A Sunday Adventure on Alyth

As the weather is a tab miserable all over today, I decided we would head up to the historic town of Alyth.

There is so much going on in the area over the next few weeks… The Blairgowrie and Rattray half marathon next Sunday The Yomp on the 8/9th June and the Aylth Country Show on the 15th June. 
 

Aylth itself is located about 7 miles outside of Blairgowrie and is about a 25/30 minute drive from Perth, it’s also accessible by bus from Perth and Dundee. It’s an old market town which is linked to other parts of Perthshire by the famous ‘The Cateran Trail’ which follows some of the old drovers paths. This is a well trodden route which passes through Perthshire and parts of the beautiful Angus Glens.  The area itself is a walker's paradise with at least 5 or 6 different walks from the town itself check out Walk Highlands for various routes

I have walked at the den of Aylth which is stunning! It follows the burn through beautiful beech trees and can be as long or as short as you want as it can link into different walks. I have still to explore the Hill of Aylth – I will do this soon!
 

There are many things to do, various small bespoke shops to look at and places to eat in Alyth also. The Barony Cafe which is located in a beautiful old church building just a short walk from the centre. They serve delicious coffee and cake and is home to the fab Outdoor Explore who provide various awesome kayaking and other water activities all over Perthshire. Alyth Cycles is also located within The Barony which is perfect as there is also a bike park for anyone who enjoys trails Alyth Cycles can sort you out with bike hire for your visit! For the perfect Pizza – visit The Losset Inn – you won't be dissapointed as the staff are lovley and the pizza's are truely some of the best you will ever have!! 

The community is strong within Alyth and everyone pulls together in hard times. This was demonstrated not too long ago when the town was hit by very bad flooding. Everyone helped each other out and together they have built the town back up and it is thriving once more. Look out for ‘The Story Box’ in the town centre, it is an old red phone box which you can enter and listen to stories of the history of Aylth and surrounding area.
 

We visited the Alyth Creates Festival which has lots of activities/stalls over the Friday – Sunday. From Pictish stone carvings to ghost tours to trail runs on the Cateran Trail, there is something to suit everyone. The weather was questionable but it did not stop people coming out to visit.
 

We had a good mosey round and then headed back to the car, deciding to go out of the town to a local Golf Course Restaurant called The Pitcrocknie for some homemade cakes and goodies! It’s a beautiful place which outstanding views. It is also dog friendly so we can take Mac in to join us. The owners have recently refurbished the restaurant and function room and it looks lovely. We are told that there is a Pictish Stone on the Golf Course, next time we are there we will go exploring and find it. To celebrate the Alyth Festival they had a special Pictish Feast, hopefully they do this again as it looked so delicious!
 

Definitely give this area a visit – it’s very special, it truly is the gateway to the Angus Glens and The Cairngorms. Visit https://www.clickbookstay.com/cottages-map to find your perfect holiday cottage for your summer break!!