Gleneagles, Perthshire

Gleneagles, Perthshire

Gleneagles is found in the Ochil Hills of Perthshire in Scotland and is most famous for its hotel and golf course.

Gleneagles railway station is on the line between Perth and Stirling, making it a good base for exploring Perthshire; Gleneagles is close to both Perth and Stirling.

Gleneagles: History, Luxury and Golf

Gleneagles connects with Glen Devon and forms the narrow route through the Ochil Hills located in Perth and Kinross.  The name does not have any bearing with eagles.  The word came from the Scottish Gaelic word: Eaglais, which means church.  It refers to the well and chapel of St. Mungo, a nondescript chapel that was in use until 1745. A stone on its eastern gable reveals that it in use as early as 1518, when Sir James Haldane married Margaret Erskine.  It was restored in 1929 as a memorial to the Haldane clan who owned the Gleneagles estate.   Gleneagles history is very much intertwined with the Haldane. 

At present, Gleneagles is most famous for the Gleneagles Hotel, home of the three major Scottish championship golf courses and the venue of the yearly Johnnie Walker Golf Championship.  It also hit the headline in 2005 when it hosted the G8 summit.  It earned the label as the most ‘fortified golf course’ due to the high security put in place to protect the world leaders attending the summit. 

However, there is more to Gleneagles than golf.  It has so much to offer, including the beautiful vista of the Ochil Hills, with its steep side and round-topped hills.  Gleneagles walks are the ramblers’ paradise.  The Ochil Hills offer a number of interesting walking trails from short easy walks to challenging walks across the Ochil Range, starting from Sheriffmuir to Glen Devon.  From any of the vantage point of the hill, walkers can see the hills of Perthshire Highlands and the Trossachs. 

Close by is Braco, about 3 to 4 miles from Gleneagles village.  Here you will find the Ardoch Roman Fort, one of the most important Roman monuments in Britain.  In St Serf Church, you will also see the magnificent 9ft Celtic Dupplin Cross.  It was moved to the church in 2002.  Before that, it was located on the hillside and had been there for over 1000 years.

Glen Devon that connects to Gleneagles offers visitors a number of good walking trails too.  Visitors can walk along the five reservoir situated in the area.  During fine sunny days, the grassy areas near the reservoirs are perfect for picnics. All you need are bread, cheese, cured meats and a bottle of good quality wine and you have a perfect relaxing day. For accommodation, there are also a number of Gleneagles hotels in the area, ranging from luxury hotels to more affordable cottages.

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