A diamond in perThshire
Perthshire resort is the perfect place to unwind
Aberfeldy is the perfect place to put your feet up.
THERE’S a moment when you’re driving through deepest Perthshire and the sun is shining and the autumn leaves are glowing that you get “that feeling”.
It’s almost tangible. A lightness as a weight gently lifts from your shoulders and mind.
If you’re not used to it, it can be quite unsettling. But don’t worry, it’s just your cares being left behind as you wind further into the landscape of woods, rivers and mountains.
By the time my wife and I reach the pretty country town of Aberfeldy we feel quite giddy, so relaxed are we. Luckily we’re headed for Moness Resort, the perfect place to put your feet up and chill out.
The resort – which consists of 106 cottages and an attractive four-star hotel set in 35 acres of well-manicured grounds – is located just outside town, across the road from the start of the famous Birks of Aberfeldy walk.
If you’re driving it will take you only a couple of minutes to get back into Aberfeldy and all it has to offer in terms of shops, restaurants, pubs and more. On foot it’s only a 10-minute saunter – less if you’re more of a brisk stride sort of person.
The grounds are secluded and private, with a winding drive and ample parking. We check in and make a beeline for the hotel building, where we are staying for two nights.
The hotel has a fresh, clean feel and is comfortable and classy-looking. The signs are good.
We open the door to our room and smiles spread across our faces. Oh yes, this’ll do nicely, thank you very much.
The room is spacious and welcoming, with a king size bed, ample wardrobe space and a deep bath in which to soak away what remains of stresses and strains (not much by this point).
The obligatory bed bounce test ensues (just soft enough but not saggy, pillows pleasingly plump) and the view is admired – the windows look out across the putting green to the trees beyond.
After a spot of concentrated lounging – I am an expert in such matters – we decide to take a wander into town.
Aberfeldy is a cracking little town with plenty to keep you occupied, especially if your main interests include eating and drinking!
First off we head for The Watermill bookshop and cafe in Mill Street. It’s a warm hug of a place, with nooks and crannies lined with books and a warmth and buzz that welcomes you in and makes you reluctant to leave.
And speaking of warm hugs, the new “in thing” is the Danish concept of “hygge”, which espouses the
notion of sharing lovely moments in cosy places with good friends. You’ll find everything you need to hygge-up your home at Homer, the interiors shop next to The Watermill. It’s choc-full of stylish ornaments, candles, throws and soft furnishings and, while not cheap, is a lovely place to shop for that special something.
After our short shopping spree we decide refreshments are in order, so we head down the road and find ourselves at Three Lemons cafe bar.
It’s a striking affair housed in a former haberdashers and a comfy leather sofa in the window is the perfect spot to watch the world go by while sinking a couple of good beers.
It’s not long before the low rumble of hungry bellies can be heard in our area, so we take our leave and skedaddle back to Moness for dinner.
The Flemmyng Restaurant on the site is spacious but still cosy and the excellent waiting staff are as attentive as you could possibly ask for.
The menu has fine dining stamped all over it.
After much humming and hawing we opt for the haggis bon bons and celeriac soup to start, followed by breast of corn-fed chicken and salmon fillet and for dessert Eton mess and a cheese board. Washed down with a bottle of mellow red, every element hits the mark perfectly.
After a post-dinner drink in the lounge we head for our super-comfy bed with big smiles on our faces and delicious food in our bellies.
The next day we enjoy a tour of the local area, taking in beautiful Killin and Kemore and a visit to the Crannog Centre, which is a fascinating trip back in time.
For those guests at Moness wanting a more leisurely day, there are great facilities on site, including a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub.
There are various spa treatments available as well, if you really want to pamper yourself.
When we leave Moness it’s with a pledge to visit again.
The road to Aberfeldy is one we look forward to taking before too long.