The Scottish Highlands is an exceptional region with much to offer an intrepid walker. Perthshire, in particular, boasts some super off-the-beaten-track trails worth discovering and exploring.
So, if you’re planning your next staycation in the heart of Scotland, why not explore some of them? You’ll enjoy the peace and tranquillity surrounded by stunning scenery in idyllic glens and quiet landscapes.
It’s a great way to recharge your batteries in one of the most beautiful regions of the Scottish Highlands.
River Ericht Walk
The River Ericht Walk is a circular route that runs through the peaceful landscape of Blairgowrie, Perthshire’s soft fruit capital. The trail takes you passed old mills, and from Kitty Swanson’s Bridge, the views of Sidlaws are simply stunning.
You start and finish the walk on minor roads with off-road sections that follow the edge of a field and along flood banks. It’s a lovely, peaceful walk through some splendid landscapes.
During the 1950s, locals collected raspberries, which they transported all the way to Covent Garden in London on the ‘raspberry specials’ which departed from Blairgowrie Railway Station, which once stood on Welton Road.
Distance: 13km / 8 miles | Approx time: 4+ hours
Terrain: At the start of the walk, you find gentle gradients with soft ground conditions. Stout footwear is recommended, and the walk is only really suitable for walkers.
Bealach Route and Killiecrankie
Killliecrankie is a lovely walk that takes you through the famous Killiecrankie Pass along the Tummel and Garry Rivers. If you’re planning a staycation in Pitlochry this autumn, it’s a great choice of walks to explore the region’s stunning scenery.
The walk is not for the faint of heart and has the option to take an even more challenging route if desired. In short, you can combine the adventure with a walk up Ben Vrackie!
Although it is a long walk, the chance of spotting wonderful native wildlife is pretty high. You could spot deer, badgers, pine marten and otters along the way.
The walk starts at Rie-Achan car park, Pitlochry centre. It takes you over open moorland above Pitlochry, offering stunning views of the region. The way back takes you through a gorge past the Soldier’s Leap before you reach the River Garry and Loch Faskally.
Distance: 16km / 10 miles | Approx time: 5 hours
Terrain: The terrain can be boggy in certain parts and takes you along minor roads. There’s also a hill section that takes you over Bealach, and then there’s a gentle gradient to Moulin from Pitlochry.
Fiddler’s Path
Another hidden gem found in Dunkeld, Fiddler’s Path, takes you along a glorious route past the ancient ruins of Dunkeld Cathedral.
The walk starts out at Athol St. car park in Dunkeld, and the circuit follows the River Tay along one bank before bringing you back along the opposite river bank.
Along the way, you’ll spot examples of Mother Larch and Niel Gow’s Oak, among other wonderful native trees found along this trail.
Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles | Approx time: 3 hours
Terrain: Waymarked tracks and paths.
Loch an Eilein
Another lovely gem of a walk, Loch an Eilein in Cairngorm National Park, makes for a great experience through a superb landscape. It’s the perfect hike for a family day out.
The walk takes you through the Forest of Rothiemurchus, a well-sheltered area thanks to the ancient Caledonian pines. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the 13th-century island castle along the way.
It’s a walk the whole family can enjoy and where native wildlife can be spotted, which includes the delightful Scottish crossbills and red squirrels that skirt about on the ground and up the trees.
Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles | Approx time: 2 hours
Terrain: Great footpaths around the Loch, and an extension takes you around Loch Gamhna, which is often muddy in certain areas as the pathway is not maintained.
Loch Tay from Killin
The Loch Tay from Killin Walk is a gloriously short route where you’ll enjoy lovely views over Loch Tay and Lochay and Dochart rivers.
The start of the walk can be found at the North East car park near the old railway at Killin.
The walk, which takes you along a level path, is fairly easy to follow. However, the final part tends to be boggier and rougher but can be avoided as it’s part of a loop.
Distance: 4.25km / 2.75 miles | Approx time: 1.25 to 1.5 hours
Terrain: Good, fairly level paths, although after wet weather, areas of the walk tend to be impassable.
Lastly,
Perthshire boasts some of the highest-rated restaurants and pubs in Scotland, where you’ll enjoy a genuinely warm welcome at our luxury hotel Perthshire is no exception.
Discovering the Highlands at any time of the year is a glorious experience. The natural surroundings, the lush valleys, majestic Munros and tranquil glens all make for a beautiful walking adventure surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Choosing to stay at Dunalastair Hotel Suites, a 5-star boutique hotel Perthshire, provides the ideal location to enjoy all the region has to offer at the start of the autumn in the Highlands.
Book your staycation with us today and enjoy our Stay 4 & save 20% and hearty Scottish Breakfast offer.