On the shores of Loch Tay, you’ll find the Scottish Crannog Centre. Guided museum tours and interactive demonstrations in the Iron Age Village make a visit an encounter with the Iron Age. There are also hands-on activities where you can cook, gather, tell stories, make pottery, spin, weave or work with wood. The activities are led by interpreters; their timing may vary within the programme. This brings engaging demonstrations together with the chance to try things for yourself.
Stories in museums, castles and along trails
At Perth Museum, the Stone of Destiny is presented as an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy and kingdom. The museum is just under a 15-minute walk from Perth railway station. Another historic landmark is Lochleven Castle: the 14th-century tower house on the island is where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive. Visitors reach the island by boat across Loch Leven; check the crossing’s operating conditions in advance.
Innerpeffray Library also tells a story of a long reading culture: David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madertie, founded it in 1680 as Scotland’s first free public lending library. The Innerpeffray Heritage Trail adds to the visit with trail markers that tell the story of the old settlement from the Ice Age to the present day. The trail is open year-round; check current conditions before your visit.
Scone Palace combines history with a varied estate. The old Scottish building was once the coronation site of the Scottish kings. Red squirrels, deer and rare hawfinches live on the grounds. The garden includes a maze planted in 1991 with 2,000 beech trees and more than 800 metres of paths. Those interested in designed landscapes will find a different collection at Blair Castle: the estate includes a nine-acre walled garden, extensive woodland, a ruined church, a deer park and a Gothic Revival ornamental building.
Experience nature and compare routes
At Loch Leven, nature watching and exercise go hand in hand: the lake is a National Nature Reserve, home to rare plants and insects as well as large numbers of breeding and overwintering birds. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a 21-kilometre circular route around the lake; it is mostly flat and accessible. This information provides practical guidance about the route without requiring you to estimate a particular walking time.
For a much longer hike, the Cateran Trail is a different proposition: this circular route passes through Perthshire and the Angus glens, is 64 miles (103 kilometres) long and is divided into five stages. It has no official start or finish point, so you can begin at any stage. Check current information about closures and diversions before setting out. Another trail open year-round is the Innerpeffray Heritage Trail, whose markers tell the story of an old settlement rather than following a long circular route.
The woodland and parkland trails also differ in character. Quarrymill Woodland Park has waymarked forest paths and wildlife, including bluebells and red squirrels. Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park covers five hills and offers wildlife habitats and views across the Perth landscape. Grass paths and signposted nature trails pass through mixed woodland. At Blair Castle, meanwhile, the garden, woodland and deer park form part of a single historic landscape.
Cycling, local offerings and planned routes
Perthshire Gravel’s “Beyond Perth City” route uses segregated cycle paths, quiet roads and gravel tracks. Check route conditions before you ride. The River Tay Way is described as a new route: a cycling route is intended to follow National Cycle Route 77, while a new long-distance walking route is planned between Perth and Kenmore, using existing paths. Both routes are planned; it has not been confirmed that they are already operational. Check their status and any diversions before planning your trip.
In Kinross, the Farmers’ Market focuses on fresh produce from local growers and goods from craft traders. Since dates and times are important when planning a visit, check them in advance. This lets you combine culture, landscapes and local offerings according to your interests without having to turn the different places into a fixed route.
Discover more destinations: Coupar Angus, Invergowrie, Glendevon, Perth, Kinloch Rannoch, Ardeonaig, St David's, Crieff, Aberfeldy, St Fillans, Morenish, Glencarse, Pitlochry, Auchterarder, Ochtertyre, Kinross, Inchture, Dunkeld, Blair Atholl, Blairgowrie and Rattray, Bridge Of Cally, Grandtully, Aberargie, Luncarty, Comrie, Braco, Glenalmond, Acharn, Dunning, Fowlis Wester, Kinfauns, Scone, Kenmore, Stanley and Dull.
View the wider travel guide: Scotland.
