Bridge of Cally Hotel

Some things in life are designed to keep us on our toes, like the changeability of Scottish summers. Other things stay reassuringly the same, like the unfailing loveliness of the Perthshire countryside.

Today’s Big Deal gives you a chance to escape for a night or two to the cosy Bridge of Cally Hotel, near Blairgowrie.

There you can take in the scenery of Glenshee, stroll off to explore a secret woodland trail, and relax in the evening with a dram of whisky in front of a log burning stove.

With the option to add in dinner, this is the perfect chance to escape into rural Scotland for a day or two, whatever the weather.

Scenic getaway

The Bridge of Cally Hotel is tucked away at the foothills of Glenshee, at the Gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Once known as ‘the glen of the fairies’, enchanted Glenshee is full of local lore and legend (so if there was ever a place to throw a coin into a stream and make a wish, it’s here).

The hotel offers a pretty garden to enjoy plus a nearby river walk. It’s also a great base for hiking, picnicking, golfing, mountain biking and bird watching.

The hotel is a twelve minute drive from the market town of Blairgowrie and 45 minutes from Perth, meaning you’ll be able to fit in a cheeky shopping trip too.

This Big Deal is available for two people and offers a one night stay, available Sunday to Thursday, or two night stay, available seven days, in a standard twin or double room.

There is also an option to add a two course dinner each into the mix. Guests can stay one night with dinner, available Sunday to Thursday, or for two nights with dinner, available seven days.

Inviting rooms

Guest rooms at the Bridge of Cally Hotel offer contemporary comforts in a rustic setting, meaning you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Your room will have a flat screen TV, Scottish toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities.

You could also upgrade to one of the Superior rooms, which are bigger and offer views of the rolling hills.

Local cuisine

The Bridge of Cally Hotel prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients for its dishes. You’ll start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast offering a selection of Scottish and European options, plus Arabica free trade coffee.

After you’ve worked up an appetite from exploring, you could enjoy a meal in the hotel’s conservatory restaurant in front of a real log fire. The menu changes regularly but the theme is Scottish home cooking with added chef’s flair.

Typical dishes might include prime ribeye steak, Prosecco-battered cod, and venison casserole (try out the whisky sauce, it’s one of the chef’s specialities).

You can also enjoy decadent desserts and classic pub comfort food like gourmet burgers.

It all sounds pretty tempting, especially with the option to include a two course dinner each with your purchase.

Out and about

As long as you’re careful not to be spirited away by the fairy folk, Glenshee and its surroundings are great to explore. Nearby Blairgowrie is the beginning and end of the circular Cateran Trail, a 64-mile walk that takes in the Cairngorms National Park.

You could always try out the beginning of the walk, which will lead you along the River Ericht to the legendary Cargill’s Leap waterfall.

Other nearby activities include mountain biking, golfing and fishing, plus you can browse Blairgowrie’s shops for crafts, farm goods and luxury chocolates. And if it’s raining, not to worry – you can warm yourself in front of the hotel’s log burning stove and sample their range of Scottish whiskies, real ales and sparkling cocktails.

Happy guests

The Bridge of Cally Hotel has attracted plenty of positive feedback on TripAdvisor, including these recent reviews:

‘We had the pleasure to have a meal here and stay in one of the rooms. I must say that mum and I have been traveling for 3 weeks and it’s one of the best meals that we have had on our holiday. We were especially impressed that the chef took time out of his busy evening to come and check what we thought of the meal, this personalised touch is a rare find.’

‘Came here with my family for dinner and I have to say that it was fantastic and I will be back. The dishes were cooked to perfection. I had The Brie for starter and vegi burger for main and they were brilliant. The chips were amazing too! A big thumbs up to the chef!’

Autumn escape

This is the ideal short autumn getaway as you’ll get to enjoy Scottish scenery in a welcoming setting.

It would make a great birthday or anniversary gift, or even a surprise treat for a loved one.

On this escape you’ll enjoy all the charms of rural Perthshire while still being near to city attractions.