Strathardle is the peaceful valley which stretches along the River Ardle between Bridge of Cally and Kirkmichael in Highland Perthshire. It is a charming area, hugely scenic, yet not too remote, which also has the benefit in winter of being within easy distance of the Glenshee ski area.
Just a couple of miles from Bridge of Cally (hotel), Ardlebank Cottage is a traditional whitewashed cottage in its own enclosed garden with ample parking for several vehicles. It stands beside the country road, which does not carrry much traffic, with lovely views to the hills on the other side and with cattle grazing peacefully behind. It has now been carefully refurbished to make a bright and most comfortable holiday cottage, with an open fire to supplement its electric heating and double glazing throughout. The double and two single bedrooms make it ideal for a family or for a small group.
The farm can offer fishing. Walkers can head straight off into the hills - there is ready access to several Munros in neighbouring glens and Ben Vrackie is about 15 miles away near Piitlochry. The Cateran Trail passes through the nearby village of Kirkmichael (4m) where there is a shop and three hotels offering meals.
Pitlochry, with its Festival Theatre, fish ladder and Scotland's smallest distillery at Edradour, is a famous tourist destination and offers all facilities. Beyond there, you can explore the beauties of Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, head off to the Cairngorms on the fast A9, or turn south to Dunkeld and Perth. In the other direction Blairgowrie also has all facilities, including the prestigious golf course at Rosemount, with another four courses at nearby Alyth. From there it is an easy drive to the seaside at Carnoustie (more golf on a famous course!) and Arbroath, where you can stock up on the famous 'smokies' (smoked herring).
Bridge of Cally, too, is on the road to Braemar so, passing Glenshee, you can be on beautiful Royal Deeside in about an hour.
Bed linen, towels and the first £15 of electricity are INCLUDED in the rental. One well-behaved dog by arrangement (sorry no cats). Smoking is not permitted in the cottage. Private water supply.
