CRIEFF BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER CRIEFF!
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER CRIEFF!
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Crieff we recommend Virgin Balloon’s Scotland regional vouchers. Covering all launch locations across Scotland, these luxury gift vouchers include flexible booking options, champagne toasts, return transport and more!
Let a hot air balloon ride over Crieff unleash the sheer beauty of Central Scotland. Surrounded by rolling a jigsaw of rolling fields, winding rivers and thick woodlands that finally yield to more wild and windswept wilderness. The result is a landscape that captivates the eye in all directions, ignites the senses and delivers epic 360 degree views. As you ride up, so the bustling market town unfolds before you as the River Earn snakes away. If you balloon ride heads south from Crieff, you will see Drummond Castle, which dates from around 1490, with its famed gardens nearby. If you find yourself floating the other way, north along the course of Barvick Burn, be on the look out for The Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest distillery. Once you’re back on the ground, you can head here for a whisky tasting experience – all for culture’s sake of course.
To the northwest of Crieff lies the picturesque Loch Monzievaird, which features the remains of the 15thcentury Castle Cluggy on its north side. You might be able to spot the small round artificial island that served as a prison. Meanwhile at the western end of the loch is a large mound; this is where plague victims were buried during the reign of Charles I. Let your eyes trace the slender valley between the mountains to the long and visually engaging Loch Turret Reservoir. In line with the furthest point, keep your eyes travelling in the same orientation as the loch and you might be able to make out the mountain peak of Ben Chonzie. No matter where the Scottish winds carry you, your balloon flight will reveal expansive vistas over this stunning part of Scotland where the Highland Boundary Fault marks the point where the Highland and Lowlands collide. It is simply unforgettable.
If you’re not from Crieff, consider making a full day or couple of days of your Central Scotland ballooning experience, as the town has a lot going for it – indeed, it’s been welcoming visitors since pretty much the beginning of Scottish tourism. For an encounter with history, head to the Old Town Hall. Here, in the basement, you will find the ‘Crieff Monuments’. The Drummond Cross, The Burgh Cross and The Crieff Stocks collectively represent more than 1,000 years of local history and the changes and evolution of society, trade and law here. Crieff is home to the world-famous Caithness Glass, which you can locate on the southside of town opposite the River Earn. Caithness are arguably the world leading producers of glass paperweights with each one being a unique piece made by skilled craftsmen. Why not pay their shop a visit and take a beautiful memento or gift home with you?
Not far from the south side of Crieff you can visit the stunning Drummond Castle Gardens. Considered one of the Europe’s most important gardens, they can trace their heritage back to 17th century, with the current design tweaks originating from the 19th century. The gardens have featured on the big and small screen on multiple occasions, including the Liam Neeson film ‘Rob Roy’ and the televisions series, ‘Outlander’. If you have anything from a passing enjoyment to a life’s obsession with whisky, then a visit to The Glenturret Distillery is a must. With a range of tours and tasting experiences, and a new restaurant, a visit to Scotland’s oldest distillery is a non-negotiable. The Quaich Bar on High Street also serves up whisky, along with tap beers and cask ales; or if you prefer, they can rustle up a delicious artisan coffee for you. Indeed, you’ll find lots of options in this fantastic little town. With even more things to see and do, places to eat and drink, and a host of accommodation options, Crieff really is a perfect spot to take a hot air balloon ride over Scotland!
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Perthshire
• Passenger insurance
• Traditional champagne toast
• Presentation of flight certificate
• Return transport to the launch site
• Magical memories you’ll treasure forever
The main departure point is from the Crieff Rugby League Club grounds. There are also always other sites nearby in Perthshire that can be used to get you aloft though if you need them. Always make sure that you check your voucher details and again when you book in, for the latest launch site details, as they can change depending on weather and site suitability. The good news is, that your voucher is valid for all launch locations in Scotland and you can leave your car at the launch site as this is where your ballooning experience will also finish.
Your unforgettable balloon ride will start with a full safety briefing, after which you you can help the team with the the inflating of the balloon if you wish – or kick back, soak up the atmosphere and let others do the hard work. But when it’s time, there is no escaping the collective excitement as the burners fire up and the balloon starts to prepare itself for taking you up, up and away on a ballooning adventure over Perthshire!
As you drift gently over the Perthshire countryside near Crieff, there will be ample opportunity to take photographs from this unique vantage point. During your flight you are free to discuss how the balloon works with the pilot, who will also be pointing out the many points of interest that drift below you or rest gently on the horizon.
No two flights are the same, and as such any number of towns, villages and important landmarks could come into view – all of which create talking points for years to come.
After an unforgettable hour ballooning your pilot will begin your descent towards a gentle landing. Once back on the ground, and should you wish, you can help in packing away the envelope (that’s the official name for the fabric canopy).
With the balloon all packed away, you will be transferred back to your launch site where you can sip on the fine stuff and raise a toast to an unforgettable adventure hot air ballooning over Perthshire.