoning as you swim through rapids jump into clear mountain water pools, abseil down thundering waterfalls and slide down natural rock flumes. There’s a company called Activ8 at Kenmore who specialise in this and all the gear is provided.

If waters not your thing and you still want your senses to Zing then book your self into Highland Adventure Safaris This 4 star award winning company offers an array of activities from land rover safaris to heights of nearly 3000`, Gold Panning in an all weather flume at their safari lodge HQ and 4x4 off road driving. There’s something for everyone, How about an exclusive use of a land rover with your own private instructor on a combo safari which is as the name suggests a combination of 4x4 driving and a safari, great for all the family or an adventure for two or full one to one 4x4 instruction. Ever sat in a land rover at an impossible 45 degree angle and touched the ground from your window without the land rover tipping. Or driven down an almost vertical slope with out using your brakes? This is what makes men real men, but funnily enough it’s where woman excel. They defiantly win hands down when it comes to off road driving possibly because of their forte for multi tasking as they think about where their wheels are, what are the engine revs, what gear am I in and what’s plan B if it all goes pear shaped and a host of other 4x4 techniques! It’s not all go go go though as there is the chance to stop and enjoy some refreshments as you gaze out over the magical mountains of Highland Perthshire and even better this company was the first activity operator and visitor attraction to be awarded a Gold Green Tourism award. Want to offset your awesome safari experience carbon emissions then you can even go online and plant a tree.

After your experience on the hill you can relax in the Highland Safaris café over a well-earned cup of cappuccino and enjoy mouth-watering food picked from the very best of Perthshire’s natural larder in `The Scottish Farm Shop` run by Alec Cruickshank.

The company also runs corporate team days, Multi activity days, Hospitality in marquees high in the hills, which won them a Star award last year, Highland Games indoors, and out and Event management.

Further up the valley and into the longest glen in Scotland, worth while even for the scenery but doubly so as this is where the Chesthill Shooting ground is based. In this fantastic backdrop you’ll quickly see your aim improve as your instructor shows you the best way to send the clays to dust.

A little way down towards Aberfeldy you can use guns again but these ones will only mark you with paint. Perthshire paintball offers a range of exciting commando games for all ages and for children there are electronic guns which do not require protective gear but are just as much fun.

On your way down the road don’t forget to top up the wine cellar at the house of Menzies and be amazed at the incredible range of New World Wines. You can even sit next to the open fire and do some wine tasting but not too much as always in this area there is something round the next bend.

Tucked into the small village of Weem lies Adventurers escape a gold star Green Tourism award-winning bunkhouse. No slumming it there but more importantly Stuart Wagstaff the owner runs kayaking courses on the river Tay and also some lesser known rivers or even gorges. Not for the faint hearted but Stuarts quiet confidence and teaching capabilities soon have one at ease and kayaking like a professional.

For those who just want to get away from it all and do your own thing there are mountains galore to climb such as Ben Lawers the 9th highest in Britain. On most of them you can loose your soul high amongst the clouds and return rejuvenated and full of the joy of life.

These are just a few of the more adventurous activities to be found in this small corner of Highland Perthshire. Like the activities the area is well matched in retail shops such as the Watermill and the Courtyard and for those who want to make a weekend of it there are a stunning array of Hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Whether you are on your own, a family, corporate group or a stag or Hen party a mix of these adrenaline cocktails will have you returning again and again.