Keltneyburn Smithy

The old smithy at Keltneyburn sits quietly just outside Pitlochry, doing exactly what a proper working forge should do - making things with fire and skill. You walk in and there's the anvil, the tools worn smooth by decades of use, and often enough a blacksmith actually at work, hammering out everything from decorative ironwork to functional pieces. It's not a museum frozen in time, which is what makes it rather special. The gallery space shows finished work alongside the working area, so you get a real sense of craft rather than performance.

Who'll get something out of this? Anyone with even a passing interest in traditional skills, really. Kids find it hypnotic watching metal being shaped - there's something primal about it. Walkers on the Pitlochry circuit appreciate the brief detour. Craft enthusiasts often end up spending longer than expected, asking questions and watching the process.

Allow 30 to 45 minutes, longer if the smith is mid-project and you get talking. Free to look round the gallery and watch, though pieces are for sale if you fancy taking home something genuinely made rather than mass-produced. Opening hours aren't fixed - best to ring ahead or check Facebook before you visit.

Stay at Glengoulandie Camping just 2 miles away and you're positioned perfectly for Pitlochry walks and exploring this corner of Perthshire without rushing. The smithy pairs well with riverside walks along the Tay - come here on a dreich afternoon when you can't face being outside all day.