Pitlochry

DAM AND VISTOR CENTRE

This is a favourite spot for us on our many visits to Pitlochry.

It contains exhibitions where you can learn about the dam and hydro power station; the salmon life cycle and history of the salmon ladder, with thirty-four tiered pools to help them upriver; the hydro stations, dams and tunnels built all over the Highlands and the lives of those who worked on them; green energy in Scotland; and how the needs of natural habitats are managed.

There is also a good cafe and shop, with attractive views of the river. Outside you can usually walk across the dam to get closer to the power (sometimes it's closed for safety or maintenance).

SALMON LADDER

A short walk from the visitor centre, on the opposite side of the river, you can see the fish ladder. The wild salmon use this to move up and over the 86.5 metre high dam to get upstream to Loch Faskally and their spawning beds in the river beyond. 

On average 5,000 wild salmon past through each year, between April and late September. We haven't seen a salmon yet but I think we've just been unlucky or gone at the wrong time of year.

The best times to go are March to May when they're travelling upstream and September to November when they're travelling downstream, using the ladder in both directions.

PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE

Also on the opposite side of the river from the town.

With over 100,000 visits a year from theatre-goers throughout the UK and abroad, the this is probably the most special of Scotland’s theatres. It is loved by audiences far and wide for the outstanding quality of its productions, and its beautiful setting.

This is a high quality venue with wonderful views and lovely toilets! When we visited it was busy even outside performance time. Worth a visit even just to enjoy the views from the cafe.

EXPLORERS GARDEN, PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE

Next to the theatre, this garden tells the stories of some of the people who travelled the globe to find new plants and trees for cultivation, commerce and conservation.

The garden is separated into glades, representing the areas of the world from where the plants originated. One minute you can be strolling through a North American glade, the next you're trekking through Nepal.

Various sculptures, artworks, specially commissioned buildings and stunning views appear around every corner.

BLAIR ATHOL DISTILLERY

This is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, established in 1798. It uses water from the Allt Dour burn, which flows from Ben Vrackie.

There are a range of tours on offer as well as a shop and bar. After enjoying a leisurely conducted tour, you can mull over the distinctive character of the finished article as you sip your dram of Blair Athol 12 Year Old.

Please note that the distillery is in Pitlochry and not Blair Atholl as the name might suggest! It is about 10 minutes' walk from the town centre.

EDRADOUR DISTILLERY

CLOSED FOR 2025 SEASON (STAFF SHORTAGES)

Edradour produces the last remaining handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery and uses the smallest traditional stills in Scotland. Founded in 1825 and housed in a collection of picture perfect buildings, it has a range of over 25 single malt whiskies.

It is a 5-10 minute taxi journey from Pitlochry.

BLACK SPOUT WOOD

The wood is situated to the south of Pitlochry and takes its name from the impressive Blacks Spout waterfall, some 60 meters high on the Edradour Burn. A series of way-marked paths meanders through the wood, with linking foot bridges constructed over the burns.

Close to the waterfall, a carefully positioned viewing platform offers dramatic views. The route to the waterfall takes you through a delightful variety of quiet mixed woodlands.

It is easily accessible from the town centre - around 20 minutes' walk. The route is shown on this Pitlochry Path Network Leaflet (as part of the Edradour Path) as well as other, longer local walks.

PITLOCHRY STATION BOOKSHOP

This is a good second-hand bookshop on Platform 1. It is run by volunteers and money raised goes to six charities.

We enjoy popping in - you'll probably find something of interest.

Page last updated 1 September 2025