Winter walks around Perthshire

January

Hi Everyone,

WOW! Autumn has once again been stunning here in Highland Perthshire and as the last of the leaves begin to fall and the landscape starts to take on a more wintery feel, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to live here. There is no ‘best time’ to visit really, because each season brings its own unique colours and vistas. It is truly a magical place; little wonder then that lovers of the great outdoors have been entranced for centuries about walking in Highland Perthshire.

When I first moved to the area I thought that summer would be the time that I’d pull on my walking boots and get out and about with the dogs.  But you know, from October to March is when the serious hikers and walkers descend on Perthshire, keen to take advantage of the landscape’s barren trees – the views, you see, go on for miles when not interrupted by the lushness of spring and summer.  Wrapped up warm and with careful planning this is a time unlike any other.

I have chatted to many people about their favourite walks at this time of year and   

Lets start with one of my favourites, The Falls of Bruar near Blair Atholl is renowned for its stone bridges that give breathtaking views of the gorge and the falls. This is a fairly simple walk and easily manageable for beginners. It is quite short – only one and half miles – and has clear paths across it. There are some steep sections and you get a great stride going out. Park at House of Bruar and while you’re there nip in and enjoy some of their amazing homebaking and have a browse of their fabulous shop. It’s a great day out!

We can’t possibly talk about walks in Highland Perthshire and not do Queens View! It is another short walk – about 2.5 miles start to finish – but is so iconic in the area I’d say it was a must for even the most seasoned hiker! You will walk through waymarked forest trails and enjoy the gorgeous mixed trees and scenery along the way.  Coming out at the famous Queen’s View point other highlights include the restored black house and a ring fort. Start at Allean Forest walks car park.   There’s a great review for walking it in the snow here.

For the serious walkers among you try the stunning walk from Ben Chonzie via Glen Lednock. This is some eight miles in length and will take you a little longer than half a day but it is worth every minute as you climb to the highest summit in this heather strewn moorland. If you do like to bag a munro or two you’ll find it a fairly easy climb and it’s a good starter hill for new hikers.  The track is easy with a moorland path that can ge difficult to follow in places so you do need to keep your wits about you. Its boggy in parts but nothing too bad and certainly easy enough when you’re well equipped in the right gear.  The walk can be approached by using the Deil' Cauldron route or at the start of Coishavachan track at Glen Lednock.

If you do come to Perthshire to walk when it’s snowing then please do make sure you’re well equipped. It requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly – if you want some fantastic advice then I find the walk highlands website really useful.

Felicity Martin has also produced some fantastic books all about walking in Perthshire and these are inexpensive and can be bought from her website directly before travelling. 

Self-catering is a perfect option for walkers – you will find space to hang wet clothes, store your boots and all the home comforts that you need after a day on the moors and hills.   Please do let me know if I can help you with anything to make your walking stay even more enjoyable.

Bea X