CL SITES

BIG TREE

Ossian’s Hall folly overlooks the COUNTRY Black Linn waterfall near John Bateman sings the praises of a region in the heart of . Isn’t it time you branched out a little farther? ❖ COTLAND’S MISCELLANY of eastern end of the loch at Kenmore as the An idyllic fishing lake is nearby. “It is for mountain, moor, river, loch and grown-up river Tay. a spot of fun fishing for an hour or two Socean offers caravanning wanderers Perthshire, too, plays its own name rather than for serious anglers who want to every prospect of a spectacular holiday. game. Like the river, it retains its timeless fish all day,” says John (Jock to his regulars).

It is wonderful touring country, but tinged, character but local government Offering electrics, toilet and shower, fine Ordnance Survey I feel, with a of degree of risk in addition to reorganisation in 1975 resulted in boundary views to the Ochil Hills and the availability Landranger Maps the possibility of a shower or two. and administrative changes and the of free-range eggs, this adults-only site is 51, 52, 53, 58 Danger lies in the vast, time-consuming creation of Perth and . To those of us understandably popular. Booking is and gas-guzzling distances that can easily be on the holiday trail it matters not one jot, essential, as it is for all sites featured here. travelled, attempting to see and do too but what does matter is that a number of John invites donations instead of much. I know because I still get it wrong CLs, all within 20 miles of the fair city of imposing certain charges and has raised time and again – and I live here! Perth, create tempting bases from which to hundreds of pounds for a local children’s >> My recommendation is to head for dip into the region’s treasure chest. Perthshire and leave the rest for next time. () sits 14 miles Variously known as Big Tree Country or the south-west of Perth and I am far from the INFORMATION Heart of Scotland, Perthshire has it all, first caravanner to be impressed by John including some good CLs in fine locations. Lamb’s Leadketty CL, which has won SITES Details of the CLs featured here The region is characterised by the numerous awards, the latest of them for and others in river Tay, which offers stunning scenic the site’s picturesque nature. can be found on pp549 and 550 variety as well as numerous name Here, an immaculately-maintained, of the Sites Directory & changes. Scotland’s longest river begins lawned half-acre is bordered by rustic Handbook 2009/2010 Riverside CL its 120-mile journey as the Fillan, scurries fencing, shrubs and ornamental trees. down through Breadalbane to become Although John’s small commercial site TOURISM n Perth TIC – call 01738 450600 the Dochart at Crianlarich and joins adjoins the CL, numbers are restricted to n TIC – call 01764 652578 , after a white-water flourish at single figures and the character of a n Blairgowrie TIC – call 01250 872960 Killin, before emerging reborn from the peaceful retreat is unaffected.

August 2010 The Caravan Club Magazine 67 CL SITES PERTHSHIRE

DID YOU KNOW? hospital. His is a warm and welcoming site The site is adults-only and you can Loch Tay is the fourth that I feel captures the very essence of bring along one dog for free. largestthe loch biggest in Scotland, being much that is good about the CL network. If you are looking for a winter pitch, Loch Lomond Perthshire’s rural attractions are headed give Sandy a ring; ground conditions by its magnificent woodlands and forests, permitting, you could be lucky but, Above: tranquil Loch half-a-dozen fine rivers, ancient trees, whatever the season, follow approach Tay with snow- lochs, impressive peaks such as guidelines because access can be tricky. capped Ben Lawers and Schiehallion, and more glens and Perth, an historic city set around the Tay offering electrics and flat pitches on an in the distance straths (broad river valleys) than you can Estuary, has attractive Georgian crescents, acre plot split roughly 50-50 between Right: Branklyn wave a camera at. decent shopping and sports facilities and is lawn and hardstanding. Garden – a two-acre Perth heads the urban offerings and home to Scone Palace, where Scottish The site, which has public transport beauty 16 miles north of the city is Sandy Main’s kings were once crowned. The city is also access nearby, is fringed with trees and Quarryhill, Kinloch CL (Blairgowrie). overlooked by Branklyn Garden (National sheltering hedging, and although there Below: John Lamb’s Once a soft-fruit farm, the site is a scenic, Trust for Scotland), a blaze of azalea and is background noise from the A90 award-winning Leadketty CL restful and secluded half-acre. rhododendron during my May visit. (Perth-Dundee) road, nobody on site at Dunning Hardstanding pitches are set into the Perth is within two miles of Dave regarded it as a problem. shallow valley floor between two and Mary Mill’s carefully-designed Overlooking the CL is the wooded and meadows, and the site, lovingly maintained and immaculate CL behind their craggy wall of Kinnoull Hill, topped by a by Wardens Mary and John Ross, offers Riverside home in West Kinfauns. Dave folly in recognition of an Earl of Murray’s electrics, toilet and shower (with honesty and Mary are experienced caravanners love of the Tay Valley view. box), plus access to good walking options. and the site reflects their knowledge, Crieff is a pleasant little town 17 miles west of Perth. Centrally placed for a variety of local attractions such as Drummond Castle Gardens, it is also a ATTRACTIONS good base for touring farther afield, whether you fancy St Andrews or Oban n The Hermitage, near Dunkeld –stroll under great Douglas Firs beside the river Braan to Ossian’s Hall folly overlooking Black Linn waterfall and the islands (careful now!). n Scone Palace, Perth –call 01738 552300 or see scone-palace.net Jacq Scott’s Concraig Farm CL, half a n Cycling –see cyclehighlandperthshire.com mile from town, is a neatly-maintained, n Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, Dunkeld – see ospreys at this part-sloping, lawned half-acre behind the 98-hectare wildlife reserve. Call 0131 312 7765 or see swt.org.uk farmhouse. Another adults-only site, n Branklyn Garden, Perth –a two-acre little gem. Call 01738 625535 or Concraig offers electrics plus splendid see branklyngarden.org.uk n Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, by Loch Tay –blow away the views, and the working farm’s support of cobwebs and enjoy the views. Call 0844 493 2100 or see environmental schemes means birds and nts.org.uk/Property/94/ wildlife thrive here. n Crieff Visitor Centre –crafts, garden centre, glassmaking and more. Perthshire invites, almost demands, Call 01764 654014 or see crieff.co.uk leisurely enjoyment. Men in grey suits may n Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore – see reconstruction of an Iron Age have juggled things about a bit but you will dwelling. Call 01887 830583 or see crannog.co.uk find that this Heart of Scotland beats as n The Yew –ancient tree in Fortingall churchyard soundly and proudly as ever. n

68 The Caravan Club Magazine