Outdoor Pursuits

Glenisla and the surrounding Perthshire and Angus regions is a fantastic highland location that offers a wide range of leisure opportunities that are suitable for family outings right through to adrenaline-charged pursuits.

Walking and Biking

There are numerous forest trails in the area for biking and walking, and if you are feeling adventurous there is the Cateran Trail – a 64-mile circular long-distance walking route through Perthshire and the Angus Glens. The Glenshee to Alyth section of the route passes right by Cairnhill Lodge.

Glenisla is home to a clutch of six Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000ft) that can be accessed directly from the head of the glen, with other Munros obtainable from neighbouring glens (Glen Clova and Glenshee).

The northern reaches of Glenisla lie within the Cairngorms National Park – the largest national park in the UK, at 4,528 sq km, and which contains one-quarter of Scotland’s native forest and one-third of the UK land above 600 meters. The park also prides itself on being home to four out of five of the highest mountains in the UK, and a grand total of 55 Munros within its boundary. The park and all of its magnificent beauty is easily accessible from Glenisla.

If road cycling is more appealing then the quiet roads of the Angus glens are ideal for spinning away the miles accompanied by some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

Skiing, Snowboarding and Winter Hillwalking

In winter, downhill skiing, snowboarding and ski-touring are available at Glenshee Ski Centre, which is only a 30-minute drive from the lodge (19 miles). The ski centre has the most comprehensive network of ski-lifts in Scotland and boasts 40km of pisted runs.

If you examine the Ordnance Survey map for Glenisla you will also notice a ski route sign directly at the front door of Cairnhill Lodge. Assuming the winter weather is favourable, you are able to ski-tour directly from the lodge and explore the many forestry tracks available in the immediate neighbourhood.

Golfing

With over 30 golf courses available within easy reach of Glenisla, golfers will find Cairnhill Lodge a very convenient location to take in a round or two during their stay.

Some of the more notable courses available include:

• Two courses at Alyth Golf Club (10 miles)
• Two courses at Strathmore Golf Centre (12 miles)
• The Rosemount Links championship course in Blairgowrie (17.5 miles)
• Braemar Golf Course – the highest 18-hole course in Scotland at 1,205 feet (26.8 miles)

Field Sports

Low and high-level ground shooting, including grouse and stalking, can be organised on local estates. A wide range of field sports, including clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry, are available at Auchterhouse Country Sports (19 miles). There is local fishing at Loch Shandra and Lintrathen and additionally on the rivers Ericht, Isla and Tay, together with the North and South Esks – fishing permits are required.