The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Springtime glories throughout county
Springtime in Perthshire is a sight to behold, as the frost and snowdrops give way to stunning flora and fauna, including carpets of bluebells in May.
Wherever you go in the county this spring, you will find breathtaking scenery and if you want a few tips on the best spots there is no one better to turn to that Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust.
Here are its top picks:
Cluny House Gardens Wander through this wonderful wild woodland garden and discover rare and exotic plants from around the world merged with native species to create the unique atmosphere of a Himalayan woodland paradise.
This is the best site in Perthshire to see red squirrels. Watch as they run through the canopy and around Britain’s widest tree – a 130-year-old giant redwood. www.clunyhousegardens.com
Lady Mary’s Walk A circular wooded walk provides a peaceful stroll along an avenue of mature oak, beech, lime and sweet chestnut trees beside the picturesque River Earn.
A favourite of Lady Mary Murray, the path was opened to the people of Crieff in 1825.
Kinnoull Hill Kinnoull Hill provides a dramatic backdrop to Scotland’s Fair City and is visible throughout Perth.
The woodland park forms a tranquil haven for people and wildlife with miles of grassy paths and waymarked nature trails through fine mixed woodlands.
The distinctive folly near the summit was built in the 19th Century as a reflection of the castles on the banks of the Rhine. Its neighbour, Deuchny Hill, is surmounted by the remains of an Iron Age fort.
In common with other private sites at that time, Kinnoull Hill was part of a designed landscape with carefully laid out walks and drives.
Faskally Wood A network of old estate paths lead round the small but picturesque Loch Dunmore, with its timber bridge and boat house.
The short walk around Loch Dunmore is particularly scenic and has recently been updated to Access for All standards.
Come and see the forest in spring when the trees are in bud or in autumn when reflections fill the loch with shimmering colour.
The Ardblair Trail and Bluebell Wood This circular path from Blairgowrie takes in fertile countryside, two small lochs and a wood that is rich in wildlife and, in late spring, carpeted with bluebells. Swans, coots and moorhens can often be seen at White Loch.
For more walking inspiration this spring and throughout the year, check out the trust’s interactive map, which highlights the best examples of natural events in Perthshire as they happen. www.map.pkct.org