Vibrant Victorian Pitlochry offers many diversions, but to escape the bustle, head for Martin and Heather Walls’s guest house, a ‘beautiful’ Georgian house on the outskirts of town. Approached by a private drive, it stands in an acre of woodland and mature gardens teeming with wildlife – watch out for the red squirrels, rabbits and robins. Come for the ‘friendly, family welcome’, and the ‘warm, comfortable’ log fire-warmed lounge stocked with nibbles and magazines. In the ‘fantastic’ bedrooms, where traditional furnishings mix with bold modern touches, you might find shortbread on the hospitality tray. The generous, locally sourced breakfast, ‘a great start to the day’, includes local honey, perhaps spiced plums or gingered rhubarb, plus tattie scones, Dunkeld smoked salmon, and porridge with or without a nip of Edradour whisky. (The Wallses cater for special diets, too.) ‘Warm and welcoming’, the hosts are pleased to advise guests on how to spend the day. Blair Castle is a short drive away; historic Dunkeld and Birnam are nearby; packed lunches can be provided for a forest ramble. Eating places abound in the town. (SM)