Perth & Kinross
Perth & Kinross
Perth and Kinross is bordered by the Highland council area to the north, Angus to the east, Dundee to the southeast, Fife to the south, Clackmannanshire and Stirling to the southwest, and Argyll and Bute to the west. This central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader reaches of Scotland, but it’s worth visiting on its own merits as it features a beautiful blend of lowland pastures, hilly terrain, and high mountains.
The River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, winds its way through the area, and the region is also home to Loch Leven which is the largest freshwater loch in the Scottish Lowlands. The Lomond Hills, meanwhile, offer magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Perth, the administrative centre of the region, is a city steeped in history and offers a range of attractions such as Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park and the Black Watch Castle and Museum. This bustling city centre, brimming with shops, restaurants, and galleries, has a relaxed atmosphere and makes a great base to explore the region’s famous ‘big tree country’.
Kinross is another significant town in the region and it’s a haven for nature lovers thanks to the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, which is a major attraction for locals and tourists alike. The RSPB manages this loch which is a well-known location for birdwatching as well as exploring the loch’s island which is home to Lochleven Castle, the former prison of Mary Queen of Scots.
Among the quaint villages of Perth and Kinross, the Victorian charm of Pitlochry stands out as it boasts two unique attractions: the Pitlochry Dam salmon ladder and the enchanting Blair Castle. Aberfeldy, meanwhile, with its Dewar’s whisky distillery and the Birks of Aberfeldy nature trail, is another village that attracts visitors from far and wide.
In addition, history buffs can explore the region’s rich past at sites like Stanley Mills, a preserved 18th-century mill, and Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings, while for outdoor enthusiasts there are a range of activities on offer from canoeing and hiking to mountain biking, fishing, and wild camping.
Ben Lawers
Ben Lawers is situated within a national nature reserve near Loch Tay in Perthshire. This mountain is the 10th-highest Munro in Scotland at 3,984 feet (1,214 metres) but it’s a popular destination for beginner mountain hikers thanks to the mid-way car park that offers a welcome shortcut to the summit. Discover Ben Lawers and the…
Blair Castle
Blair Castle – situated near Blair Atholl in Perthshire – has been the ancestral home of Clan Murray since its construction in the 13th century. The castle is privately-managed but is open to the public for tours. Discover Blair Castle in this guide which features an overview and handy visiting advice.
Crieff Hydro
The Crieff Hydro is a popular resort in the Perthshire countryside that offers a range of health-based activities as well as large grounds for walking and relaxation. The hotel boasts over 200 bedrooms and over 50 self-catering properties, as well as restaurants, cafes and bars that are open to both overnight guests and day visitors.
Falls of Dochart
The Falls of Dochart are a series of waterfalls on the River Dochart in the village of Killin, Perthshire. Find out everything you need to know about visiting the Falls of Dochart with this visitor guide which includes a 360° virtual tour, an overview, visiting advice, and a photo slideshow.
Loch Leven
Loch Leven is a large expanse of water situated in the rural Scottish county of Perth and Kinross. The National Nature Reserve is renowned for the number of wildfowl that live there and in fact, it’s home to more breeding ducks than anywhere else in Europe.
Rob Roy Way, Callander
The Rob Roy Way is an 80-mile walking and cycling route between Drymen in Central Scotland and Pitlochry in Perthshire. This part of the route runs through the town of Callander to the village of Strathyre on attractive paths that border rivers, lochs, steep hills and open glens. The trail is flat and level so…
Schiehallion Mountain
Schiehallion is a 3,553-foot high mountain in Perth & Kinross which is one of the easiest Munros to climb in Scotland. The wide and rough footpath offers visitors superb views of the surrounding countryside on a hike to the summit that should take 3-4 hours in total. Discover Kelvingrove Park with this complete visitor guide.
Scone Palace
This red sandstone palace is located in the village of Scone just outside of Perth. As the original crowning site for the ancient kings of Scotland, it is one of the most important historic buildings in the country. Visitors can explore both the palace and the extensive grounds on self-guided tours as well as enjoy…
The Best Things to Do in Perthshire for Families
Perth & Kinross is the perfect location for family outings. The region has some of Scotland’s most scenic lochs and hill ranges, including Loch Leven and the Ochil Hills, and it’s a great place for hiking, cycling, fishing, and bird-watching. In this article, you’ll discover a few of the best family-friendly attractions in Perth and…
The Birks of Aberfeldy
The Birks of Aberfeldy offers a circular walk through mixed woodland on the outskirts of Aberfeldy in Perthshire. The scenic landscape inspired Scots poet Robert Burns to write one of his most famous works in 1787. Visitors to the Birks of Aberfeldy will find good facilities, including a large car park and partially-gravelled paths.
The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire
The Enchanted Forest is a spectacular outdoor event set in the beautiful Faskally Wood just north of Pitlochry. This popular nighttime show uses the dramatic background of the autumnal woods as the stage for incredible light and sound experience. Discover everything you need to know about the Enchanted Forest in this complete visitor guide.
The Hermitage Forest
The Hermitage near Dunkeld in Perthshire is a managed woodland inside Tay Forest Park that was designed as a leisure area for the 18th-century Dukes of Atholl. The forest is easily accessed from the A9 and it offers walks on gravel paths alongside the River Braan and through a woodland nature reserve to a waterfall.…
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