A worthwhile climb that offers spectacular views to distant peaks and closer summits

Views are probably the main reason people go on walks and they attract millions of visitors to the fantastic Scottish outdoors. For good reason – we have some of the best in the world. So why would you even think of ruining them?

The countryside is there to be enjoyed by all but it is also a place where people live, and they need to work. So, exceptions to preserving landscape are made – most controversially in the case of wind farms or forestry

Above Pitlochry, the Clunie Path has for many years given walkers the chance to enjoy great views over Strathtay to distant mountains, as well as closer summits such as Ben Vrackie and the Beinn a’Ghlo range.

But now, according to a sign at the edge of the forestry, 150,000 more trees are to be planted. Many will be native but many others will be nonnative commercial conifers. All will surely hinder views.

Surely the balance is not being met here and it could be seen as an example of parts of the country where common ground between competing interests needs to be found.

What is required is some kind of strategy. The Scottish Government does not seem to have a dedicated rural strategy covering all sectors at the same time. One solution, in part, would be the creation of more National Parks but the current Holyrood administration shows no signs of backing any new ones.

National Parks are a way of bringing people together and forming a strategy for a whole region.

When it comes to the Clunie Path I would say that, while forestry is important, it is not as valuable as tourism.

The natural sunrise and sunset can’t be seen from the stone circle any more as it is surrounded by forestry but you can make a detour to visit it on this walk. (When you reach grid reference NN927558, instead of turning right, go ahead for 183m (600ft) and see it on the right of the track.)

For something a bit more strenuous. Go above Pitlochry to the pretty village of Moulin, with a wonderful pub, and continue up to the Corbett of Ben Vrackie, a pointy summit with great views.

Very strenuous: Head north up the A9 and turn off at Blair Atholl to start the ascent of the three Munros of the Beinn a’Ghlo range.

The summit of Ben Vrackie above Pitlochry Top tip: Be prepared for snow and ice in the winter. The weather in Scotland could best be described as changeable, so make sure you are ready for anything when you head into the hills.