The Pass of Killiecrankie, 6 miles north of Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, is famed in song and story as the scene of the first skirmish of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1689, where 'Bonnie Dundee' met and routed government forces under General Mackay. Now, with its historic Soldier's Leap, it is a famous beauty spot and on its now peaceful slopes is Killiecrankie Lodge, a well-appointed log cabin, with an ecologically sound turf roof. (It's not often you get the chance to sleep in a house-with-a-haircut!)
The lodge is one of four, situated near a working farm and with lovely views down the valley to Ben Vrackie and the surrounding hills. There is parking right outside, decking to the front, from which to enjoy these views, perhaps while relaxing with an evening drink, and a ramp to the door makes it accessible for less able visitors. The garden is enclosed by a low fence. At the front there is a steepish slope down to a stream - very picturesque but care may be required with young children. The interior is cosy, comfortable and well-furnished, with an open plan living area and two bedrooms, all electrically heated with night-storage and panel heaters. With one of the bedrooms having bunk beds (double under, single over), the cabin is ideal either for three adults or for two adults and up to three children.
This is a great centre for touring in all directions. There is a hotel just a mile away at Killiecrankie itself and there are shops, a hotel, golf course and the well-known Blair Castle about three miles up the road at Blair Atholl, where there is also a small spa and swimming pool. Just above Blair Atholl is the famous House of Bruar, offering all sorts of culinary treats as well as fine clothing. Pitlochry has all facilities, including its famous Festival Theatre, fish ladder, golf course and Scotland's smallest distillery (tours). You are also only four miles from the A9 trunk road, which will whisk you up to Aviemore (48m), Inverness (78m), south to Perth (33m), or even, by branching off at Dalwhinnie, over to the north west coast.
In winter, skiers are within easy reach of the Glenshee Ski area (30m). There are many excellent golf courses in the area. Fishermen may wish to try their hand in the Tay, or some of the other rivers and lochans round about. And of course, the walking is just wonderful - from here, intrepid hikers, or mountain bikers for that matter, can even head over the hills to Braemar and Royal Deeside.
Other attractions in the area include, in November, the Enchanted Forest, a marvellous night-time walk through stunningly lit woodlands near Pitlochry, and, in August, the Blair Horse Trials which attract competitors from all over the world. Short drives will take you 'by Tummel and Loch Rannoch' through some glorious Highland scenery, or head for Loch Tay, where you can visit the Iron Age crannog or participate in the numerous water sports which are sited there.
Bed linen, towels and the first £20 of electricity are all INCLUDED in the rental. One well-behaved dog is welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted within the cottage. There is an iPod dock.
2012 rentals will be from Friday to Friday.
