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With the advent of steam rail Crieff became a fashionable holiday resort. New and elegant hotels such as the Strathearn Hydropathic (now Crieff Hydro) were being increasingly patronised by a growing number of affluent middle-class city dwellers, eager to escape to the fresh air and scenic surroundings of Strathearn.
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Today, visitors come for those same reasons and much more, for Crieff offers a rich abundance of things for you to see and do whatever the weather, your interest or age.
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After having explored the vibrant town centre your first stop might be the Crieff Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the cattle drovers who made Crieff such an important trading centre then drop in at the Plant Centre followed by refreshments in the restaurant. Continue along Muthill Road where you can experience many local craft industries first hand. See the skills involved in glass decoration at Stuart Crystal or paint a pot at the Ceramic Experience! For crafts of a different kind visit Glenturret Distillery. The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret, Scotland's oldest Distillery, warmly welcomes you and will guide you through the precise craft of whisky distillation. The glories of the Crieff countryside are not far from the town centre. Indeed Macrosty Park in Crieff with its Victorian bandstand provides a lovely afternoon setting. Likewise, on a clear day enjoy the panoramic splendour from The Knock, the wooded hill overlooking the town.
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Not far away, Comrie is a charming village where wild birds are hatched, earthquakes are housed and fish are farmed! It also won the coveted "Best Large Village" award in the Britain in Bloom 2001 campaign. It's geological position on the Highland Boundary Fault has caused it to experience many earth tremors and tiny Earthquake House contains a replica of the recording equipment used. At Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre witness the wonder of wild birds and animals taking their first steps.
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Muthill, a small conservation village, lies nearby. Here you can discover one of Perthshire's most unexpected jewels, Drummond Castle Gardens with its historic sundial. Literature lovers should travel east to Innerpeffray Library, the oldest surviving public library in Scoltand.
From the hamlet of Fowlis Wester, a narrow road leads over the moorland hills of Glenalmond which are rich in standing stones. The River Almond here or in the Sma' glen is the ideal place to rest and enjoy the special pleasures of this area. If resting at Buchanty Spout, marvel at the salmon battling the rocky rapids.
The Crieff Area is virtually unrivalled for recreation. Strathearn Recreation Centre is fully equipped with a heated pool, games hall and fitness centre. Golf enthusiasts can play on any of six courses.
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The Tourist Information Centre is located beneath the clock tower of the old Town Hall in the High Street.
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Anglers, meanwhile, can cast their lines on several challenging lochs and rivers. The more exuberant water enthusiast is not forgotten; windsurfers and water-skiers can make the most of unsurpassed facilities and surroundings on Loch Earn. St Fillans at the eastern end of Loch Earn is a small resort village; a perfect place to stop for refreshments and a bite to eat.
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For centuries, Strathearn - the broad valley of the River Earn - has been a resting-place for travellers. As the capital of Strathearn, Crieff was transformed from trading town to popular holiday resort during the reign of Queen Victoria and joins the lush countryside of the Lowlands with the grandeur of the Perthshire Highlands.
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