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LOCAL WALKS

There are many local walks that you can do right from your lodge, also miles of cycle trails.

www.pkc.gov.uk/cycling

Dunbarney Walk

This is a gentle round trip, which takes you through Dunbarney Estate where you are surrounded by hills. You can see deer, lots of pheasants and birds of prey. It takes about an hour. There are a few big houses on the estate. One in particular has a beautiful walled garden. There is a walled burial ground just before this, the site of the medieval parish church (Dunbarney Church was rebuilt in the 18th century in the village). The old churchyard has interesting 18th century headstones carved with symbols of trades etc. You can also see an old windmill tower on the estate.

Scott's View

Try one of Sir Walter Scott’s favourites, with stunning views from the Ochils. Sir Walter wrote ‘The Fair Maid of Perth’ in 1828, and described a view he had seen from Dron Hill, years earlier when he was a teenager. He was riding to Invermay House where he was in love with a young girl, ahhhhh! His route, The Wallace Road, was used by William Wallace and his men in the Scottish Wars of Independence. It was also used by royal parties travelling from Perth to Falkland Palace in Fife.

Moncreiffe Hill

The view from Moncreiffe Hill is well worth the climb. You can see the River Tay and Dundee, and across to The Kingdom of Fife, and the Lomond Hills. There are deer, red squirrels and birds of prey. There are the remains of two iron age hill forts. You can drive the mile or so to the Woodland Trust car park, to shorten the walk.

Sandyknowes

This is a little gem tucked away on the outskirts of Bridge of Earn, completely hidden by trees. It’s ideal for a gentle stroll around the loch and islands. It has a small café, which is full of character. The manager, Eoin, is very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. See ‘Fishing’ page. (June 2008, the fishery is closed until further notice due to a beaver problem! It's still a nice walk though.)

OTHER WALKS

There are many beautiful walks elsewhere in Perth and Perthshire. Try a few Munros, or for something less strenuous, a sculpture trail around Perth, the Norrie Miller Walk, by the River Tay, is an interesting alternative to the usual walk. There are some lovely views across the river to Perth.

Quarrymill Woodland Park, especially welcomes disabled and elderly visitors. They have a lovely café for lunch. Service is fantastic and always with a smile. All proceeds go to MacMillan House Cancer Care. Quarrymill is in Old Scone, near Scone Place.

Branklyn Garden in Perth, is a National Trust garden. It is said to be the most attractive small garden in Scotland. Here you can see the blue Himalayan Poppy.

www.branklyngarden.org.uk

The Hermitage at nearby Dunkeld is a popular walk for all ages, with a spectacular waterfall.

OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITES

Perthshire is the outdoor activities destination of Scotland.

Outdoor pursuits are abundant with pony trekking, cycling, walking, tennis, bowls and golf all available nearby, as well as some of the best fishing in the world.

The water sports enthusiast is extremely well-catered for at nearby Loch Tay and Lochearn. Experience a wide range of activities amidst spectacular scenery in Perthshire. Try river rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, to name but a few.

Skiing at Glenshee. Only a 50 minute drive from River Edge Lodges, is the UK’s most extensive ski area, extending over 4 mountains and 3 valleys. Glenshee’s impressive 38 runs cater for beginners right through to advanced.

www.ski-glenshee.co.uk

Don’t forget that perfect peace and quiet is available too, and Perthshire has many relaxing pursuits. Try archery, clay pigeon shooting, gold panning, guided walks, highland safaris, off-road driving and boating.

www.perthshire.co.uk

Or just enjoy the scenery without doing anything more energetic than breathing.

BEACHES AND LOCHS

St Andrews is a 40 minute drive. The beach is right next to The Old Course Golf Course. Kinshaldy Beach, Leuchars, near St Andrews, huge safe sandy beach.
Elie Beach, is down the coast a little from St Andrews they have watersports here (visit The Ship Inn for great food and atmosphere). Silver Sands, Aberdour. Award winning uncrowded beach, 30 mins drive away.

Loch Leven, a nature reserve, near Kinross, 15 mins drive away. Visit the RSPB Vane Farm nature reserve by Loch Leven. It has an observation room, nature trails, hides and a gift shop. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned on the island on Loch Leven. There is a wheelchair-friendly path around the loch side.

Loch Tay, Kenmore is a picturesque conservation village on the banks of Loch Tay. Visit the Scottish Crannog Centre there. It’s a recreated ancient crannog, built on stilts on Loch Tay. You can hire boats here too.

Perth Leisure Pool is an excellent award-winning facility for children and adults. It has a crèche, fitness and health suite, beauty salon, several pools, including toddler pool, and flumes. Right next door to the pool is Dewars Ice Rink - great fun for all the family. The rink is also used for skating and curling competitions.

Noah’s Ark A superb indoor playbarn. Also has go-karting, a driving range and ceramic painting and café.

www.noahs-ark.co.uk

Auchingarrich Wildlife Park at Comrie, near Crieff, a lovely day out. It has a cuddle barn where the children are encouraged to cuddle the baby chicks, hamsters, rabbits etc. You can also see the chicks hatching out. We always visit at Easter, when they have a huge egg hunt.

www.auchingarrich.co.uk

Savour Scotland – a year round experience – and remember for winter sports, whether curling in Perth’s famous ice rink, or skiing at Glenshee, you have an ideal base at River Edge Lodges. You can incorporate a weekend of skiing with some Christmas shopping in Perth.

Perthshire has something for everyone.