BLAIR CASTLE & GARDENS

My first Trip to Scotland and my first Scottish Castle

If you're planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to add Blair Castle to your list of must-see attractions. Nestled in the stunning landscape of Highland Perthshire, this ancient castle has been home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl for 19 generations and is steeped in history.

During your visit, you'll be able to explore over 30 rooms filled with Scottish cultural treasures, including period furnishings, family portraits, landscape paintings, and architectural design. You'll also learn about the castle's fascinating past, from visits by Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie to its role in the Civil War and the Jacobite cause. And don't miss the Victorian Ballroom, decorated with 175 pairs of antlers, or the Entrance Hall, featuring weapons used at the Battle of Culloden.

But the castle isn't the only thing to see at Blair. The castle grounds include a nine-acre walled garden, recently restored to its original Georgian design and complete with fruit trees, vegetables, and a variety of sculptures. You can also take a stroll through the peaceful wooded grove, home to some of Britain's tallest and finest trees, or visit the ruins of St Brides Kirk, the final resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. And for younger visitors, there's an adventure playground and Red Deer Park to explore.

But perhaps the most unique aspect of Blair Castle is that it is home to Europe's last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Founded in the 19th century after a visit from Queen Victoria, this regiment is a truly one-of-a-kind attraction.

Overall, Blair Castle is a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish culture and history. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and learn about the castle's rich past

 

LOCH RANNOCH

Welcome to Loch Rannoch, a beautiful and unspoiled lake located in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland. Nestled among the rolling hills and verdant forests of this stunning region, Loch Rannoch is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.

At 20 miles west of Pitlochry, Loch Rannoch is easily accessible by car or bus, and the surrounding area is perfect for exploring by bicycle. The 22-mile road that circles the lake is completely flat and relatively traffic-free, making it an ideal route for cycling. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape, as well as a chance to stop and rest at one of the sandy beaches on the north shore.

If you’re interested in history and culture, the village of Kinloch Rannoch is a great place to start your journey. Here, you’ll find a series of storyboards that tell the fascinating tales of the clans that called this region home before the 19th and 20th centuries. You can also visit the Crannog, an artificial island located near the western end of the lake that was once used as a base by outlawed members of the MacGregor Clan.

But it’s not just the history and culture that make Loch Rannoch a must-see destination. The surrounding Rannoch area is also home to some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in all of Scotland, with everything from quiet lochside rambles to dramatic wild peaks and cross country routes through the Great Moor of Rannoch. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, you’ll find plenty of trails to suit your interests and fitness level.

So why wait? Start planning your trip to Loch Rannoch today, and discover all that this stunning corner of Scotland has to offer!

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Cape Vidal log Cabin layout

Its crazy to see how fast a year goes, last year September 2012 we went to  Cape Vidal which falls within the St Lucia Marine Reserve and is situated north-east of St Lucia within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. We have just returned from our 2013 trip back to Cape Vidal and have once again created very found memories of the place.

Its always a place of beauty but I do feel that KZN wildlife is missing the point here. The park is quite strange in the sense that Cape Vidal is a resort within Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. This means that the resort falls under KZN wild life while the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site does not. I still don't quite understand this but I can see the problems it creates.

Firstly Cape Vidal is still predominantly focused on fishermen. They do not focus on people that want to experience the actual park. This can be seen directly in the standard of the accommodation. Its the perfect drink and fish style accommodation and it is extremely poorly maintained. The units are serviced daily but due to poor maintenance and the lack of upkeep the units always feel rundown.

Additionally if you stay at Cape Vidal you cant go on any night drives. The rangers at Cape Vidal do not offer this service and the only companies that do are external businesses that fall outside on the camp. As a nature lover this is extremely annoying. The park has so much to offer from an eco tourism perspective  and to see how little is being done here is extremely discouraging. Again this is a contradiction as this might be why this is still such a beautiful place to be.

We will always return to Cape Vidal but if your looking for the best time of year I would suggest May.

Below I have added the layout of the units at Cape Vidal. I would always suggest going for the larger 8 sleeper units since they feel so much roomier and the price difference is incidental. 

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

 

Unit 4

Unit 5

Unit 6

Unit 7

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 10

 

Unit 11

Unit 12

Unit 13

Unit 14

Unit 15

Unit 16

Unit 17

Unit 18

 

 

Unit 19

 

Unit 20

Unit 21

 

Unit 22

 

Unit 23

 

Unit 24

Unit 25

Unit 26

 

Unit 27

 

Unit 28

 

Unit 29