The Estate, known as South Chesthill, lies on the south side of Glenlyon, the longest glen in Scotland and reputedly the most beautiful. It lies 12 miles west of Aberfeldy and Pitlochry is 20 miles distant. Glenlyon is also a splendid base for sight-seeing and exploring the Central Highlands, yet is only 85 miles from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
In addition to the fishing, stalking and shooting available on the estate, there are numerous other activities including walking, riding, watersports, sightseeing and ornithology available in the area.
Chesthill house is a traditional Sporting Lodge with comfortable and generously proportioned rooms and is ideal for family holidays.
The house comprises 5 twin and 2 single bedrooms (all with basins) and 3 bathrooms in the main part of the house. There is 1 twin and 1 single bedroom and 1 bathroom in the staff wing. There is thus accommodation for a maximum of 15 people. Adult parties are limited to a maximum of 12 people which is what the house is furnished for; tenants should please not overload the house or other facilities.
On the ground floor there is a sitting room, a drawing room and a study all of which have open fires, a dining room which seats 12 and a kitchen, utility room and drying room. Behind the house is an outhouse which has a snooker table, a table tennis table, a piano and darts board.
All fuel and linen is included in the rent.
The fishing comprises some 4½ miles both double and single bank of the River Lyon which is one of the main tributaries of the River Tay. The Lyon is 30 miles long and flows from Loch Lyon through one of the loveliest glens in Scotland. The fishing which goes with the Lodge is for 6 rods (except if otherwise stated in the Programme & Prices) on 3 beats (2 rods per beat). The leased North Chesthill fishings are included. The Inverinain fishings (above Inverar Bridge) are not included and are let separately.
The Lyon can fish well from April to October, although in a mild spring the fish run up the lower parts of the water in March. It is a semi-spate river and conditions are therefore variable and also dependent on the water flow in the Tay. Spring and Autumn runs are normal but the timing depends on the water flow. A grilse run is usual during the Summer. The average annual catch has been 50 Salmon, with extremes of about 30-90. Good weeks have yielded up to 10 fish.
This stretch is immensely variable: although primarily a fly river, at most times and particular on some pools, spinning is also desirable.
Prawn and Shrimp are not allowed on the Tay system. Worming is not permitted on this water. A voluntary Catch and Return policy is established. All tenant parties are please expected to fish the water effectively.
The Estate reserves the right to retain a house rod throughout the season although this is not taken up very often. If however the Estate rod is fishing it will fit in with the tenant’s plans.
There is some good trout fishing on the river, and on Loch Creag a Mhadaidh. David Pirie will advise on whereabouts and availability, and will run trips to the Loch occasionally on request.
The Deer Forest comprises some 6,500 acres; it marches with the National Trust at Ben Lawers and Roro Estate to the West. Approximately 50 stags and 80 - 100 hinds are culled each year. Additional stalking can sometimes be arranged with neighbouring estates.
The ground on the Estate rises to over 3,000ft. above sea level and is steep in places. The house is at 600 ft. Land Rovers, Argocats and radios are provided in support of hill parties
There is a modest stock of Grouse on the hill. Additional Grouse can usually be obtained nearby if sufficient notice is given.
Clay Pigeon shooting is available at modest cost on the Estate by arrangement with the Keeper, except during the stalking season. Clays and cartridges (if wanted) will be charged for on a cost-plus basis.
Additional Activities:
There are golf courses at Aberfeldy, Kenmore, Strathtay and Killin. Water sports are available nearby on Loch Tay. Pony trekking is available locally, and Chesthill would be an ideal base for walking holidays exploring the beauty of Glen Lyon.
Chesthill House is a traditional stone built Highland Lodge. Set in its own policies it lies on the north side of Glenlyon facing south towards the well known waterfall and Roman bridge. The situation is exceptional
