Walks Perth, Dunkeld & Blairgowrie

Author: Alistair Lawson

Rewalked by: Richard Hallewell & Becky Coope

Perthshire is split by the Highland Line – the geological fault line dividing the Lowlands from the Highlands. As a result, this guide to the eastern end of the county contains a wide range of walks; from the flat farmland and reed beds but the Firth of Tay to the hill paths between Strathardle and Glen Shee. Amongst the highlights are the climb from Perth to the iconic Kinnoull Tower – the cliff-top folly overlooking the A9 between Perth and Dundee; climbs up both Birnham Hill and Dunsinane Hill (for fans of Shakespeare); the path through the towering conifers by the River Braan to the folly of Ossian’s Hall; and the path by Loch Freuchie.

As usual, this new edition of the guide contains a lot of small changes. There have been alterations to the Cateran Trail (the long-distance path between Blairgowrie and Spittal of Glenshee), both on the section between Blairgowrie and Bridge of Cally and in Glen Shee itself, and the signposting has been upgraded. The new by-pass north of Perth is having a short-term impact on the riverside path from Perth to Luncarty (which has also changed where it approaches Luncarty). The waymarked paths on both Kinnoull Hill/Deuchny Hill and Moncreiffe Hill have been altered. Parking comes and goes; paths become tracks and stiles become gates. What doesn’t change is the quality of the walking. Much of the landscape in this area may be more gentle than amongst the Munros and moorland further north and west, but this is still an excellent walking area with much to enjoy. In addition, the walks are much quieter than many of the honey-pot areas, and it is easy to find yourself alone on many of the walks. Despite that, we were lucky enough to find small cafés at the end of a good number of the walks!

For more details or to buy a copy, click here.

Photograph: Kinnoull Tower (bottom left)