Scotland’s Hidden Gems: The Best Walks in Perthshire

As one of the most scenic regions in Scotland, Perthshire is unsurprisingly packed with beautiful trails ideal for both a leisurely stroll or a serious hike. If you’re making a trip up to the country’s heart sometime soon to stay at our conveniently located Leonardo Boutique Hotel Huntingtower Perth, why not check out one of the following memorable walks in Perthshire?

The Cateran Trail

This famous Scottish walking route is named after ancient cattle thieves who used the trail to escape capture. There are various paths you can take along the Cateran Trail, but if you’re after a short yet supremely picturesque option, try the six hour walk between Blairgowrie and Kirkmichael. It passes through the enchanting Blackcraig Forest and along the River Ericht where you can often spot ospreys and otters.

Bruar Falls

This series of wonderful waterfalls in between Blair Atholl and Pitlochry have been regarded as one of the best walks in Perthshire for decades. The tumbling cascades can be viewed from a hilly yet short circular walking route that begins from the House of Bruar carpark.

Stroll over quaint stone bridges and pause to admire stunning natural landscape that’s even mentioned in one of renowned Scottish poet, Robert Burns’, works.

The Hermitage

Located on the edge of pretty Dunkeld, this area of protected woodland is a stunning spot for a romantic walk in Perthshire with your other half. It’s home to hundreds of towering Douglas firs (the tallest trees in Britain), the impressive Black Linn Falls and scurries of Scottish red squirrels.

Hint: Head to the Hermitage in the autumn to see salmon leaping up the River Braan.

Killiecrankie

Travel a little way past Pitlochry and park up at the Killiecrankie Visitor’s Centre to begin this exciting gorge walk which passes historic landmarks and through some truly stunning scenery. Highlights include the Soldier’s Leap where a Redcoat soldier supposedly escaped the Jacobites by jumping an 18-foot gap across the River Garry.

Killiecrankie is also a prime walk in Perthshire for nature lovers thanks to the area’s local wildlife population, including pine martens and red squirrels.

Ben Lawers

Keen mountaineers will want to put this Perthshire peak on their bucket list. Ben Lawers – the highest mountain in the southern Highlands – is part of the Grampians and it’s just under two hours from Perth. Pull on your hiking boots and begin your trek from the Lawers Hotel in Loch Tay, walking upwards and onwards through thick forest and rough moorland to reach the summit.

The Birks of Aberfeldy

Another great place for walking in Perthshire that’s been the subject of a Robert Burns’ poem is the Birks of Aberfeldy. ‘Birks’ means birch trees in Scots and this attractive circular trail features a handful of them as well as various other pretty local flora and fauna.

Follow the meandering path through the trees to the top of the Falls of Moness for panoramic views of the surrounding region. You can begin the walk from the centre of the town of Aberfeldy or from the falls’ carpark.