Good food, a dram or two and beautiful scenery is an ideal way to spend a day in Scotland. Luckily there’s many locations which offer this, but not all are located in a simple yet stunning location small enough for a group of friends or family to take over. This is what’s on offer from the owners of Straloch Estate in Perthshire.
Situated on an idyllic family-run 3,000-acre Highland estate in one of Perthshire’s prettiest glens, Straloch opened the doors to the public in 2015.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of a steep rocky ridge with a tranquil loch in front, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular and fantastic for families or friends who want to enjoy outdoor adventures together.
From bespoke picnics and wildlife watching to fishing and den-building and rowing across the island for a camp-fire tea, it’s the perfect idea of escapism.
The bothy picnics, which can be enjoyed along with whiskies from Robertsons of Pitlochry, are a must for anyone visiting the estate.
This ‘hidden hut’ is billed as the jewel in the crown of the estate, which can accommodate up to 12 guests.
It’s a 45 minute to an hour walk up the hill track from the estate house, where you can spot local wildlife and take in the stunning views. But if you’d rather not walk, groups of six can be driven up to the bothy in an off-road Land Rover.
When guests arrive, the well-earned, pre-ordered picnic will be laid out ready and waiting for you. There’s a range of vegetarian and gluten free options - all made fresh - as well as hot and cold drinks. Dishes include pies, sandwiches, salads and soups with sweet treats of delicious brownies and pudding pots.
In the autumn and winter there’s a hot food menu available and the wood burning stove, furry rugs, candles and fairy lights give a cosy welcome.
Straloch is known for its wildflowers and wildlife and has three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). Many visitors return to Straloch to enjoy wildlife watching from red squirrels and the rut of the red deer in autumn; to the wide variety of birds across the estate.
There’s also the opportunity to take part in fishing on the River Fernate for wild brown trout. A short walk away from the bothy lunch hut, the burn carves its way through stunning moorland. Picnics for those fishing can be taken at the Lunch Hut or on the jetty overlooking the loch.
Amongst the bounty of stunning scenery, other wild picnic spots are available by request including The Straloch Jetty, ideal for a tranquil breakfast or a sunset dinner overlooking the water at the edge of the loch.
The Island is a great family adventure where you can build a campfire for sizzling sausages and toast marshmallows, build a den and skim stones. The Walled Garden provides a stunning and naturally colourful backdrop for an elegant banquet, afternoon tea, leisurely lunch, or a summer evening’s drinks reception.
If you want to make a holiday of your visit, Straloch has two beautiful estate houses: Stalker’s Lodge which sleeps four and Keeper’s Cottage which sleeps six. These can be rented together for larger groups or separately.
Stylish interiors with sleek, luxurious kitchen fittings are made to feel incredibly cosy with heating and hot water provided by a biomass log boiler that runs on waste timber from the estate, ensuring the house is beautifully warm and eco-friendly too.
Guests can enjoy the comfort of Hypnos beds with crisp white linen, underfloor heating in the bathrooms with locally made organic bath products.
Find out more via the Straloch Estate website.
