One of the Scottish Highland’s best-known estates, dating back to the 13th century, Atholl’s 125,000 acres are a breath-taking landscape of glinting lochs, heather-tufted moorland, craggy peaks and ancient woodland. Recognised as an area of natural beauty and admitted into the Cairngorms National Park in 2010, it’s a magical setting that’s at its finest in autumn, when fiery foliage, misty mornings and crisp, clean air invite exploring. The estate has over 50 miles of way-marked walking and cycling trails, making it heaven for outdoors enthusiasts. Even better, there is a range of stylish accommodation on the estate, from romantic shepherd huts to gorgeous cottages – so you can immerse yourself completely in the stunning surroundings.
Where to stay at Atholl Estates
Sprinkled across the estate lies a collection of delightful hideaways, each with their own unique character and charm.
Shepherd Huts
Perfect for… a cosy bolthole for two
The estate’s two shepherd huts, Curlew and Lapwing, are set in an idyllic spot surrounded by meadows and fields, with mesmerising views along the Tulliemet valley towards Strathtay. Supremely comfortable, they make a gorgeous glamping getaway, with king-size beds, underfloor heating, hot showers and log-burning stoves. Hand-stitched quilts and colourful block-printed linens add a dose of designer panache, while an outdoor firepit with wooden armchairs is perfect for evenings spent star-gazing and listening to hooting owls. Nearby Tulliemet Moor has a wild beauty and is a good place for spotting osprey, curlews, lapwings, deer, otters and (if you’re lucky) Atholl’s newly-arrived resident beavers.
Blairinraish East and West
Perfect for… outdoorsy groups of friends
This pair of pretty cottages can be hired out together, making them ideal for groups of friends or families. Boasting one of the loveliest views on Atholl Estates, the cottages face southwards with far-reaching vistas over dappled woods and undulating farmland towards Strathtay. Recently renovated in 2022, the cottages have been given a stylish makeover, painted in rich jewel tones and lovingly decorated with antiques from the estate collection, designer wallpaper and sumptuous fabrics. Blairinraish East has two bedrooms while Blairinraish has just one. Both cottages back onto beautiful Tulliemet Moor, where a scenic three-mile track leads you to peaceful Loch Broom, home to wild brown trout.
Charlottefield cottage
Perfect for… families seeking fresh-air fun
Children will adore the outdoor wood-fired bath at this honey-hued cottage surrounded by ancient Caledonian oaks. Miles of tracks and trails lead right from the front door, making it a great base for exploring the estate. Inside you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms decorated in muted greens and boasting cloud-soft beds. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen and an inviting open-plan living room warmed by a wood-burning stove. After a day spent hiking to a loch, climbing one of the nearby Munros (mountains) or searching for the resident pair of golden eagles, Charlottefield is a welcoming home from home.
What to see and do
Along with the joys of exploring the vast network of trails which criss-cross Atholl Estates, guests staying here receive complimentary access to historic Blair Castle (until end of Oct) and its gardens. Home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, the estate is centred around this famous landmark. It’s open to visitors and is well worth a visit for its beautiful tapestries and oil paintings, polished suits of armour and grand baronial architecture. The castle’s grounds are particularly eye-catching in their rich autumnal colours, especially the captivating 9-acre walled Hercules Garden, restored to its original Georgian design. There’s also a sculpture trail, red deer park, gothic folly and wooded grove to discover. Autumn is a wonderful time to try your hand at foraging in the castle grounds, too. Join an expert-led foraging walk to lean about edible and medicinal autumnal plants and fungi, discovering numerous varieties of mushroom, berries and nuts before enjoying a wild tea and homemade cake. Prefer something with a bit more kick? Join a private guided whisky tour of Blair Castle, learning about the incredible discovery of the world’s oldest whisky in the castle’s own cellar before receiving a take-home whisky flight (including a sample of limited edition Blair Castle Speyside single malt).
