Autumn on Kinnoull Hill, Perth

The summit of Kinnoull Hill itself is only around 700 (222 metres) feet above sea level, small in comparison to its cousins in the north of the county but as a native of the Fair City, the views (especially to the north) have captivated me for a lifetime!

Park at the Jublilee car park located around 1 mile outside the city limits on the unclassified road running from Perth to Kinfauns - cross the road and go through the gate ahead. Two waymarked woodland tracks can be followed to Kinnoull Hill Tower, a folly, which Lord Gray built around 1829 in imitation of the castles on the Rhine in Germany, as proud landmarks above the Tay, Scotland's longest river.

The yellow route forks left and initially skirts the colourful Scots pine; birch and oak dominated woodlands. The alternative route carries on straight ahead up a short incline then levels out amongst tall Scots pine before climbing again and eventually meets the yellow route on its way to the Tower. Keep you're eyes peeled for red squirrels and elusive roe deer ¿ a joy to watch in their native environment and the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare plants that can be found in the woodland. Higher up, the path runs closer to the cliffs and care is required here especially with youngsters and dogs.

Shortly you will come across the Tower, grandly located at the edge of the 370 million year old cliffs, overlooking the River Tay and down towards Glencarse with fabulous views towards the Ochil and Lomond hills. From the tower continue on down a usually muddy track which continues to skirt round the cliffs and climbs to the stone table built by the 9th Earl of Kinnoull as a place to picnic. From here it's a short climb to the summit marker with spectacular views to the Cairngorm mountains in the north, the Loch Earn hills in the west and the Ochil and Lomond hills in the south - the countryside interspersed with a vibrant autumnal hue.

To return to the Jubilee car park - continue to descend the yellow route towards the Quarry car park and follow the route east before the quarry car park is reached - continuing along the yellow route will bring you back to the walk start.

A Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park walks guide is available from the local Tourist Information Centre.

Click here for further information.