Tay Country is arguably one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, with its rugged coastal paths, the tumbling waters of the river Tay and plenty of forests and glens to explore the opportunities are endless.
Located on the east coast and bounded by Aberdeen in the north and Edinburgh in the south, Tay country encompasses the regions of Perth shire, Fife, Angus and Dundee.
How to get to Tay Country, and travelling around
Whatever your choice of transport Tay country couldn’t be better blessed with transport routes. International airline connections are available from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, combined with regular train services makes it easy to explore these picturesque cities.
If you are looking to undertake an epic road trip, then Tay Country provides two fantastic options. The first is the Forth Valley route which runs from Edinburgh to Stirling, while the Fife coastal route takes in seaside towns and beautiful beaches.
Dunalastair Hotel Suites, the luxury hotel in Kinloch Rannoch, makes an ideal base to explore Tay Country from the beautiful countryside of Perthshire.
Things to do in Scotland’s Tay Country?
Visiting Tay country in Scotland provides you with a plethora of activities to enjoy, throughout the warmer months the moorland and coastal walks are an ideal choice, whereas the winter months are ideal for exploring the many castles, palaces, and galleries.
Visit the many Castles
The location, history, and excellent condition of many of the castles in Tay country mean they offer an excellent insight into the complexities of Scottish history. Glamis Castle, close to Forfar, was mentioned by Shakespeare in Macbeth and was also the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Broughty Castle, the 15th-century coastal fort is on the banks of the River Tay just outside Dundee. The views from the observation tower across the Tay estuary are expansive, and on a clear day you may even see dolphins!
Falkland Palace
Falkland Palace, in Falkland, Fife is known as the royal palace of the Scottish Kings. Inspired by the grand châteaux of France in the 16th century James IV and his son, James V transformed this favored retreat to become of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. It was one of the favorite places of Mary, Queen of Scots providing an escape from political and religious turmoil, whilst also enjoying a game of tennis in what is now the oldest surviving tennis court in the world. Today visitors can wander through the historic orchard, complete with a living willow labyrinth and marvel at the beauty of their formal gardens designed by Percy Cane.
Check out Dundee
Dundee is the fourth-largest city in Scotland with expansive views across the Tay estuary. The city has always had a reputation for arts and crafts, such as the street art of the Open/Close street art trail, while the V&A Dundee has an imposing waterfront location with the building design reflecting the Arbroath Cliffs. Inside you’ll find design inspiration spanning history to the current day, from Scotland and around the world. Other attractions include the McManus Art Gallery and Museum, the Dundee Women’s Trail, and the Dundee Museum of Transport.
Learn how Scotland’s favourite drinks are made
Scottish whisky has a world-class reputation and there are numerous whisky distilleries throughout Tay Country, each offering tours to view and experience the production process, from grain to glass.
With the rise in the popularity of gin within recent years, gin distilleries are now a staple of Tay Country. You’ll have the opportunity to see and taste the rich heritage and complex botanicals, which go into each batch. Gin Bothy of Kirkwynd, in Glamis is a good example of a smaller batch, handcrafted producer.
Try some of the delicious Scottish food
If you fancy indulging with a gastronomic foodie weekend you will be spoilt for choice with the authentic Scottish produce available throughout Tay Country. Balgove Larder, in Strathtyrum, St Andrews is a great example of this, they stock some of the best local Scottish food and drink. The farm shop at Bowhouse Food Weekend St Monans, Anstruther, Fife go one step further, where you can meet the producers to chat about their produce.
For larger food events try: Crail Food Festival in June, Dundee Flower and Food Festival in August, and the Great Perthshire Picnic in September.
Wander the coastal paths
Scottish coastal paths are generally much quieter and offer a chance for peace and quiet in natural surroundings. Fife Coastal Path runs from Kincardine to Newburgh, taking in 117 miles of coastline. It has been broken down into eight manageable walks, where you can look over stunning beaches, pretty seaside towns and often see seals bobbing in the sea.
Similarly, in Dundee the coastal path from Dundee to Montrose takes in Arbroath and the wide beaches of Lunan Bay.
Over in Dundee, you can walk along the coastal path from Dundee to Montrose and gaze back over to Fife or head north to Arbroath, see the golden sands of Lunan Bay, and on into the thriving town of Montrose with its tidal lagoon, Montrose Basin, which is classed as an internationally important nature reserve.
Climb a Munro
Mountaineer and politician, Sir Hugh Munro, was such a climbing enthusiast his surname was used to name each of the 44 Munros in the region. Schiehallion in Perthshire has a distinctive symmetrical, whaleback ridge, which is often dusted with snow throughout the winter. It is a good starter Munro; easy for the most part but with a few challenging sections. Dunalastair Hotel Suites, the Loch Rannoch Hotel, is ideally placed if you plan to conquer nearby Schiehallion.
Have adventures along the Tay River
As the longest river in Scotland the River Tay has the diversity to allow for several activities. The quieter passages of the river are ideal for kayaking, and for thrill seekers white water rafting is available, which will be certain to get your pulse racing. There are also plenty of riverside walks if you prefer to stay on land, from the origins of the river on Ben Lui in the Southern Highlands, to the shores of Loch Tay and finally, the sea just south of Dundee.
What’s the best way to unwind and recuperate?
If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Perthshire for a two-night stay, then the Highland Experience Offer at Dunalastair Hotel Suites, our hotel in Pitlochry, will leave you feeling fully recharged. This limited time offer includes dinner, bed, breakfast and one day’s packed lunch from £450 per room. Based on two people sharing.
The fine-dining restaurant, Monadh Dining at the hotel, exemplifies quality cuisine but without the fuss.
Take advantage of this exceptional offer by booking your Scotland holiday online, or call us now on +44 (0)1882 580444.