Cairngorms National Park
Twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.
Loch of the Lowes
Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 0HH
This Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre and reserve covers 130 hectares. From early April to late August, the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys, which nest just 150 metres from our observation hide. You can also spot red squirrels, woodpeckers and other woodland birds from the viewing windows.
Queens View
Named after Queen Victoria herself who visited in 1866, Queen's View, just outside of Pitlochry, overlooks the glorious Loch Tummel and boasts an unforgettable view. Enjoy a variety of levels of walks in the area that are suitable for the whole family and see if you can spot the towering Schiehallion in the distance too. Head to the visitor centre for spot of lunch in the café and read up about the forests and surrounding Perthshire area.
Faskally Wood
Situated within the Tay Forest Park, Faskally Wood is home to a wide range of tree species, some more than 200 years old, as well as hosting the popular Enchanted Forest event which takes place here in October each year. Within the forest, explore the tranquil Loch Dunmore which features its own boat house and picturesque timber footbridge. Or head along one of the many trails and signposted paths to enjoy views over the lochside trees, marvel at the blossoming buds in spring and in autumn you can admire the stunning blends of reds and purples.
Perthshire Wildlife
This local company offer a range of wildlife experiences including: Beaver Safaris where you can observe European beavers living wild on the River Tay catchment; Beautiful Bluebells; Batty Supersenses; Spooky Species and foraging events to learn about what’s safe (and not!) to eat from the wild.
RSPB Loch of Kinnordy
B951, Kirriemuir DD8 5HT
This shallow loch is situated in a natural basin surrounded by farmland and attracts all types of wildlife. One favourite summer visitor is the osprey, but you're just as likely to see otters, red squirrels and deer as wildfowl, not to mention butterflies and dragonflies aplenty.
Nature Nuts
Treetops, Victoria Street, PH10 7AG
As seen on TV, Bob from Nature Nuts offers bespoke wildlife and nature tours. Current specialities are pine martins and beavers. Bob has his own woodland hide.
The Reekie Linn, Bridge of Craigisla
A pair of joined waterfalls on the River Isla just north of Alyth at Bridge of Craigisla. The River Isla flows south from the Cairngorms Mountains through Glen Isla before merging with the River Tay south of Dunkeld, and when it’s in spate the double-falls at the Reekie Linn become one massive, surging torrent.
Branklyn Garden
116 Dundee Road, Perth, PH2 7BB
This attractive garden, a peaceful haven within walking distance of Perth city centre, was developed by John and Dorothy Renton in the early 1920s after they built their Arts & Crafts-inspired house. It’s set on the side of Kinnoull Hill, overlooking Perth.
Black Spout Waterfall
Situated to the south of Pitlochry, the Black Spout Wood takes its name from the impressive Black Spout waterfall. Venture on a wander to see the impressive 60 metre waterfall up close, which is easily accessible from the centre of Pitlochry on foot. There are various waymarked paths that meander through the woods leading to the carefully positioned viewing platform that offers dramatic views over the waterfall.
Killiecrankie Gorge
Killiecrankie Gorge was once the site of one of the goriest battles in Jacobite history. Head to the visitor centre where you can find out more about this famous battle, alongside the fascinating geology, wildlife and history of the area. Take a short walk to marvel at the 18ft-wide Soldier's Leap, admire the stunning views along the way, and if you continue on the path you will reach the southern end of the Pass of Killiecrankie. During rainy spells, keep an eye out for salmon leaping at the falls beneath the Soldier's Leap - it's quite a sight to see!
The Falls of Bruar
One of Highland Perthshire’s prime beauty spots for over 200 years. The Falls of Bruar is a set of picturesque waterfalls on Bruar Water, near Blair Atholl. The falls are set in a beautiful 18th-century plantation, designed as a scenic landscape by the Duke of Atholl, who was inspired by the poet Robert Burns to create an idyllic woodland delight of trees, paths, and bridges to augment the natural beauty of the waterfalls. The falls can be accessed from The House of Bruar car park. The 2km path can be steep and there are often areas that can be a challenging climb, but you will be surrounded by extraordinary scenery that cant be found elsewhere.