Forests in Perthshire
Welcome to Perthshire.
Also known as Big Tree Country, this part of Scotland is full of secret spots and impressive conifers. Explore our blog to learn more about the area and all it has to offer.
Kinnoull Hill
Perth's most incredible views and woodland walks.
Kinnoull is a real jewel in Perth's crown. Trails wander through mature woodland of beech and pine to magnificent views over the river Tay. With three walking trails of different levels, you can spend the day exploring all the charms of the area.
The 1-hour Tower Trail takes you to the Earl’s tower, which is perched on the cliff overlooking the Tay Valley. While the Jubilee Trail is a shorter route that promises all the charms of the area without the climb to the summit. This loop takes you through a pine, beech, and spruce forest. The Deuchny Trail is the longest trail which follows the footsteps of ancient kings through the woods. This steep 5.6 km walk rewards your effort with great views across the Perthshire countryside.
The forest is also home to an arboretum, a tree collection where you can learn more about different trees.
Plan your next visit to Kinnoull Hill
Weem
Look for hidden sculptures in this hillside wood.
Weem wood cascades down a steep, rocky hillside, a fine backdrop for Castle Menzies. The Menzies family were keen supporters of King Robert the Bruce and helped shape forests across Perthshire.
Take the Weem Forest Trail, this short but strenuous walk has steep slopes, rocky steps, and narrow sections. After climbing through forest first planted to create a dramatic backdrop for Castle Menzies, you'll reach a fine view over the River Tay.
Full of secrets, this wood contains hidden rock art telling tales of dragons and enchanters imprisoning fair maidens in the stone. Look out for St. David’s Well, a cave along the forest path where Mr Menzies himself lived as a hermit in the 1400s.
Allean
Discover an 18th-century homestead and a Pictish fort.
Allean is a forest steeped in history. Take the 1 hour Clachan Trail to a 300-year-old farming settlement with breathtaking views over Tummel Valley. This ruined farming settlement was abandoned in the 1800s. Continue through the woods, listening out for goldcrests, siskins and Scottish crossbills in the canopy overhead.
Or tackle the strenuous Ring Fort Trail to an ancient Pictish ring fort occupied around 1000 years ago. The ruined ring fort served as a homestead and lookout point for the Pictish people who lived here over a thousand years ago. Absorb the atmosphere and savour the stunning view before continuing through peaceful larch and pine woods.
Plan your next visit to Allean
Grandtully
Climb to an Iron Age hill fort with spectacular views over Strathtay.
This part of Scotland was long occupied by the Picts, the Celtic tribe who built the prehistoric fort of Caisteal Dubh, or Black Castle.
Take the 2.5 hour route along a steady climb through a birch forest before reaching the site of the ancient fort. When the local Picts lived here, the stone walls of the fort didn't just keep out invaders, they kept out the other locals – wolves and...possibly bears.
Only traces of the outer rampart remain visible – stone was taken to build a large sheepfold and a line of tall marker cairns. The hill fort has stunning views over the River Tay and an amazing collection of heather.
Plan your next visit to Grandtully
Faskally
Gentle paths and fine trees around lovely Loch Dunmore.
The owners of Faskally House created this model woodland in the 19th century and the house later became a school for young foresters.
The Dunmore Trail is an all-abilities trail through the majestic trees around Loch Dunmore, past a picturesque boathouse and an unusual wooden footbridge. Look out for magnificent 200 year old specimen trees among the mixed planting, as well as water lilies on the loch in summer.
The longer Foresters’ Trail explores the foresters’ ‘model forest’ which was developed and maintained since the 19th century to the shores of Loch Faskally.
Watch out for wildlife here too. There are kingfishers and herons, as well as goldeneye ducks nesting in the trees.