Pitlochry

Theatre goers flock here each summer, but Pitlochry's charm extends far beyond its famous festival. This Victorian spa town sits pretty in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, where wooded hillsides tumble down to the River Tummel and salmon still leap upstream past the town's ingenious fish ladder.

The drama doesn't stop at the theatre doors. Highland Fling Bungee Jumping offers the ultimate adrenaline rush for those brave enough, while gentler souls can climb Craigower for cracking views over Loch Faskally. The walk up takes about 45 minutes and rewards you with a panorama that stretches across the Perthshire hills.

History buffs shouldn't miss Killiecrankie, where Jacobite forces clashed with government troops in 1689. The Soldier's Leap marks the spot where a fleeing redcoat supposedly jumped 18 feet across the River Garry. Whether he made it or not depends on which version you believe, but the gorge is spectacular either way.

Getting here is straightforward - the A9 runs right past, and there's a proper railway station with decent connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Perth sits 27 miles south if you need a bigger hub.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. Faskally Woods Holiday Park puts you right beside the loch, while Milton of Fonab sits closer to town. From either base, you can explore the surrounding peaks like Meall a' Charra or wander down to peaceful spots like Lochan Sgaradh Gobhair. The Tummel Valley stretches out in both directions, offering endless walking opportunities and that proper Highland feeling without the three-hour drive to Skye.