The Pass of Killiecrankie lies about midway between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. A little under a mile and a half long, it is a narrow, steep sided glen cut by the River Garry through the surrounding high ground, and forms the most constricted part of what has throughout history been the main route between the Highlands and the Lowlands.

The National Trust for Scotland's Killiecrankie Visitor Centre is a little to the south of the actual village of Killiecrankie. The visitor centre is well worth a stop in its own right, as it gives a fascinating insight into the background of the Pass of Killiecrankie and the wider area. It also has a well stocked shop. But the main reason to stop at the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre is to enjoy a very striking chunk of Scottish scenery, and to understand the part that this place played in an important episode in Scottish history.

Things to see and do in Killiecrankie

• Admire the view from the footbridge, particularly in autumn when the colours are spectacular
• Pop in to the visitor centre to find out more about the 17th-century Battle of Killiecrankie.
• See Soldier’s Leap, the spot where a Redcoat soldier leapt 18ft across the raging River Garry, fleeing the Jacobites.
• Look out for unusual fungi – the Pass is a hot spot for rare mushrooms and toadstools.
• Spot lots of wildlife in the area, including red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens.
• During wet spells, look out for leaping salmon at the falls beneath the Soldier’s Leap.
• A short walk will take you to Soldier’s Leap, and if you continue on the path for around a mile you’ll reach the southern end of the Pass of Killiecrankie, where a footbridge crosses the River Garry.