Bellathie Manor House was hidden in plain sight. GPS indicated we had arrived at the location but all we saw was a narrow lane that stretched into the woodlands! Not a single house in sight let alone a huge manor!
We put in our location again and the GPS re-routed us showing we were 10 minutes away from our destination. Funnily, we drove off following the map only to realize that we had boomeranged back to the same spot after driving in circles. Left with no other option, we followed the road and drove deeper into the mystery of our missing manor.
It was a beautiful drive nonetheless with woods filling our views on both sides. The green hues of the pastures slowly transformed to warmer brown shades of the woodlands. After driving for another 3km or so (while keeping our fingers crossed no cars should cross us in that narrow single lane road), we saw the grand manor standing in front of us!
The first thing I heard when I arrived was the sound of the water flowing. River Tay was just behind the mansion and we were hoping to see it from our balcony once we got the keys to our room by the riverside.
Needless to say, it felt like paradise. The only twist to this idyllic place was there were lots and lots of noisy crows! Not melodic and definitely not soothing! I would have preferred some nightingales but it definitely made our stay a little quirkier.
When I did the booking a month ago, they recommended I booked dinner at their restaurant as it is usually fully booked. After reading some stellar reviews online and knowing this place was off the grids, I made the reservation beforehand.
We dressed up adhering to the smart dress code and got our table overlooking the riverside. We had some lovely wine and warm bread that came along with their homemade salted, unsalted and special smoked wood butter. Of course, a basket of fresh bread would never disappoint and we looked forward to what we ordered.
cheeks
Personally, the appetiser stood out for me. It had a unique burst of tangy and sweet flavours with crushed honeycomb that contrasted well with the pickled sherry gel. It was an elegant dish both in terms of aesthetics and flavour!
Besides taking the eat, sleep, repeat mantra a little too seriously, we visited the Highland Wildlife Park the next morning.
When we arrived, the Red Panda woke up and gave us a parade walking branch to branch.
We also greeted the Great Grey Owl, and Japanese Macaques before going to the Snow Leopard enclosure.
It was almost time to feed the Snow Leopard and the zookeeper was putting out fresh meat while everyone gathered around the enclosure to catch the spectacle up close. Soon after the zookeeper released the big cats, they leapt into the enclosure and left us in awe!
It was heartbreaking to see a polar bear caged up. It was angry and distressed pounding on the walls in an attempt to break free. I have never seen anything like this before. I was getting triggered by the cruelty of locking up such a majestic bear in a small space until I learnt that it was temporarily caged up due to a paw injury and would be released to join his fellow pals in a bigger enclosure that simulated its real habitat.
After walking around the enclosure, we drove through the wildlife park catching a glimpse of the camels, deers, bison, elks, takins, markhor and a vicuna. I really enjoyed this as it felt like we were immersing ourselves in their natural habitat. Of course, we had to stay in our cars!
We had a wonderful morning learning about the Scottish animals and endangered animals, and also clocking in many steps that day!
I think the vicuna was trying to say thanks for visiting!
C’est La Vie 
Reading this brings back happy memories. Thank you 😊
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