Wildlife and Walkways

The estate has several interesting walks designed to take you through a variety of habitats.

Lover's lane is lined with chestnut trees and the Douglas Firs have been cleared of scrub to show off their true stature. Watch out for red squirrels here, and in early spring you will see discreet carpets of snowdrops, wood anenome, lesser celendine and colt's foot.

The Allt Ceann Ard walk follows the burn. You may be lucky enough to see the little dipper bobbing in the water, grey and pied wagtails flit along the water's edge and the "hoot" of the tawny owl can be heard at sunset. Lover's seat is waiting to be discovered and as you sit, quietly enjoying the peace, you are sure to see the birds, squirrels and roe deer passing by.

The 39 Steps take you from the driveway up to the top of the knoll, the highest point in the gardens, and on to the walks to the south east of the estate.

The three ponds, Piper's Pool being the largest, have friendly mallards to feed, the stalking grey heron often visits and in summer dragon flies flit around in the dappled sunlight.The middle pond is used by the local Pitlochry angling club to grow on their hatchling trout to a suitable size for re-stocking the local burns and rivers. Early morning or at dusk you may see the roe deer out browsing around the fountain or a grey squirrel foraging for food on the lawns and mewing buzzards are often circling overhead.

Several seats have been placed in quiet spots around the grounds, wildflowers have been planted and encouraged. Discover them for yourself, sit quietly and the wildlife will come to you.