auchnafree estate information pack · auchnafree estate information pack ... golf. our 9 hole...

Auchnafree Estate Information Pack

www.auchnafree.com

We hope that the information on these pages will serve as an invaluable guide to Auchnafree Estate and the surrounding area.

However, if you feel in need of additionalinformation, please do not hesitate to con-tact either John or Caroline Proud. They will be only too pleased to help you with anything possible.

Enquiries at Auchnafree Lodge, Auchnafree,Amulree, Dunkeld, Perthshire. PH8 0EH.

Tel : 44 (0) 1350 725233 email : [email protected]

P.1

Auchnafree

EdinburghGlasgow

Auchnafree

EdinburghGlasgow

Inverness

www.auchnafree.com

P.3 Activities

P.4 Corporate events

P.5 Getting here

P.6 Useful contacts & telephone numbers

P.7 History

P.8 to 10 Local attractions & further afield

P.11 / 12 Sport

P.2

Contents

Enquiries at Auchnafree Lodge, Auchnafree, Amulree, Dunkeld, Perthshire, PH8 0EH Tel : 44 (0) 1350 725233 email : [email protected]

Auchnafree Estate

www.auchnafree.com

P.3

Activities


A wealth of activities to suit all tastes can be enjoyed on Auchnafree Estate. Below we list some of the obvious ones. If these don’t cater for you needs, then try page 8 for additional offerings slightly further afield.

Deer stalking and other game shooting in accordance with the relevant seasons (see page 11 of this guide).

Clay pigeon shooting

Fishing for Rainbow Trout in the Lochan. Set in a hidden but easily accessible spot, ideal for the occa-sional or novice angler with an almost guaranteed success rate.

Fishing for Salmon in the River Almond. The more experienced angler may wish cast a fly into the Almond. This river only has Salmon in a late September spate when typically around half a dozen are caught.

Rock pool swimming for the brave. Numerous crystal clear pools abound, especially in the River Shervie. Obviously not for everyone, and certainly not for the faint or weak hearted!

Photography, painting and drawing. This is without doubt a truly wonderful place for lovers of the visual arts, the ever changing faces of the hills providing a constant source of inspiration.

Bird and wildlife observation. Auchnafree Estate is home to a very diverse collection of bird and wildlife. From River Otters to Golden Eagles and Red Deer to Blue Mountain Hare - a good pair of binoculars is a must.

Walking and cycling. From Auchnafree through the Glen to Loch Tay and beyond. This and the sur

-rounding areas offer the most stunning walks and rides imaginable.

Golf. Our 9 hole course was set out to embody the ancient origins and spirit of the game. Not a course to be taken too seriously, but one which will certainly challenge and deliver a feeling of enormous well-being. For the serious golfer, consult page 10 of this guide for the numerous world class venues at hand.

Auchnafree Estate

www.auchnafree.com

P.4

Corporate Events


Auchnafree Estate is a feast for eyes body and soul, with 12,000 acres of stunning terrain and magnificent unspoiled panoramas. Little has changed inside Auchnafree Lodge (the principal house on the estate) since the estate came into the Whitaker family in 1896. Stepping inside is like walking back in time into a home filled with fascinating historical photographs of the family, and glass cabinets filled with taxidermy from a bygone era. In those years gone by Auchnafree Estate was used exclusively by the family and friends as a sporting retreat from which to hunt Red Grouse, Red Deer, Blue Mountain Hare and a variety of other game birds.

To this day, the main focus of the owner is to preserve not only the history of the Lodge, but to maximise the sporting potential of the land as a grouse moor. This entails careful land managed by the resident gamekeeper, and two resident families of shepherds.

It is this resident well-knit Auchnafree community on which our corporate events are built. The events management team take immense pride in creating a bespoke event or team building day, based on activities which are part of every day life on the estate. With around 30 miles of very challenging hill-track roads giving access to rarely visited wilderness, a Landrover safari alone is an experience not easily forgotten.

A typical day starts with a glimpse inside Auchnafree Lodge, with refreshments served inside the dining room. Here the management team give an introductory talk about the estate history, and an outline brief-ing of the day ahead. A convoy of Landrovers, with experienced and qualified “off road” drivers will be waiting to collect the group thereafter. With a taste of river crossings and all terrain driving en-route, it is generally onward to competitions in both clay pigeon shooting, and target shooting using hunting rifles. A traditional home-cooked lunch back in the Lodge follows, or previously prepared packed lunches may be taken on the hill. With stomachs full, an exploration of the fabulous hill track roads can commence. Out on the hills, a demonstration of hunting with falcons can be given, carried out by one of the country’s very best falconers. To close the days outdoor events, one of our shepherds will work a team of his dogs, moving sheep effortlessly at will. For the perfect end to the day, the sound of a distant piper will beckon the group to the venue for the evening meal. Inside a unique and rustic gamekeeping themed environ-ment, a fabulous meal of (for example) spit roast pig and venison haunches is served. Sitting on straw bales seating in front of a blazing wood burning stove, with food and drink aplenty, a presentation of fine trophies for the winning shots will be held. This is quality time for reflection upon the day’s events, with our gamekeepers, shepherds and falconer at hand to recapitulate on the day and answer any questions that may arise.

Auchnafree Estate

www.auchnafree.com

P.5

Getting Here


By air & rail.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports are situated conveniently close at hand. Edinburgh Airport 67 miles away, and Glasgow Airport 71miles distant.From Edinburgh Airport, it’s a short bus or taxi ride to Edinburgh Waverley Station. From here a regular service operates into Perth. Arrangements can be made in advance with the staff at Auchna-free, to collect visitors from the station. A journey by road of approximately 45 minutes will see the arrival at Auchnafree Lodge.From Glasgow Airport, by rail to Glasgow Queen Street and then onward by rail to Perth. Again col-lection by Staff at Auchnafree can be arranged in advance.

By road.

It is appropriate that all visitors intending bringing their own vehicle should be aware of the track conditions on the final approach to Auchnafree Estate. We are situated 5 miles away from the nearest tarmac road, and although not always necessary we recommend a higher clearance 4 x 4 vehicle.Visitors from the South will pass either Glasgow (Westerly approach) or Edinburgh (Easterly ap-proach). From Edinburgh take A90--M90--Perth, then from Perth take A85--(signposted Crieff & Crianlarich). At Gilmerton turn right onto the A822 (signposted Amulree & Aberfeldy), and travel approximately 6 miles to Newton Bridge. Newton Bridge consists only of an old stone bridge (built by General Wade) which on a sharp right hand bend crosses the River Almond. Immediately after this crossing, a gate into Conachan and Auchnafree Estate can be found on the left hand side. Approximately 5 miles of track now lies between here and Auchnafree Lodge. From Glasgow take the M80 (Stirling)--M9--A9--Turn off A9 onto A822(Crieff). Continue through Crieff and turn left at Gilmerton continuing on the A822 (signposted Amulree & Aberfeldy), and travel approximately 6 miles to Newton Bridge. Newton Bridge consists only of an old stone bridge (built by General Wade) which on a sharp right hand bend crosses the River Almond. Immediately after this crossing, a gate into Conachan and Auchnafree Estate can be found on the left hand side. Approxi-mately 5 miles of track now lies between here and Auchnafree Lodge.

Auchnafree Estate

www.auchnafree.com

P.6

Useful Contacts & Telephone Numbers


Local medical & emergency services

Dentist in Crieff .................................................... 01764 652209

Doctor in Crieff ..................................................... 01764 652283

Hospital in Crieff ................................................... 01764 653173

Perth Royal Infirmary ............................................ 01738 623311

Police in Crieff ....................................................... 01764 652247

Local retailers

Tesco Perth ............................................................ 08456 779532

Frank Thomsons in Crieff ..................................... 01764 638100 (Hardware/Shooting/Fishing/Outdoors)

Gourlay Butchers in Crieff .................................... 01764 652707

Adventure/activities

Nae Limits in Ballinluig (40 minutes away) ........ 08450 178177 www.naelimits.co.uk Rafting,Canyoning, abseiling, paintballing, quad biking, sphereing and much more.

Sport & leisure centre Crieff ............................... 01764 653779 (Squash, Badminton, Gymnasium, Pool).

All about Perthshire ............................................. www.perthshire.co.uk Information on everything from golf to theatre and beyond .

Auchnafree Estate

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P.7

History


A landscape forged by the onslaught of a bygone ice age. In this setting, we are engulfed by its grandeur; and left feeling completely in awe of its stunning and ever changing beauty.

From the ruins of Stuck Chapel, the Rock of Dundornie and The Quaking Corrie, Auchnafree relentlessly echoes the roots of its distant past. Previous inhabitants and caretakers of this magical place, include Neolithic Man, the Picts and Romans, all of whom were once so reliant upon the offerings of this precious land.

The entire Estate is fascinating historically, geologically and archaeologically; with ice-age marks on the hills, standing stones, a Neolithic burial ground and Stone Age settlement, complete with an early example of a grain drier. At nearby Fendoch, the ramparts of a Roman camp are clearly outlined at the junction of the Perth and Sma’ Glen roads, with various Pictish fort remains nearby. The Sma’ Glen itself went on to become the setting for several Ossianic legends, with the cairn at the top of Carn Comhal having been erected by Fingal, to the memory of his father.

There are records of people living at Auchnafree as early as 700 or 800 A.D. (at which time the Caledonian Forest covered the glen); “Auchnafree” is said to be derived from the Gaelic “Auchna Frith” (field of the forest). The history of Auchnafree Lodge itself (the current principal residence on the estate) has proven difficult to trace. However there was certainly a house at Auchnafree in 1457. Records also confirm that in 1595 the Sheriff of Perth resided at Auchnafree, suggesting it would have been a house of considerable size.

In more recent years (1896), the estate found its way into the care and proud ownership of the Whitaker family, and here it remains to the present day. Originally it was used purely as a sporting grouse moor; today far more varied and diverse activities are embraced for all to share.

Auchnafree Estate

www.auchnafree.com

P.8

Local Attractions & Further Afield


Crieff is the main town of Strathearn lying on the southern edge of the Scottish Highlands. It has been a holiday resort since Victorian times and is the second largest town in Perthshire with a population of almost 6,000. Once it was an ancient cattle market and Scottish frontier town where Highlanders would come for the great cattle trysts. Cattle were driven from all over the north of Scotland to be sold to lowland buyers there. Rob Roy MacGregor, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Burns and many others from Scot-land’s colourful history have walked Crieff’s historic High Street.

The town spills from the Knock (the wooded hill above), down to the River Earn. James Square with its fountain marks the centre of the town. There are a number of tourist attractions such as Crieff Visitor Centre, Glenturret Distillery (Scotland’s oldest) and hotels including the grand Victorian spa - the Crieff Hydro.

Macrosty Park in Crieff was opened in 1902. It is named after its benefactor, James Macrosty, who was Provost of the town. The park is one of the most picturesque in Scotland, with a fine collection of mature specimen trees and the Turret Burn flowing through it. The Victorian bandstand, gifted by the brother of James Macrosty, has brass band concerts in summer. There are a variety of activities and two children’s play areas. A number of picnic tables are placed around the park, making it an ideal place for a day out in fine summer weather.

Lady Mary’s Walk was gifted to the town in 1815 by Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre. The walk was a favourite of his daughter, Lady Mary. A beautiful beech lined avenue runs alongside the River Earn for about 1,500m. There is considerable variety of trees, plants and wildlife to observe on this fine walk.

There is a selection of very good shops selling everything from good foods, to outdoor clothing and sport-ing equipment. There are also several good galleries selling fine arts and crafts, a pottery and inviting coffee shops.

The Dunkeld and Birnam area is a wealth of activity for all ages and abilities including golf, fishing, off roading and water sports. There are also plenty of walks for all abilities from a hike up Birnam Hill or a gentler paced walk to the Hermitage. The Loch of the Lowes is the home to the rare Ospreys, and a host of other birds and wildlife also flourish in the surrounding area.

(continued on page 9)

Auchnafree Estate

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P.9

Local Attractions & Further Afield ..... (Continued).

In Dunkeld there are a selection of fine shops, including an art gallery, antique shops, beautiful clothes shops for all ages, furniture galleries, jewelry and gift shops, excellent cafes, eating and take away places, and quality food shops offering delicatessen, butchers, fruit and vegetables, grocery and Salmon smokehouse. The Visit Scotland Dunkeld Tourist Information Centre is located in the Cross as is The National Trust for Scotland shop and the ceramic painting experience. There is also a bank and chemist in Dunkeld.

In neighbouring Birnam there is the Beatrix Potter exhibition and garden, post office and tea room, the Birnam Institute, a community run arts and performance centre with library, internet facilities and cafe, garage facilities including fuel and mechanic, taxi services, cafe and within a few hundred metres of the centre of Birnam is the famous Birnam Oak.

Across the two villages, which are joined by Dunkeld Bridge, there are a variety of quality accommoda-tions, eating experiences and musical and evening entertainment.

Further Afield there are many other places around Perthshire, many accessible by a short car journey or train ride, including castles, gardens, distilleries, quaint towns and villages and major shopping areas. Those with children will be pleased to know that there is a variety of child based activities and child friendly places.

For the keen gofer, Perthshire and the surrounding area has a multitude of splendid courses many of which are world renowned. Please see overleaf on page 10, our map and guide to some of the finest courses available.

Auchnafree Estate

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Auchnafree Estate

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Local Attractions & Further Afield ..... (Continued).

loch rannoch

firth of forth

loch tummel

st. andrews

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loch Tay

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There are 40 superb golf courses in Perthshire alone. The map below shows merely a small selection of those. We have also shown some world renown courses on the Fife and Angus coastlines.

P.11

Sport


Grouse The best bags (over 4,000 brace, driven) were shot nearly 100 years ago, and recently there have been very few birds. However it is still possible to shoot a few brace, walked up.

Stags About 50 red stags are shot each year from mid July until 20th October. Deer numbers have risen considerably in the past twenty years and sometimes herds of several hundred may be seen.

Hares The best day was in 1973 when 30 guns shot 973 hares (and 3 guns !). Recently about 1,000 are shot each year, usually parties of five to eight shooting 50 to 100 in a day, driven. These are mountain (or blue) hares that turn white in the winter.

Woodcock Migrate in the autumn, sometimes a few may be bagged on a days rough shooting.

Partridges Recently there have been around 15 pairs of English nesting at Auchnafree, and if they breed successfully a morning’s walking up for three guns might bag three or four brace. There are no French partridges.

Pheasants There are one or two in the woods around the Lodge, and a mixed day might include half a dozen pheasants.

Snipe They nest in the wet ground behind the house and along the golf course. They can be walked up; in recent years three or four have been shot, with about 30 cartridges ! Duck There are usually a few, either on the Lochan, where they can be ambushed, or flying up and down the river. A handful are shot each year.

Rabbits These can be shot using ferrets, or by prowling around with a rifle. Numbers are often decimated by myxamatosis, but a headlight night shoot used to collect over a hundred.

(continued on page 12)

Auchnafree Estate

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P.12

Sport ..... (Continued).

Fishing

The river Almond only has Salmon in a late September spate, with typically half a dozen being caught each year. There is the Lochan, about a quarter of an acre, where Rainbow Trout can reliably be caught.

The McNab It has been done! But you would have to be very lucky, especially with the Salmon.

Clay Pigeon There is a clay pigeon trap, and our game keeper is very happy to give instruction. However the estate is not able to provide guns, cartridges or earmuffs.

Wildlife There is an enormous abundance of wildlife at Auchnafree: deer, gamebirds, waders and raptors. Our game keeper can take out parties for their own private safari.

Golf The Auchnafree course has nine holes and is not to be taken too seriously, though it has an honourable mention in Bamberger’s “To the Linksland”, a eulogy to Scottish golf. A set of rather rough clubs is available at the Lodge, together with some children’s clubs. Golf balls can be purchased at the Lodge. Further afield there are some very good courses indeed, St Andrews is 60 miles distant, Gleneagles rather closer. The housekeeper may be able to deliver and fetch by prior arrangement. Please see our map and guide to some of the most renowned courses on page 10.


Auchnafree Estate

www.auchnafree.com

auchnafree estate information pack · auchnafree estate information pack ... golf. our 9 hole...

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