Perth Riverside Walks

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
2 kms	00:45 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 369: Perth & Kinross

Description

View from Bellwood Park with Millais Sculptures in foreground

At 120 miles/193km the River Tay is the longest in Scotland and has the largest volume of flow of any river in Britain. The North Inch parkland in Perth is a pleasant green space in the heart of the city where walkers can enjoy open views of this mighty watercourse from a good circular path. There are a number of riverside seats en route and flood prevention works, installed in 1999, provide an interesting talking point. Below the old Perth Bridge there is a memorial to the Cameronians and the 51st Highland Division.

For a longer walk follow the path beneath the Perth Bridge and up on to Tay Street, where you'll find artwork and sculptures on the beautifully crafted riverside wall. This spot is also a good vantage point for wildlife watching - the river is home to a wide variety of waterfowl and internationally important populations of salmon and otter. Grey seals can sometimes be seen bobbing comically about in the water below the bridges. Cross the river by the Queen's Bridge and turn right into the secluded Rodney Gardens. The floral displays here are impressive and maintained by the local authority as part of the Perthshire in Bloom initiative. Continue eastwards on the riverside path to encounter more dramatic sculptures and excellent views of the city skyline.

The route then joins up with a railway footbridge which crosses back over the river to join up once again with Tay Street and the way back to the North Inch.

Access Info

The North Inch is the best starting point for these walks and is easily accessible from the centre of Perth. There is a public car park at Bell's Sports Centre, close to the North Inch.

Additional Info

Perth Tourist Information Centre can provide a free outline map of Perth City Centre, which includes the riverside.

The Black Watch Museum is located in Balhousie Castle in Hay Street, well worth a visit and within easy walking distance of the North Inch. Admission is free and the museum houses fascinating displays on two and a half centuries of military history of the 42nd/73rd Highland Regiments.

Free Big Tree Country Guide available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre. Packed with information on walking, cycling and wildlife watching at over 65 woodland and countryside sites, this is the ideal companion to help you explore Perthshire's great outdoors. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk