Scotland’s Hidden Gems: The Best Walks in Perthshire

As one of Scotland’s most scenic regions, Perthshire is unsurprisingly packed with beautiful trails ideal for a leisurely stroll or serious hike. If you’re travelling to the country’s heart to stay at our Leonardo Boutique Hotel Huntingtower Perth, check out these eight memorable walks in Perthshire:

• Bruar Falls
• The Birks of Aberfeldy
• Lady Mary’s Walk
• The Hermitage
• Ben Lawers
• Loch Ordie Circuit
• Killiecrankie
• The Cateran Trail

Grab your walking boots and read on as we delve into these scenic walking trails in Perthshire.  

Visiting Perthshire

Located in central Scotland, Perthshire is often referred to as the ‘Big County’ due to its round shape. It boasts unrivalled natural scenery, from the rolling mountains to the forested regions of Highland Perthshire. It’s also a wildlife haven, home to red deer stags, golden eagles and ospreys. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the best way to enjoy the views is on foot.

 1. Bruar Falls

Distance: 1.5 miles

This series of waterfalls between Blair Atholl and Pitlochry offers one of the best walks in the county. The tumbling cascades can be viewed from a hilly yet short circular walking route that begins from the House of Bruar car park. Several famous figures have visited Bruar Falls, including English painter William Turner, English poet William Wordsworth and Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Visitors should allow one and a half hours for the walk to take in the spectacular views. Stroll over quaint stone bridges and pause to admire natural landscapes mentioned in one of Burns’s works.

2. The Birks of Aberfeldy

Distance: 1.5 miles

Looking for short walks in Perthshire? Another fabulous walking spot is the Birks of Aberfeldy, known for being the subject of a Robert Burns poem. ‘Birks’ means birch trees in Scots, and this circular trail features a handful of them, as well as other pretty local flora and fauna.

Along the route, you’ll pass by a series of hanging waterfalls nestled between the trees. 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 Aberfeldy’s town centre or the Birks car park.

3. Lady Mary’s Walk

Distance: 2.5 miles

This delightful walk takes you along the River Earn to the west of Crieff, an idyllic market town in Perth. The route is named after Lady Mary Murray, whose family were landowners in the area during the 19^th century. Suitable for all abilities, Lady Mary’s Walk features lovely river views and woodland with beech, oak and chestnut trees. You may even spot wildlife such as kingfishers and herons.   

4. The Hermitage

Distance: 4.4 miles

Located on the edge of pretty Dunkeld, this protected woodland area is ideal for a romantic walk in Perthshire. The forest was originally used as a recreation ground for the Dukes of Atholl during the 18^th century, and today it is managed by the National Trust. It’s home to hundreds of towering Douglas firs (the tallest trees in Britain), the impressive Black Linn Falls and scurries of red squirrels.

The Hermitage forest is easily accessible from the A9, and visitors should allow around two hours for a walk here. Follow the forest paths by the River Braan and breathe in the refreshing woodland scent.

Travel tip: head to the Hermitage in the autumn to see salmon leaping up the River Braan.

5. Ben Lawers

Distance: 6 miles

Keen mountaineers will want to put this Perthshire peak on their bucket list. Ben Lawers⁠—the highest mountain in the southern Highlands⁠—is just under two hours from Perth and offers an excellent walk for novice and experienced hikers. The view from the summit is truly breathtaking, and you may be lucky enough to spot various wildlife along the way, such as red deer and ptarmigan. 

Pull on your walking 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.

6. Loch Ordie Circuit

Distance:10 miles

If you want to enjoy a walk in Highland Perthshire, try out the Loch Ordie Circuit. This route leads walkers past lochs and up Deuchary Hill before returning through woodland. Along the trail, you’ll spot glorious views of the Cairngorm mountains. It’s the perfect option for dog walkers and those who want to admire some of Scotland’s best scenery. Begin at the Cally car park and take the main fireroad uphill towards Mill Dam.

7. Killiecrankie

Distance: 11.8 miles

Part of the Pitlochry Path Network, Killiecrankie is one of Perthshire’s most beautiful walks. Travel a little way past Pitlochry and park at the Killiecrankie Visitor’s Centre to begin this exciting gorge walk, which passes historic landmarks and 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 for nature lovers thanks to the area’s local wildlife population, which includes pine martens and red squirrels. A stroll here during autumn is particularly special, when the trees display magnificent amber, burgundy and gold leaves.

8. The Cateran Trail

Distance: 64 miles

The Cateran Trail is one of Scotland’s most famous walking routes, named after ancient cattle thieves who used the trail to escape capture. This is a circular route divided into five stages, taking walkers through Perthshire and the Angus Glens.

This trail is typically completed over five or six days. However, it can be joined at any stage, and there is no official beginning or end. Along the way, you’ll experience fantastic mountain views, and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, too. There are also several pubs along the route where you can refuel.

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.

Hotels in Perthshire

At the end of a busy day of walking, you’ll need a luxury hotel where you can kick back and relax. Our Leonardo Boutique Huntingtower Hotel Perth is the perfect place to stay, conveniently located close to the City of Perth. Surrounded by countryside, our hotel promises a peaceful retreat, with outstanding facilities such as a traditional restaurant.

Check out our list of the best things to do in Perth for more travel inspiration.