Perthshire fairy tale (part 1)

Glenshee is located in the eastern part of Perthshire and is the largest ski center in Scotland. Its name comes from the Gaelic word “sith” which means fairy. Therefore, this is the perfect place if you are looking for a peaceful and fairy tale inspired holiday. The main settlement is the Spittal of Glenshee where I stayed as well. This area is very popular for skiing and self-catering lodges, the one I stayed is called Gulabin Lodge. Here is the website for more information regarding the accommodation and the different activities they offer: http://www.gulabinoutdoors.co.uk/. While here, there are a number of walking trails worth doing. I would also recommend driving around the area as there are a lot of interesting attractions and cities just a few miles away.

Just 10 minutes drive from the lodge, there is the Invercauld Bridge across River Dee (known for the finest salmon fishing). This is also known as the Old Bridge of Dee. It has one of the largest arches of any of the bridges on the Military Road Network (sometimes called General Wade’s Military Roads, constructed during the middle part of the 18th century). The bridge was built in 1753 by General Caulfield. After a few centuries it was superseded, therefore there was another bridge built in 1859. One of the reasons for this is thought to be Queen Victoria as the Royal Family bought Balmoral, the road with the old bridge run very close to the queen`s Castle. Leaving aside the matter of security, it was producing too much noise.

A few minutes drive from the bridge, you can find Braemar Castle which was constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, 18th Earl of Mar, as a hunting lodge and to counter the rising power of the Farquharson Clan. It offers tours, stories about the Castle ghosts and fine decorations collected by Frances Oldham, the first wife of Captain Alwyne Farquharson who worked for Vogue and Harper`s Bazaar.

Further away you will find Ballater, also called the Jewel of the Cairngorms, a picturesque Victorian village. As it is part of the Cairngorms National Park, you can take a relaxing walk around its forests and, if in season, eat some of the many fresh blueberries that grow freely. The village center is very welcoming, a good place to buy some souvenirs and fudge, and also enjoy calming walks and admire the beautiful architecture. The Royal Lochnagar Distillery is also located close by and it produces one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies.