Outdoor Activities in Blairgowrie
The Blairgowrie and Dunkeld area is a fantastic base for outdoor activities, with something to suit every kind of adventurer. Whether you want to paddle on peaceful lochs, explore local walking routes, tackle mountain biking trails, play golf, or head to the slopes in winter, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Blairgowrie and the surrounding Perthshire countryside.
If you’re visiting in winter, Glenshee Ski Centre is just a short drive away and offers some of the best skiing in Scotland. With so many ways to get outside and explore, the area is ideal for active breaks — and our cottages at Perthshire Holiday Cottages are perfectly placed to give you a comfortable, welcoming base to return to after a full day of adventure.
Water Sports
Water sports are one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities in Blairgowrie, especially for guests staying close to Clunie Loch. The loch sits beside Cairnwell Cottage and is less than ten minutes from Blairgowrie, making it a brilliant local spot for wild swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.
If you are staying at Cairnwell Cottage then we have a dropstitch canoe (3 person) available as an add on extra for use on Clunie loch. Alternatively our friend Piotr and his staff at Outdoor Explore are available for bookings if you are looking for a guide and equipment. So, make the most of the activities on the doorstep and then retire to one of our cosy cottages for a well-earned break afterwards.
Walking and Wildlife
Walking is one of the easiest outdoor activities to enjoy in Blairgowrie, with riverside paths, woodland routes and longer trails all close by. Guests can enjoy local walks along the River Ericht, explore Cargill’s Leap, or head further out onto sections of the Cateran Trail.
Dunkeld is also within easy reach and offers some of Perthshire’s most beautiful woodland walks, including The Hermitage, where paths lead through tall trees towards waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. For a gentler day outdoors, Loch of the Lowes is a great option for wildlife spotting, especially during osprey season.
These routes are ideal for guests who want a slower outdoor day, a family walk, or a scenic way to enjoy Perthshire without needing specialist equipment.
Mountain Biking
The Blairgowrie and Dunkeld area is a fantastic place for mountain biking, and it offers enough variety to cater for all levels and capabilities. Close to Blairgowrie you can find Ballo, which is for experienced riders as it’s made up of predominantly black runs. Close by to Ballo, there is Halliburton and Lundie which offer mainly red runs, which are fun and challenging at the same time.
Dunkeld, which is not far away at all, is the perfect destination if you are wanting to spend days exploring the countryside or challenge yourself on the many technical downhill routes. So, if you are looking to put miles on your bike, check out routes like the Loch Ordie circular, The Mast, The Hermitage, Birnam hill and Craigvinean forest.
If you are looking to head out to a trail centre, Laggan Wolftrax is an hour and a half away, but it has it all when it comes to variety. There is something to suit all levels, and it has a bike shop and cafe too.
With so much to do in the area on the bikes, Beadles cottage and Cairnwell cottage are well located to provide you with a base to come and go from after refuelling and relaxing.
