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Loch a Choire
The sun begins to set behind Loch a Choire.

Five of the best short walks in North Perthshire (Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld)

North Perthshire rightly earns its title as the 'Gateway to the Scottish Highlands.' Straddling the Highland Boundary Fault, it offers walkers a taste of Scotland's vast and varied landscapes without the need to travel too far north. Discover five of the best short walks in the region, each showcasing its natural beauty and charm near the popular towns of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, and Dunkeld.

15 Short Walks in Perthshire North - Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld - Front Cover

15 Short Walks in Perthshire North - Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld

£9.95

Discover 15 of the best short walks around North Perthshire, including Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

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Falls of Bruar
The stone bridge over the Lower Falls blends in with the surrounding rocks.

The best walk to visit an iconic waterfall...

What: The Falls of Bruar 
Summary: A classic loop of waterfalls and bridges on easy to-follow paths first launched in the 18th-century.
Start/finish: House of Bruar car park
Time: 1hr
Distance: 2.7km (1.7 miles)
Climb: 130m

This walk starts on a comfortable well-maintained wide path to the fabulous stone bridge over the Lower Falls of Bruar before ascending on a narrower, possibly muddier, path to the Upper Falls, which are crossed on another fantastic stone bridge. It loops back gradually downhill on the other side of the Bruar stream, just in time for lunch or afternoon tea. Although there are no exposed sections along the path itself, it is important to stay on the path and heed the signs warning of steep edges above the gorge.

Benches along the route
Benches with beautiful views offer a place to take a rest along the walk.

The best walk to experience one of Scotland's impressive peaks...

What: Ben Vrackie 
Summary: A local favourite, Ben Vrackie offers the same breathtaking summit experience as any of Scotland’s highest peaks.
Start/finish: Ben Vrackie car park
Time: 4hr 30min
Distance: 8.6km (5.3 miles)
Climb: 645m

Ben Vrackie (meaning ‘speckled mountain’) is an 814m-tall Corbett (a mountain between 2500ft and 3000ft) that watches proudly over Pitlochry. On a clear day, the summit beckons enticingly, and it’s no wonder that it is northern Perthshire’s most trodden mountain, owing to good signage, heatherblanketed slopes and breath-taking views. It is not to be underestimated; the steep climb gets the heart pumping, and the descent requires attentiveness and sturdy footwear.

Ossians Hall
Ossian’s Hall was first built in 1757 with mirrors bringing to life the waterfalls from within.

The best walk to visit a historic hermitage...

What: The Braan and Inchewan paths
Summary: One of the most visited sites in northern Perthshire, the dramatic Hermitage is a whimsical highlight of any trip.
Start/finish: The Hermitage car park near Dunkeld
Time: 3hr
Distance: 10.2km (6.3 miles)
Climb: 250m

One of Perthshire’s undeniable classics, this walk on comfortable paths and tracks meanders through woodland beside the Braan and Inchewan rivers, and through gentle rolling fields. The highlights of the walk are the celebrated Hermitage – composed of Ossian’s Hall, a precipitous folly, and a rustic stone arch over the gorge – and the sensational Rumbling Bridge over the roaring Braan Falls.

Autumn colours
Walkers stop to enjoy the colours on a grey day.

The best walk to experience a classic Scottish loch...

What: Loch Faskally and Pitlochry salmon ladder 
Summary: A gentle walk on paths and roads explores Pitlochry’s highlights dotted around Loch Faskally.
Start/finish: Fisher’s Hotel on Pitlochry’s high street
Time: 2hr
Distance: 5.2km (3.2 miles)
Climb: 100m

This well-signed circuit highlights Pitlochry’s characterful landmarks: the suspension bridge, the popular Festival Theatre, the impressive salmon fish ladder and hydroelectric dam (www.pitlochrydam. com), and Loch Faskally, all set amidst woodland which is especially lovely in autumn, with a marvellous array of colours. The route is completed on roads, paths and steps.

Views over the River Tay
A fine view over Kenmore and Loch Tay through beech and giant conifers.

The best walk for views of the River Tay...

What: Drummond Hill and Black Rock Viewpoint
Summary: Wide tracks through mature beech forest lead to outstanding views above Loch Tay and Kenmore.
Start/finish: Kenmore Beach
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 8.8km (5.5 miles)
Climb: 320m

This walk undulates along wide tracks, through the beech and larch forest of Drummond Hill, home to the capercaillie. It climbs significantly to reach a fantastic viewpoint over Loch Tay and pretty Kenmore. On the descent, the paths may be muddy and slippery. It is very well-signed, following wooden posts with a red (Taymouth Trail) and/or blue (Black Rock Trail) strip.

15 Short Walks in Perthshire North - Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld - Front Cover

15 Short Walks in Perthshire North - Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld

£9.95

Discover 15 of the best short walks around North Perthshire, including Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

More information