Waterside campsites near Blair Atholl
Cosy and poised at the edge of adventure, Blair Atholl might just be Scotland’s perfect tiny base town.
- Blair Atholl
Popular camping styles for Blair Atholl
Waterside campsites near Blair Atholl guide
Overview
Straddling the northern border of Highland Perthshire and Cairngorms National Park, Blair Atholl is quieter than the more touristy villages of Pitlochry and Aberfeldy. The River Tilt splits the town in half before it joins with the River Garry, creating a lush green hamlet ideal for any Highland escape. Several holiday parks are nestled into the trees on the banks of the river and the Memorial Park is a wonderful place to while away a lazy afternoon.
Where to go
Atholl Estates and Glen Tilt
No need to leave the boundaries of Blair Atholl to find nature. The tiny village is home to Atholl Estates, encompassing the 60,000 hectares around Blair Castle. A network of trails criss-cross the land and the 16-kilometre Glen Tilt trail is one of its best. After a solid day exploring on foot, kick back in your riverside campground or caravan park.
Cairngorms
Just north of Blair Atholl you enter Cairngorms National Park, an area of stark, untamed beauty where meandering burns cut across the base of heather-covered mountains with snow-capped peaks. The scenery change inspires adventure, and hillwalkers and climbers who come to the region find solitude amongst the large scale of the wilderness. The tourist resort of Aviemore acts as a hub for outdoor pursuits, especially in winter, servicing the ski area of the same name. Primitive campsites to caravan parks, glamping and eco-huts abound in the region.
Loch Tummel
Forest and lochside cycles are a popular way to experience the beauty of Loch Tummel, a half hour’s drive from Blair Atholl. The Queen’s View toward the north end of the loch offers unbeatable views as far as Rannoch Moor. Nearby is the iconic cone shape of Schiehallion, the mountain that helped scientists calculate the mass of the world and a must-climb for Munro-baggers.
When to go
Summer in Perthshire is hard to beat, but everyone knows it. Tour busses cruise through Pitlochry and Aberfeldy, but Blair Atholl is a bit further off the map. Still, visiting in late September or early October will mean fewer crowds and the benefit of beautiful autumn foliage in Scotland’s “Big Tree Country.” The plentiful campground and caravan sites are likely to close down when the weather turns and the days grow shorter, so be sure to book and plan in advance.
Know before you go
- The train runs straight from Waverley Station in the centre of Edinburgh to the village of Blair Atholl, making it an easy escape if you don’t have your own wheels.
- If you’re arriving via train and have a lot of luggage, you may still have a 15-minute or more walk to your village campsite.
- Blair Atholl has a few basic shops and restaurants, but it’s best to bring supplies with you or restock in nearby Pitlochry.
