Page 64 - Enjoy-It 2023

The books say that Dunkeld is the intersection between the Lowlands and the Highlands – and the reality is
that Dunkeld is the intersection between life in the fast lane and life as we would like to live it forevermore! The Sunday Times’ most desirable place to live in Scotland, (Enjoy-It correction: ...anywhere)!
Our visit was in May and facilitated by the hypnotic and pristine Caledonian Sleeper, (another tick off the bucket list!). The weather was stunning, just out of a cold and wet snap, we experienced Scotland with a blue lining.
The foundations of our trip were a four-day stay in the majestic Tay House Sporting Lodge in a double en-suite; the comfort of Tay House overnight and its proximity to the bohemian lifestyle of the Dunkeldians by way of the amenities in this cathedral village! Pubs, delicatessens, bakeries, vintage and gift shops, tartan shops, hunting shops, galleries - most notably Hatton House - and then some.
Let’s start with our host’s namesake, the River Tay, meandering through the village chaperoned by a walking, cycling, running, and riding path. Slip streams to swim
in, beaches to paddle on, plus shallows and boats to fish from. A beautifully clean river, crisp by morning, fantastic backdrop for lunch and cloaked in mist by evening. Magical!
The dining scene here is magnificent, local fare, top quality service and choice, and there’s haggis, with everything from the menu if you fancy, including its own flavoured crisp!
The character of the locals is generous, engaging, interested and above all kind, and this kind generosity is reflected in the social life throughout.
On the first morning I was lucky enough to secure a hack with the inspirational Karen Inkster of Equine Unlimited.
This is more than a riding facility as Karen works in a delightfully different way to others in the business. Her horses are rescue, her dog follows her every step and the chicken and geese proudly keep everything at ground level in order!
“Barefoot and bitless”, she said. I initially thought this was a brief and when I realised that it wasn’t actually an instruction, all became clear! Karen’s rescue horses are ridden Western style and schooled with positive reinforcement, they are not shod, but wear protective
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DUNKELD
...a haven for the outdoors, adventurous, and creative!