Daniel, one of our team, had an amazing time exploring the rural retreats and foodie delights of Angus and Fife in Scotland. Here is his blog about the trip.

Daniel enjoying the seafront in Crail, Fife

After enjoying a night in Dundee at Hotel Indigo, I met with our group for three days of touring, starting in the region of Angus.
 
First of all, we made our way to The Gin Bothy, via a quick look at the stunning Glamis Castle. Located in the village of Glamis, the bothy has multiple tasting rooms that have a wonderfully cosy feel as soon as you enter. We tasted three different gins in a guided taste, with explanations of each one and which gin fitted with which garnish best! 

The Gin Bothy in Glamis

Next, we made our way to Peel Farm. The café is a perfect stop for a refreshment, however there is so much more to see here as well. After a cup of tea and a snack, we went on the farm's nature walk, seeing donkeys, goats, and deer, before having a look around one of their glamping pods, which not only boast lovely views, but each one has its own hot tub.

Goats at Peel Farm

Our first day ended with our arrival at the beautifully secluded Glen Clova Hotel. Located on the corner of the Cairngorms National Park, the journey there is worth the views out over the glen, and the clean, crisp air all around. After a lovely meal, we enjoyed entertainment in the hotel's bar, a perfect end to the day listening (and singing) to Kenny's guitar.

Wine and song at Glen Clova Hotel

Our next day started off with speed networking at Charleton Fruit Farm. After a fruitful time meeting many great local businesses, we had a quick tour of the farm, including their large pumpkin patch.
 
This was followed by a visit to Arbikie Distillery, which sustainably produces the first Highland rye whisky, along with gin and vodka. After a small tour of their distilling processes, and learning more about how they work sustainably, with everything being created on-site including the ingredients, we had our tasting in the stunning Stirling Suite. The distillery also offers accommodation with their new luxury ‘ÖÖD Houses’ for a scenic yet modern stay. 

The Arbikie Distillery

Carrying on with the alcohol theme, we enjoyed a tasting of a few moonshines at Angus Alchemy, a quirky distillery with some great flavours. This was combined with a tasting of WeeCook Kitchen's three bestselling pies at the same time. A must have is their Arbroath Smokie, a delicacy of the nearby town of Arbroath.

A tasting at Angus Alchemy

We then headed to the region of Fife and to Lindores, home to a spectacular farm and whisky distillery. After a welcome drink, you can go up the hill on a small Jeep safari, seeing the Highland cows and sheep, before arriving at their secluded hilltop barbecue cabin known as The Hide. The views from the top are incredible as you look down over the River Tay and the Kingdom of Fife.

Highland cows at Lindores

Inside The Hide, you are met with burning flames in the fireplace of a small and cosy cabin. We had a tasting of the nearby distillery's whisky while warming up from the autumn air, however you can also have lunch cooked to your liking on the on the indoor barbecue!

Incredible views from The Hide at Lindores

A small journey took us to Bowbridge Alpacas. We helped feed them, before training them and herding them. There is also an obstacle course where each of us walked our very own Alpaca, it was an incredibly cute and relaxing experience! 

Daniel and friend at Bowbridge Alpacas

We dined at the tucked away The Hide in St. Andrews, where we enjoyed a night of Scottish music and entertainment, along with the Scottish delicacy of Cullen Skink, a traditional smoked fish chowder. 
 
We then headed back to our hotel, the majestic Rufflets Hotel, located just outside St. Andrews. Currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, the hotel is full of wonderful rooms including their new Woodland Suites. Getting to the suites takes you through the property's gorgeous gardens.

Cambo Estate near St Andrews

Our final day started off at Cambo Estate, where we explored the gardens and some of the estate's rooms after a second networking session, meeting more passionate local businesses. 
 
Next was the quaint fishing village of Crail, a perfect scenic stop along the coast. Featuring the beach, harbour and castle on the seafront, no wonder Crail is one of the most photographed waterfronts in the UK. 

The scenic fishing village of Crail

After that, we visited Ardross Farm, where you can experience a day in the life of a farmer, helping out with the jobs on the farm, and dining with the family. We had a tour of the farm and met their cows, before browsing through the farm shop.
 
Our final visit was to Bowhouse Farm, just across the road from Ardross. After seeing the farm's inquisitive pigs and cows, we had a lovely meal including barbecued fresh meat, showcasing their ‘grass to grill’ tours. We concluded our trip with a cheese tasting, before heading to Edinburgh.

Friendly pigs at Bowhouse Farm!

Overall, I had a great time visiting a region I hadn’t explored before, and I can't wait to visit again in the future. I would highly recommend the region as it has so much to offer, especially if you’re looking for a less explored and rural path through Scotland!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tour of Angus and Fife in Scotland, please do contact our friendly team today.