Discover the best of Perthshire North, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld with this collection of 15 carefully chosen short walks, featuring scenic highlights such as the Falls of Bruar, Birnam Hill, the Birks of Aberfeldy, Drummond Hill and Blair Castle. 

Each route is designed to be completed in under three hours, making this guidebook the perfect companion for families, newcomers and anyone eager to explore this beautiful region’s tranquil glens, ancient woodlands and historic landmarks.

• Each of the 15 Perthshire North walks includes clear, easy-to-follow Ordnance Survey maps paired with step-by-step route descriptions, so navigation is straightforward and accessible to all, ideal for beginners and casual walkers.
• Practical information is provided for every walk, covering parking, facilities and route highlights, ensuring every outing is enjoyable and well-organised.
• Explore northern Perthshire’s most memorable sites, from the dramatic Falls of Bruar and the heather-clad slopes of Ben Vrackie to the iconic bridges of Aberfeldy, the ancient Croft Moraig Stone Circle and the grandeur of Blair Castle.
• Routes begin from charming towns and villages such as Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy, Kenmore and Blair Atholl, with suggestions for public transport links to make your visit as convenient as possible.
• Experience the best of Scottish hospitality in Perthshire, with recommendations for local cafés, restaurants and country hotels, perfect for relaxing after a day’s walk.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide to Perthshire North brings together everything you need for a memorable day out amid Scotland’s breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a local resident, a day-tripper or planning a scenic getaway, this guide is your key to discovering the best of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld at an easy, enjoyable pace.

15 Short Walks in Perthshire North – Quick Facts

Location: Northern Perthshire, Central Scotland, UK (including Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Dunkeld, Kenmore, Blair Atholl, and surrounding areas)
Total walks: 15 selected short walks
Typical duration: Under ~3 hours each
Distance per walk: ~3–10 km (2–6 miles)
Walk type: Easy day walks on circular or there-and-back routes, with one linear route
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; gentle paths and short climbs suitable for most walkers
Navigation: Clear Ordnance Survey maps and step-by-step route descriptions included
Highlights: Falls of Bruar, Ben Vrackie, Birks of Aberfeldy, Blair Castle, Birnam Hill, Drummond Hill, Croft Moraig Stone Circle, Taymouth Castle, and picturesque Highland villages
Best season: Walkable all year round (weather and conditions permitting; Ben Vrackie may require extra care in winter)

Author Highlight

"Perthshire lies in the heart of Scotland and is a wonderful destination for scenic walking, offering fascinating history woven into a mosaic of landscapes. Divided by the Highland Boundary Fault, it is a land of contrasts: tranquil arable countryside in the south and superb rugged mountains in its north. Perthshire’s northern territory is exceptional; it is rightly deemed the gateway to the Scottish Highlands." 

- Nicole Bukaty, author of 15 Short Walks in Perthshire North - Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld

Location of walks
Map key
Using this guide  
Route summary table
Introduction
Walking in northern Perthshire
Getting there and around
Accommodation and food
Times to visit
Special places
The Walks
Walk 1 The Falls of Bruar  
Walk 2 Glen Tilt and Blair Castle
Walk 3 South Loch Rannoch Forest Trail
Walk 4 Allean Forest Trail
Walk 5 Loch Faskally and the Salmon Ladder
Walk 6  Ben Vrackie  
Walk 7 Black Spout and two distilleries
Walk 8 Inver Path and Pine Cone Point
Walk 9 The Braan and Inchewan Paths
Walk 10 Birnam Hill  
Walk 11 From Aberfeldy to Grandtully along the Tay
Walk 12 The Birks of Aberfeldy
Walk 13 Aberfeldy bridges, St David’s Well and Castle Menzies
Walk 14 The Falls of Acharn
Walk 15 Drummond Hill and Black Rock Viewpoint
Useful information 

Seasons

The Walks are accessible year-round. Autumn is perhaps most impressive with spectacular colourful woodland. Spring celebrates abundant wildflowers, summer welcomes prolonged daylight, and snow-capped mountains frame the landscapes in winter.

Centres

Blair Atholl, Kinloch Rannoch, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Kenmore. The towns are along or a ½hr drive from the A9.

Difficulty

As local favourites the Walks are not isolated. The routes are easy to follow and meander along paths, tracks and lanes. Most include some uphill walking, and after rainfall, can be muddy. One aspirational trail is included where sturdy footwear is advisable.

Must See

Waterfalls and lochs: Falls of Bruar, Black Spout, Birks of Aberfeldy, The Hermitage falls, Falls of Acharn, Loch Tay, Loch Faskally, and Glen Tilt. Historical sites at Blair Castle, Castle Menzies, Dunkeld, Birnam, Allean Forest and Weem Forest. Feats of architecture at Pitlochry’s Salmon Ladder and dam.

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