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

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.

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.

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