I’ll never forget the drive up to our little holiday cottage in Perthshire – it was one of those journeys that starts off promising but quickly turns into a comedy of errors. We’d piled into the car in the drizzle back home, full of excitement about escaping to the wilds around Loch Tay, with visions of cosy fires and epic walks dancing in our heads. But halfway through, just past the outskirts of Aberfeldy, the sat nav decided to throw a wobbly. “Recalculating,” it chirped cheerfully as we veered off onto a single-track road that seemed to lead straight into a sheep’s front garden. Then came the real kicker: a rogue pheasant shot out from nowhere, forcing me to slam on the brakes. Cue a minor avalanche from the boot – picnic hamper tumbling everywhere, my other half’s favourite mug shattering on the floor mat. We sat there laughing hysterically amid the chaos, feathers still floating in the air outside, wondering if this was some Highland initiation ritual.

By the time we finally rolled up to the cottage, hearts racing a bit more than planned, the anticipation had morphed into pure relief. Tucked away in that stunning Loch Tay pocket between Aberfeldy, Kenmore, Fearnan, and Killin, it was everything we’d hoped for and more – a proper homely retreat with a welcoming vibe that hit you the second you stepped through the gate. First impressions? Blown away. The views across the loch were jaw-dropping, all misty hills and shimmering water, with the cottage sitting pretty like it belonged there. We dumped our bags (carefully this time) and just stood on the patio, breathing it all in. No five-star polish, just that perfect, unpretentious Scottish charm that makes you feel instantly at home.

The arrival mishaps had us in stitches, but they only made the place shine brighter. We cracked open a bottle of local ale from Kenmore’s deli – just four miles down the road, an easy stroll or quick drive – and planned our first foray. That evening, we wandered over to Kenmore, where the bar and restaurant spilled out onto the lochside with punters chatting away. Grabbed some cracking fish and chips, watched a few folks messing about on the water sports centre’s kayaks, and felt the stress of the drive melt away. Next morning, still buzzing from the great first night, we headed to the Birks of Aberfeldy walk – only 12 miles, but what a payoff. Those waterfalls, immortalised by Robert Burns, tumbling through the woods? Magic. We splashed about like kids, me slipping once on the wet rocks for good measure, because apparently I’m contractually obliged to add to the chaos.

Reflecting on it now, that bumpy arrival was a gift – it reminded me how the best holidays aren’t flawless Instagram reels, but these messy, joyful moments that stick with you. We didn’t make it far beyond Fearnan’s quiet trails or Killin’s Falls of Dochart, but honestly, why would you? This corner of Perthshire, with its indie shops and galleries in Aberfeldy, the golf course in Kenmore, and endless paths up Ben Lawers, is a proper gem for unwinding. If you’re after natural beauty without the crowds, book something similar. Just pack spare mugs.