The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
A great time in the great OUTDOORS
Summer in Perthshire is bursting with opportunities for family fun – from watery adventures to forest walks and a healthy dose of historical fun. There is no shortage of things and places to enjoy with the family right through the holidays.
Get out into Perthshire’s Big Tree Country to explore some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. From The Birks of Aberfeldy, where Robert Burns was said to have been inspired by the spectacular gorge and the roar of the Falls of Moness, to the waymarked natural trails of Woodland Park at Kinnoull Hill right on the Fair City’s doorstep or the atmospheric Hermitage with its Victorian folly, you don’t need to travel far to be able to get away from it all in Perthshire.
Check out the forest trails on the southern shores of Loch Rannoch or enjoy the stunning views across Loch Tummel to Schiehallion from The Queen’s View before resting tired legs at the nearby visitor centre and tea room.
For specific wilderness adventures, look out for events such as Primal Bushcraft and Survival at Scone
Palace, where all the family can hone their archery skills in the forest and learn about wilderness living.
If you and your family love watery adventures, you are in for a treat in Perthshire. Boasting beautiful watercourses including the majestic Loch and River Tay, plus beautiful secluded lochs or stretches of wild water, there is something to excite people of all ages.
Why not explore the area from the water on a river or boat cruise or make the most of Highland Perthshire’s reputation as the adventure capital of Scotland with an adrenaline-fuelled white water rafting trip, a spot of canyoning or paddle boarding.
For adventures of a motorised variety, treat yourself or your family to a 4x4 driving experience in a Land Rover or find out how to get to grips with different kinds of terrain on a quad bike tour. Segways are a more sedate approach to travel but also offer a fun way to cover ground and spot local wildlife.
Perthshire’s scenery is perfect for exploring on two wheels and many destinations offer mountain bike hire.
Comrie Croft offers a great network of trails for all levels and runs classes to help youngsters gain confidence biking off-road on Wednesdays throughout July and August.
For riders of a different kind, one of
You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an osprey
the most popular events on the local calendar is Family Raceday at Perth Racecourse. Falling on July 14 this year, the Centre Course enclosure is filled with activities such as Bubble Football, archery and an inflatable assault course plus all the excitement of first-class jump racing.
Perthshire is steeped in history, with an array of fascinating castles to visit and museums such as The Black Watch Museum engaging younger visitors with stories of the past.
Scone Palace, where kings were crowned and peacocks roam the lawns, Blair Castle with its adventure playground and Red Deer Park or Loch Leven’s island castle all have plenty to offer visitors young and old.
On August 10, the City of Perth Medieval Fayre will celebrate Perth’s ancient roots with a day of free events and activities in the city centre.
Perthshire is also home to some of Scotland’s best sites for spotting wildlife. Treat the family to a Land Rover trip with Highland Safaris to get right into the wilderness and have the chance to see red deer, grouse, mountain hare and even golden eagles in the company of a knowledgeable kilted safari ranger.
Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre is also a great spot for mini animal lovers. Home to 50 different species, visitors have the chance to meet the animals and learn more about them from the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Bird spotters should head to RSPB Loch Leven where the woodland and wetland trails are perfect for little legs to explore and you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an osprey in the summertime.
Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve near Dunkeld is home to a pair of breeding ospreys, nesting just 150m from the observation hide. Family events, interactive displays and the chance to spot red squirrels and woodpeckers all make for a great day out.