Blair Atholl
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-> Blair Atholl
Three miles north of Killiecrankie, the village of BLAIR ATHOLL makes for a much quieter and more idiosyncratic stop than Pitlochry. At the Atholl Estates Information Centre (April-Oct daily 9am-4.45pm; tel 01796/481464) you can get details of the extensive network of local walks and bike rides; alongside is Atholl Mountain Bike Hire. Blair Castle (April-Oct daily 10am-6pm; £6.25; grounds only £2), a whitewashed, turreted castle, surrounded by parkland and dating from 1269, presents an impressive sight as you approach up the drive. A piper may be playing in front of the castle, one of the Atholl Highlanders, a select group retained by the duke as his private army - a unique privilege afforded to him by Queen Victoria, who stayed here in 1844. Thirty or so rooms are open for inspection, and display a selection of paintings, antique furniture and plasterwork that is sumptuous in the extreme. Highlights are the soaring entrance hall, with every spare inch of wood panelling covered in weapons of some description; the Tapestry Room, on the top floor of the original Cumming's Tower; and the vast ballroom, with its timber roof, antlers and mixture of portraits.
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