Let's Go Outside: Catch spring in all its splendour

May 16 2008

THE countryside is looking as pretty as a picture so why not get out and drink in the sights? There’s no better way to appreciate the views and wildlife of Perthshire Big Tree Country than by walking some of its wonderful woodland paths. Choose from this Forestry Commission Scotland guide to six of the best. Remember to take your camera so you can enter our Spring Woods photo competition.

1. Picnic in the wood

Rannoch Wood

At Carie two new bridges span the rushing burn and an all abilities path leads to a meadow with a covered picnic area. The Alltna Bogair Walk, the longest of three waymarked routes, follows the steep sided valley of this burn, which is lined with native trees. It crosses the water by a stand of statuesque Scots pine, before returning on the far side. The shorter walks stay around an mature oakwood and a forest campsite.

Start at the Forestry Commission Scotland car park and picnic site at Carie, off the South Loch Rannoch road 2 miles west of Kinloch Rannoch.

Length 5 miles

Guide Tay Forest Park leaflet

2. Circuit famous Waterfalls

Falls of Bruar

For more than two hundred years, the Falls of Bruar have been one of Perthshire’s prime beauty spots, attracting visitors such as Wordsworth and Queen Victoria. In 1797, the Duke of Atholl planted trees around the gorge, in response to a poetic plea by Robert Burns. At the same time he laid out the paths and bridges used to this day. Recent path work has made the lower bridge more accessible to people of differing abilities.

Start from the House of Bruar car park and join the riverside path behind the buildings. Children and dogs should be closely supervised near the steep slopes.

Length 1 mile

Guide Falls of Bruar leaflet

3. Climb To A Viewpoint

Drummond Hill

From the Black Rock viewpoint, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Loch Tay and the model village of Kenmore. This panorama is particularly attractive as the trees come into leaf. The Black Rock Walk zigzags up a forest road, climbing steadily past larch trees clothed in fresh green needles. Rare capercaillie thrive in the woods of Drummond Hill – in spring they make a noise said to resemble a clip clopping horse.

Start from the main forest car park, reached by going through Kenmore, over the bridge, and turning right beyond Mains of Taymouth then left on to a forest road.

Length 3 miles

Guide Tay Forest Park leaflet

4. Stride The Highland Edge

Knock of Crieff

The half-mile path to the top of the Knock begins in mixed woodland, the home of red squirrels, and rises to an open area with a viewpoint indicator. Here you stand on the boundary between the rugged Highlands and gentle lowlands. Ben Chonzie dominates the view to the north and fertile Strathearn lies to the south. For the full Knock Walk, continue along the crest of the hill and past Kate McNieven’s Crag – named after a local witch – following blue waymarkers.

Start from the Knock car park, above Crieff Hydro’s riding stables, or walk from the centre of town.

Length 4 miles

Guide Crieff Walks leaflet

5. Watch Ducks Dabble

Quarrymill Woodland Park

The wooded valley of the Annaty Burn is a delightful place for a gentle stroll to listen to the birdsong and see spring flowers. The main paths are wheelchair accessible, as are the viewing platforms, picnic sites and coffee shop. Wander up to the millpond to watch ducks, moorhens and possibly a heron then loop back on the other side of the burn.

Start from the car park on the A93 Blairgowrie road; it is opposite Springlands as you leave Perth.

Length 2 miles

6. Wander Through Bluebells

Blairgowrie

Combine the Ardblair Trail and the Bluebell Wood routes for a beautiful walk from the heart of Blairgowrie through Darroch and Ardblair Woods. Both are rich in wildflowers, but the former is at its best in mid to late May when the bluebells are in full bloom. Tread some ancient paths, such as the ‘Weasel Roadie’ and see waterfowl on White Loch. There are lovely views over fertile farmland to the Knockie, the hill rising behind the town.

Start from the Wellmeadow in the centre of Blairgowrie.

Length 5 miles

Guide Local paths around Blairgowrie leaflet

Further information

See www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk or pick up your free copy of the Perthshire Big Tree Country brochure from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre.