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21
getaway
David Lafferty at the
famous Queens View, much
loved by Queen Victoria
Autumn is the season
for a Scottish adventure
I
F you have a sense of adventure,
retain a sunny outlook on life
whatever the weather gods
throw at you and your idea of
heaven is glorious, mountainous
terrain then the Scottish Highlands
need to be at the top of your bucket
list.
Weve travelled to the far north of
the British Isles on countless
occasions over the years,
clambering up mountains, trekking
across great expanses of wilderness,
enjoying fine food washed down
with the finest spirit known to
mankind so its no wonder we keep
coming back for more.
Each season has its own
character. Winters can be brutal yet
beautiful, spring can be glorious or
gloomy, summer can be spectacular
but autumn,in my opinion, is the
best time to visit this remarkable
land.
Autumns when the terrifying
midges and the equally fearsome
coachloads of tourists have all but
disappeared and the ancient
communities return to their slow
pace of life, affording a more
enjoyable and relaxing stay.
Yes the weather can be a little
damp, but crisp, clear days can also
be the norm and if wildlife is your
thing then this can be the best time
to seek it out, as the various
 avid Laffertytakes a trip north, beyond the cities of Glasgow
D own version of the mannequin
and Edinburgh, to the magnificent heart of glorious Scotland
beasties take solace in the fact that
they have the hillsides to
themselves.
Scotland is a sparsely populated
country once you head north of the
major cities of Glasgow and
Edinburgh. Picking a base for your
trip can be difficult but one of the
best locations is smack bang in the
centre of Scotland, a small market
town called Aberfeldy.
Located in the heart of Perthside,
Aberfeldy is famous for its whisky of
the same name, distilled using the
water of the Pitilie Burn which is
reputed to have been a source of
gold in years gone by. Adding to the
mystique is the fact that Harry
Potter author JK Rowling has also
made the area her home since 2001.
Its said she has penned a number
of her novels using the harsh
need to know
Moness Resort and Country
Club, Aberfeldy, Perthshire
PH15 2DY
Rates from 59.85 for hotel
room per night and from 83.20
landscape as an inspiration for her
tales.
Aberfeldy, despite being home to
a mere 1,900 people, has a number
of accommodation options but the
best in my view is the renowned
four-star Moness Resort.
Its situated on the outskirts of
Aberfeldy but within a gentle
10-minute stroll to the town centre.
Moness lies on a huge old estate
with the impressive manor house at
its heart complete with turrets and
luxuriously appointed rooms
affording fine views of the
surrounding countryside.
There are also a host of modern
cottages in the grounds should you
want a little more privacy and its
also one of the finest wedding
venues in the Highlands.
There are excellent leisure
for one bedroom cottage for two
nights.
To book email info@moness.
com, telephone 01887 822108 or
see www.moness.com.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2017 M.E.N.
An aerial view of Moness
Moness resort in Aberfeldy
The main hall hosts the
hotel style rooms
The lounges in the luxury
cottages have fantastic views
challenge.
After youve recovered from an
evening or two of excess then theres
plenty to explore in the area
facilities on-site with an impressive surrounding Moness.
pool to seek sanctuary in should the Pitlochry, a famous old Victorian
outside world get a little blustery. town, is just a pleasant 20-minute
Its perfectly suited to families and drive away. There are plenty of
couples alike with the various quaint shops, a famous dam to view
accommodation options suiting all and even its own brewery to
tastes and budgets. explore. If youre keen on a dram its
We opted for one of the on-site also home to the Blair Athol
cottages and for us it was the right distillery and also the smallest
choice. There were two bedrooms whisky maker in Scotland, the
on the ground floor with the open fascinating Edradour. Both places
plan lounge-cum-kitchen and do tours.
dining area situated on the first floor If you want to strike out into the
allowing for fine lofty views direct hills from Aberfeldy then lowland
from the sofa. walkers and Munro baggers alike
They are perfectly equipped for will be in their elements. There are a
self-catering but we were on host of Munros (Scottish mountains
holiday, so it was off to the fine at least 3000ft high) within an easy
dining restaurant. drive including the challenging Ben
Moness is fast gaining a good Lawers ridge.
reputation for its food and great And for those feeling less
service and we werent energetic Queen Victorias favourite
disappointed. Local produce spot, handily called Queens View, is
abounds and we were spolit for not far away. Essentially, the worlds
choice on both occasions we dined. your osyter in Aberfeldy, just
If you wish to explore further remember to reward yourself with a
afield then Aberfeldy has a number drop or two of local dram each
of traditional pubs and a new bar evening while you plan the
which has opened in an old following days adventure - its the
gentlemans outfitters. Bag a law round these parts - or so Im
window seat and you can try your told.