It has been frequently asked by those whom a taste for the beauties ot' nature annually leads into the romantic recesses of the Highlands, why no one has undertaken to point out the various and delicious scenes of Dunkeld, when even the most worthless spots in England are all provided with their " Guides." The present book is intended to supply that defect. But its purpose is not confined to so narrow a limit; as a part of its object is to point out, in a similar manner, the magnificent scenery of Blair in Atholl; together with such spots as the traveller may visit between and around these two places, without the sacrifice of much time or labour.

National Trust for Scotland Walks - Dunkeld and the Hermitage

For want of such an assistant, il must always be the fate of a stranger, and particularly in a country so diversified and intricate, to remain ignorant of the tar greater part of the beauties that lie within his reach. The artist, in particular, as well as all those who are not content unless they can fix in their portfolios the Memorials of their journeys, will frequently find that he has overlooked a scene of the greatest interest, when, under a proper direction, he would have enjoyed it merely by deviating a few yard* from the ordinary line of road, or by quitting the beaten track to wander through these recesses where nature so often conceals her principal charms. If' the scenery of Dunkeld is so open to inspection that time alone is sufficient to view and enjoy it, the case is far otherwise with Blair; where, without directions, the traveller, and even the experienced artist, ma\ long wander without discovering the beauties that cause it, assuredly, to combine more of th« magnificent and picturesque than any place in Scotland, or perhaps in Britain.

The Hermitage woodland walk & Ossian's cave, Dunkeld

As Dunkeld is the only rival to Blair, so is Blair the only place which can come into competition with Dunkeld, Differing, however, so strongly as they do. in style and character, it is not for the author of these pages to draw a closer comparison between them s nor will he attempt to assign the palm. Together, they are calculated to pleas,- all but different tastes will determine in favour of the one or the other, as they happen to prefer the luxury and of endless wood and forest, the deep romantic valley, the abruptness of hill and rock, and the sequestered solitudes of shady and twilight walks, embellished by all that wealth and taste can confer; or the open sweeping wooded vale, the lofty mountains, the wild rivers and cascades, and the more numerous though less accessible scenes of grandeur or beauty, which must be sought to be seen, and studied to be fully enjoyed. That one nobleman should be the possessor of two seats which, united, no proprietor in Britain can rival, and with which, even separately, few indeed can enter into competition, might excite envy; were it possible that such a feeling could enter the mind of any one to who the liberality of the noble owner is known. To the public at large they are free, without restraint or 'imitation: while it is one of his chief enjoyments that he can thus diffuse, among multitudes, a pleasure probably as great as that which their beauties excite in himself*. The friend and the stranger alike are received at a house ever open and ever full; and at a table where the warm welcome of ancient Highland hospitality is united to all the munificence and the minute attentions of refinement.