Sian Davies reconnects with the great outdoors on a luxurious mini break in Perthshire

It was difficult to imagine a more perfect way to enjoy the stunning Perthshire countryside than sat in a hot tub watching the sun set, a glass of fizz in hand.

It was one of many moments enjoyed whilst staying at the luxury Scottish retreat of Gamefield which made me vow to return to this beautiful part of the British Isles.

Just a short hop from Southampton flying up to either Edinburgh or Glasgow, and an hour or so in a hire car delivered us to the stunning accommodation.

Set in acres of beautiful countryside complete with afore-mentioned hot tub, summer lodge and an expanse of outdoor space, Gamefield truly has the wow factor.

With a decor that is modern yet in-keeping with the setting, the accommodation is versatile and spacious enough to suit any type of get away.

Whether business or pleasure Gamefield is equipped with all the latest mod-cons but yet has a homely feel. The kitchen is a great example of that with a high-spec that would suit any five-star hotel but with the addition of an Aga which provided a warmth in every sense of the word.

Luckily for us, I and a group of girlfriends were here very much for pleasure.

We could have happily whiled away our mini break in and around the country house, complete with five bedrooms, snug lounge, huge dining room, and, did I mention the hot tub?

We tended to spend most of our time in the open plan kitchen and dining area, off which was a lounge area and outside veranda with furs and blankets to keep off the evening chill.

It was a welcome sanctuary after the action-packed itinerary we enjoyed with a host of activities which showcased the area perfectly.

One of the less high-octane experiences came in the form of a tour around the Famous Grouse distillery which, not having a whiskey-lover between us, was not shaping up to be a highlight of our visit.

However, the entertaining tour guide made it quite a hoot and despite receiving withering looks from the rest of our group as we wrinkled our noses to an age old single malt, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit which would certainly be a must visit for anyone who enjoyed a ‘wee dram’.

We could well have done with a stiff drink as we embarked on ‘white water tubing’ the following day. Based at Ballinluig – a hamlet three miles south of Pitlochry – Nae Limits is big on adventure. Offering exhilaration by the bucket load in a host of outdoor pursuits, it is not for the faint hearted. Donning our wet suits, helmets and a big inflatable tube we were anything but elegant as we made our way down to the river rapids.

The idea was to ride the rapids down the river on the giant donuts, doing your best not to fall off, which was easier said than done. On the flatter parts of the river however you had the chance to see the Scottish landscape from a completely new perspective and combined with the thrill of weaving through some fast-flowing rapids and one point over a precipice – all under expert guidance I might add – the foray into extreme sports was a complete hit.

After all the excursions however, a hearty meal was in order, so it was just up the road for some glorious grub at the Red Brolly Inn. Both service and food were as generous as each other and thoroughly enjoyed.

Gamefield serves as a wonderful base for exploring the area, particularly on a bike. Hire is easy at the nearby Comrie Croft and is a great way to see a bit of the locale. We opted for a ride into the nearest village of Crieff. Lovely little pit stop for Scottish scones and tea and a ride around the MacRosty Park saw off the afternoon and made us feel like we had earned another dip in the hot tub.

If you haven’t got the energy to cook whilst staying at Gamefield, a chef can be organised to meet all your culinary needs. However, a comprehensive book of all good takeaways, restaurants and local amenities is provided by owners William and Wendy Frame whose attention to detail make you feel very well cared for whilst staying in what they describe as their family home.

Whilst on the subject of food, a visit to Delvinos in Crieff is also well worth it. Absolutely stunning meals, using fresh and where possible local produce combined with an extensive cocktail list, relaxed approach to dining and fabulous service made it a gold-plated recommendation for any visitors to the region.

All too soon it was time for us to bid farewell to our luxury escape. It was a wrench to say goodbye particularly to the master bedroom which had an en suite the size of my kitchen and a view to die for. The walk-in wardrobe would also be missed, as would much of this little spot of luxury in the heart of a stunning landscape.

Factfile

Gamefield Ochtertyre Estate: T: +44 1764 650 303

E: info@gamefield.co.uk

Nae Limits - Ballinluig

T: 01796 482600 E: naelimits.co.uk

Bike hire - W: comriecroft.com.