Pitlochry

You might take in the fish ladder at the hydroelectric dam (May to October), the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, a distillery visit at Blair Athol or Edradour, the walk to the Black Spout waterfall, and the independent shops along the high street.

The main street has a strong run of independent shops, from whisky specialists and outdoor gear to jewellers, gift shops and delis. It's one of the better shopping towns in Highland Perthshire.

It grew into a Victorian Highland gateway town after Queen Victoria's visits made the Highlands fashionable. It's known for the Festival Theatre, the salmon ladder, Edradour Distillery (one of Scotland's smallest), and its place at the heart of Highland Perthshire.

There's a walkway across the top of the Pitlochry Dam, leading to the fish ladder and viewing window where you can watch salmon leaping upstream from May to October. It's free and open all year.