A weekend at Mains of Taymouth Country Estate and golf course, in Kenmore, promised a luxury break in a beautiful part of Scotland. Positioned at the head of Loch Tay, this is an area that delights the outdoor enthusiast, there are gentle walks a-plenty and for those looking to really earn their dinner, strenuous hill walks that will test your fitness all of which are very close by.

It’s stunning, a visit in the autumn could be confused with a trip to New England with the woodland-covered hills changing colours daily.

Mains of Taymouth is a village of luxury holiday properties. Four and five star houses ranging from a cosy one bedroom up to the huge farmhouse which has six bedrooms a sauna, hot tub and a movie and games room.

We were staying in the Bothy, a snug one bedroom cottage, which is part of a listed courtyard conversion with a hot tub.

We were delighted to be away from home so the idea of peace and quiet with a day to please ourselves on Saturday was enough entertainment for us.

The estate has plenty to keep families busy, a nine hole golf course, riding stables, the Courtyard bar and restaurant and the Courtyard shop and delicatessen, are all handy .

As well as the holiday homes, there is Taymouth Village Holiday Park, with holiday lodges and caravans which overlook the scenic river Tay, it’s a peaceful and impressive setting.

Our bothy had all the mod cons, with an open plan staircase up to the one bedroom, it was an impressive property, with everything we needed, and the hot tub was a Brucie bonus, particularly as we cracked it by having a rare day of sunshine.

Before the hot tub treat, we headed into Aberfeldy, which is six miles away, around 13 mins drive. Our aim of the day was a trip around Dewar’s distillery. The current husband was very excited at the prospect of drinking whisky at 10am in the morning.

We booked the whisky and chocolate tour which was exceptional. First a short film in the rather swish film theatre with red velvet seats, which gave the history of the Dewar family and the story of the business.

Then a trip around the museum with an Ipad in hand. An interactive experience throughout, you point the Ipad at symbols on the wall and it pops up with the info on what you are looking at. The museum was really well laid out, it looks like a fair bit of money has been invested in making it the top notch attraction it is.

Tasting time! Three whiskies were on offer. The Aberfeldy malt, two Dewars blends, one was a 12-year-old and the other an 18-year-old. It was a bit early in the morning for me to be having whisky but the hubby was more than happy to sample.

First round he thought the malt was his favoured tipple. Then a tour of the distillery with Bruce our tour guide, who gave us all the back story about the family and the process of making whisky. We had been joined by a group of mostly Scottish people and a French couple, everyone was enjoying themselves.

Apparently, we had signed up for the cask tasting, which is 55% proof. The hubby managed to drink his, it was pretty intense, mine was boxed up and taken home to savour at a later time.

Back to the café and gift shop and it was time for the chocolate and whisky tasting. Remember at this stage the hubby is four whiskies to the good. The three lined up in front of him were the same as the first, but he had three specially selected, hand-made chocolate discs from local chocolatier Lucy Flowers, to complement the taste. He loved this. The chocolate had quite a kick, and when he finished what was now on whisky number seven, It was time for a coffee in the café to correct his glazed over, overly cheery, demeanor.

A trip into Aberfeldy for a spot of lunch and a wander around the wonderful Watermill bookshop was a must.

Back at Kenmore and a wander along the river bank where the birdsong is deafening. There are ducks everywhere, on the lawns, around the houses, but they are fearless of humans, you have to move for them – they live there, you are intruding, they let you know that.

We didn’t realise that the estate was dog friendly, otherwise our pooch would have been with us.

This area of Highland Perthshire has always been extremely desirable, with so much of the best of Scotland to see and experience within one easily accessible area – whisky, Munros, white water rafting, Big Tree Country, salmon fishing, biking, walking, and golf. Just across the loch is the Scottish Crannog centre, which is a reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling. It’s an award winning centre has a distinctive roundhouse which give an insight into life 2500 years ago.

Mains of Taymouth Country Estate has ventured into the residential home investment market, it has launched its new build properties called Balloch Park, which offers the chance to live permanently on the 160 acre estate.

The hot tub is a welcome addition for a weekend away, it’s something you are unlikely to have at home, it was in a hedged area so dashing from the cottage into the tub wasn’t a race to hide from the paparazzi.

Dinner was booked on the estate’s Courtyard Restaurant and bar. A relaxed place to eat with a friendly atmosphere and service. Serving breakfast (weekends only), lunch, snacks and dinner daily whether it be inside on the couches by the cosy fire or outside on the extensive sun deck area. Children of all ages are well catered for and well behaved dogs are welcome in our bar area and on the decking. It had a varied clientele. Some had just come from a day of walking, and others had dressed for dinner as an occasion.

There is a huge gin menu, that was nice. A couple of Edinburgh gin liqueurs were just delicious. The menu was a typical bar menu with a few impressive combinations.

The hubby had the sweet potato, chilli and coconut soup, which he says was delicious if a little thick – a little too filling for a starter.

I ordered the pan seared chicken supreme at £14.95, which came with with a potato and haggis gratin, savoy cabbage and a creamy whisky and mushroom sauce, it was excellent.

The hubby had the 8oz ribeye steak at £18.95 with grilled beef tomato, mushroom and onion rings. Served with chips and a peppercorn sauce. Again, most enjoyed.

Dessert was chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. I thought the ambience was relaxed, the 80s tunes helped. And the food was of a good standard and reasonably priced.

The beauty of the whole area entices you outdoors. Whether you love fishing, walking, white water rafting or just enjoying a walk in a beautiful area of Scotland, Kenmore and the surrounding areas does not disappoint. The wildlife is plentiful, there are red squirrels to spot and if want an organised wildlife jaunt, get in touch with Highland Safaris which will organise a day for you.

It doesn't matter whether you are looking for a high end luxury break or an experience of the wilds of the Perthshire hills, this is the place to go.

www.taymouth.co.uk

Panel:

Mains of Taymouth are happy to host weddings on the estate. From boutique country weddings to family get togethers, the beauty of the place is that they have accommodation to suit all sizes of party. Including those cosy couples cottages that would be perfect for newlyweds. And an added extra, there is a lovely little Hobbit HOuse which is suitable for holding pre and post wedding party BBQs.