Auchterarder

Friday, midday

Check into arguably Scotland’s finest hotel, Gleneagles (doubles from £275, www.gleneagles.com). Under its new owners it has just enjoyed a classic luxury makeover to back up its famous golf courses and awardwinning spa.

1pm

Explore the ‘Lang Toun’, by wandering down Auchterarder’s sinewy main street. Café Kisa (www.cafekisa.co.uk) is the place for light lunches and superb home baking.

2:30pm

Check out the array of independent shops, including the legendary Simon Howie butcher, brilliant artisan deli Corbie & Cheip, Chocolate Galley for chocolate goodies and Alexa Dunlop, a glorious traditional fruit and veg shop hardly seen these days.

6pm

Take a pre-dinner dip at Gleneagles in their large main pool, which has an outdoor hot tub section. There’s an adults-only pool too.

8pm

Save Andrew Fairlie’s Michelin culinary creations for another day and go classic at the Strathearn. Scottish lobster and chateaubriand carved at the table are on the luxury comfort food menu.

Saturday, 9am

After the delicious Marrbury smoked salmon for breakfast enjoy a wake up walk around Gleneagles’ myriad trails or nip into the village for the Provost’s Walk.

Midday

Who can resist a proper pie? Sugar and Spice (www. sugarandspiceauchterarder.co.uk) are a bakery renowned for their award winning pies.

5pm

Enjoy a wee digestif at Gleneagles’ wonderfully reinvented Century Bar. Gin cocktails and craft beers tempt, as do over 100 single malt whiskies. For a cosier speakeasy style experience, try the American Bar.

7pm

It’s hard to ignore golf at Gleneagles, but you don’t have to play to enjoy dinner at the Dormy Clubhouse. This bright and airy space is the venue for such delights as tandoori chicken and giant prawn, served with naan.

Sunday, 9am

Either chill out with an ESPA treatment at Gleneagles’ spa or hike up Craig Rossie, a lovely wee hill that really opens up Auchterarder’s spectacular Perthshire surrounds. ■

Scotrail (www.scotail.co.uk) run trains to Auchterarder from both Perth and Glasgow. For more information see www.visitscotland.com