Situated in the beautiful and colourful landscapes of Perthshire, there are endless areas to walk, hike, cycle and fish. Walk part of the Cateran Trail or discover great local walks nearby to Essendy, like Cargill’s Leap and the Knockie walk, which follows the River Ericht upstream past waterfalls, through woodlands and past old mills, on the return overlooking the town and the Sidlaw hills beyond, a walk well-loved by the people of Blairgowrie.

Explore one of the many routes at the Hermitage in Dunkeld, past marvellous waterfalls and Ossian’s Hall, the same routes walked by William Wordsworth and Queen Victoria. In the summer, take the Bluebell woods stroll, walking north from the village of Alyth, wander through fields and find ‘pick your own signs’ where you may help yourself to berries.

Travel to Dunkeld for nearby cycle hire, walk and explore many lochs like Loch Drumellie, Loch Tummel, Loch Rannoch or visit the Loch of Lowes visitor centre and Wildlife Reserve, which covers 130 hectares. Take your chance at spotting red squirrels, ospreys, nuthatch, fallow deer and beavers. Walk riverside at the River Tay and Ericht, or try your hand at angling.

Get a taste of Blairgowrie at Meikleour Arms, noted to be a brilliant British restaurant with a French twist. Sit back and relax at nearby pubs, The Cartwheel Inn or The Ericht Alehouse, chat to locals and enjoy a traditional Scottish pub. Pop into The Dome Restaurant for a bite to eat, or book yourselves in at the popular Wee Coffee Shop. Grab a drink and chat at The Causerie, an intimate restaurant and bottle shop.

For more drinking experiences, visit the Persie Distillery (11 miles) and try out fantastic gins and liqueurs, or, as they recommend, drizzle it over your pancakes. Take a distillery tour at the Glenturret Distillery (32 miles), neighbouring the Michelin-starred Glenturret Restaurant and experience wonderful fine dining.

Try out unique Perthshire activities, go off-road and take a Land Rover Experience drive (7.2 miles), or in winter, travel to the great Glenshee mountains for skiing and outdoor adventure. Situated at the feet of the Grampian Mountains lies the Blairgowrie Golf Club, where you can try your hand at golf, then reward yourself in the clubhouse with a relaxing drink.

The city centres of Perth (15 miles) and Dundee (21 miles) are both nearby to Essendy Cottage and their amenities are well within reach.