luxury cottage highland perthshire

Delightful, secluded holiday cottage in beautiful GLen Lyon, near Aberfeldy and Loch Tay

Driving along the shore of Loch Tay on a glorious summer's day, the sunlight sparkles on the smooth, placid water and I start to hum a well known folk song about the lost love of a fisherman on the loch. Every route to beautiful Glen Lyon is a scenic one and I decide to get straight into holiday mode and arrive as I mean to spend my time here, without rushing, taking time to explore and to get a feel for where I am. It's a warm, sunny day and I have an eye out for a picnic spot to come back to during the week.

I pass through Fortingall village, with its famous ancient yew tree and pretty thatched cottages and then, taking a right turn up into Scotland's longest and loveliest glen, a very special landscape gradually unfolds. Steep, green hills rise from each side of the wooded glen while the shimmering river twists and turns through it, making the most stunning scenery, all hidden away and perfectly peaceful.

Even a tent would feel like luxury in such a beautiful place, but there's no need to be Spartan on this occasion – pulling into the private driveway I see the delightful Glen Lyon Cottage peeping out through the trees across the glen. Beside the cottage a burn runs down, tumbling over rocks and giving a constant, soothing soundtrack over which play birdsong and the rustling of the woodland trees. Feeders are hung up by the cottage and it isn't long before a pretty red squirrel scampers up and makes a dash for some nuts.

As if all this wasn't perfect enough, inside the cottage is beautifully done up, with lovely wooden floors, comfortable leather sofas and a smart new kitchen. We won't need the underfloor heating and log burner this time, but I can picture myself enjoying the warmth and cosiness while snow gently falls on a winter afternoon. The views from the windows are delightful, with mountains majestically perched above the trees in all directions, and we are entirely secluded, in our own tranquil haven. The gardens are perfect too for dogs to potter and children to run around - they'll love the little gate and climbing up and down the steep steps to the burn.

We soon find plenty of lovely walks - you really can just step out of the door and take your pick - down to the river or up into the hills. We choose to go out through the back garden, over the stile and start making our way along the path up through the pine forest. Another day, with picnic packed, we’ll continue on this route for the long circular walk known as the Glen Lyon Horseshoe with its four munros and breathtaking views, but for now we just want to see the waterfalls, have a splash around and cool down.

The Glen Lyon Tearoom along the road at Bridge of Balgie beckons, as we've been here before and had a wonderful lunch of home made soup and cake. Tables are set out in the sunshine and people are sitting outside, enjoying the tranquility and the view of the river. After our invigorating walk up the hill I'm sure we've earned the massive scones and thick cream that come with our refreshing pot of tea!