Muthill, a small conservation village, lies not far from the town of Crieff. Here you'll discover one of Perthshire's most unexpected jewels. The wonderful Drummond Castle Gardens. These are the beautiful gardens featured in the Hollywood Blockbuster, Rob Roy, starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange. There may be no stars on your visit but I promise that the sun will feature - even if it is only in the shape of the historic sundial.

Literature lovers will love the unique Inverpeffray Library just to the east. This library is the oldest surviving public library in Scotland.

From another hamlet, Fowlis Wester, a narrow road leads over the moorland hills of Glenalmond. These hills are rich in ancient standing stones. The River Almond in the Sma' Glen is the ideal place to rest and enjoy the special pleasures of this beautiful area. On another stop, at Buchanty Spout, you can marvel at the salmon battling the rocky rapids.

The Crieff and Muthill area is virtually unrivalled for recreation. There are six golf courses and many challenging loch and rivers for the avid angler. There are also numerous challenging and easy walks.

St Fillans at the eastern end of Loch earn is another small resort worth visiting, perhaps for a refreshment and a bite to eat.

Crieff, the main town in the area, was an important cattle trading centre, to where Highland crofters would make long journeys, using now forgotten drove roads through the hillsides, in order to trade livestock at the huge market known as the " tryst." An especially notable visitor was Bonnie Prince Charlie, who stayed in Crieff on his final journey to defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Today, the town is a bustling market town where you will find a fine selection of specialist retailers. Crieff offers a rich abundance of things to see and do.

In the vibrant town centre, Crieff Visitor Centre, Thistle Pottery, Stuart Crystal and Glenturret Distillery are all well worth a visit.

If you would like to visit this area as part of a highly personalized small group tour of my native Scotland please e-mail me at;