Dalwhinnie, from the Gaelic for 'meeting place', lies in a barren and isolated spot at the head of Loch Ericht where it meets Glen Truim midway between Perth and Inverness. This was a junction for ancient cattle drovers heading from the Highlands to the markets at Crieff and Falkirk in the central lowlands in the early 18th century. The glen is bordered by the Monadhlaith Mountains on one side and the Forest of Atholl, the Cairngorms and the Grampians on the other. It is so isolated that staff at the world-famous distillery have their own hostel in case they get cut off by bad weather!

The major tourist attraction is, of course, the distillery, which is the highest in Scotland. A great deal of whisky smuggling went on along the cattle droving route but it wasn't until 1897 that John Grant and his partners founded a legal still here. Instead of taking water from the nearby River Truim, they preferred to use the clear Lochan-Doire-Uaine spring water welling up from the Allt an t'Sluic Burn because of its purity. Today Dalwhinnie Whisky is one of the most recognisable brands in the world so it's worth joining one of the many tours running throughout the year.

If you're looking for somewhere to eat, the only place in Dalwhinnie is the Inn at Dalwhinnie with its friendly service and great locally sourced food. It is a must for a quiet bite to eat or a fulfilling evening meal if you can't face cooking one evening. It also has a great range of whisky from the local and afar. A good place to meet fellow hardcore walkers & mountain bikers!  We particularly recommend that you try the noodle dishes. For othe places, check out fine wine and dine page.

Within a short drive of Dalwhinnie, there are numerous courses; all offering different levels of challenge and all surrounded by magnificent scenery. Whether it is championship standard golf or a more leisurely recreational round that you are looking for, just check out our golf page. The two closest are at Newtonmore and at Kingussie - 2 very different courses, each very enjoyable and amply rewarding in its own way.

The village isn't far from Kingussie, Newtonmore and Aviemore so there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy, from watersports on Loch Insh to the Wildcat walking trails, from the Newtonmore Highland Games to skiing and snowboarding. Meanwhile, holidaymakers who want to combine a relaxing break with a spot of fishing on unspoiled waters, on the banks of the River Truim. The River Truim was made famous by fisherman and writer John Inglis Hall, who so loved fishing on the Truim and wrote the much admired book, Fishing a Highland Stream.

There is a small local fuel station and post office where you can get basic provisions & fishing permits, regarding shopping, there is none. Pursuits of nature are the most common reason for visiting Dalwhinnie, hill walking, fishing, golfing and Munro-bagging, but its excellent central location is very often underestimated, access to the West of Scotland (Fort William, Skye, Oban, Loch Ness) can all be made through Dalwhinnie.