The stunning scenery of perfect Perthshire

Summertime is the time to get out and explore stunning Perthshire. The area is awash with colour during the summer months. Take in the vibrant hues of flowers and trees, admire the stunning views, keep an eye out for wildlife and fill your boots with myriad scenic walks.

Here are some of the best places to visit in the summer:

Cateran Trail Stage 3 – Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla

Auchintaple Loch is one of the Cateran Trail’s greatest scenic wonders. In the summertime, the area around it erupts in colour as the heather blossoms in late summer. Fantastic views of Mount Blair can be enjoyed from the tranquillity of the loch’s banks. River Ericht Path The River Ericht flows through the centre of Blairgowrie, bringing some refreshing sights and sounds in the warmer, summer months. Explore the long, scenic riverside path out of town and admire the water tumbling over small rapids and the birdsong of the woodlands that flank either side of the river. Birks of Aberfeldy The beautiful woodland of birks (Scots for birch trees) flanks waterfalls in the Moness gorge. A moderate-going, circular walk, including steps, follows the Moness Burn and climbs to a bridge over the Falls of Moness, which offers spectacular views into the gorge and of the waterfalls. The mist from the falls and canopy from overhanging trees provide a perfect escape from the summer heat. Glen Lednock

Peaceful and scenic, Glen Lednock brings together all the best aspects of an adventurous walk: woodland paths, a climb up a gorge, stunning flora, waterfalls, abundant wildlife and unrivalled views. The main attraction, seen from a wooden viewpoint, is the Deil’s Cauldron (meaning Devil’s Kettle) – a hollow in the gorge overhung by trees formed at the end of the last Ice Age – where the River Lednock falls into a wide pool and water swirls about madly as if it were boiling. Follow the paths up Dunmore Hill where you can see for miles, taking in the Ochils, Ben Vorlich, Loch Earn and the huge dam of Loch Lednock. Paths also run along the riverside through lovely deciduous woodland, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

For more walking inspiration this summer, and throughout the year, check out Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust’s interactive map, which highlights the best examples of natural events in Perthshire as they happen. Visit http://map.pkct.org

Glen Lednock has everything one could want in a countryside walk.