Forum menu
We are heading off to Dunkeld this weekend with kids. Although they are quite robust they do whinge a bit, so looking for a family friendly hill walk of 2 - 3 hrs, ideally with a summit so they have a sense of achievement. Any recommendations?
edit: we walked around The Hermitage last time so looking for somewhere different this time
Birnam Hill, and tales of Macbeth.
Or towards Loch Ordie and the wee hill overlooking that (sorry can't remember the name of it).
Edit: Deuchary Hill
Birnam Hill looks ideal, thanks
You can also walk over to the loch of the Lowe's to see the Ospreys, not a circular but not to strenuous.
A proper hill just 15 mins up the A9 Ben Vrackie not too far off a being a Munro or just walking along the Tay or even better ride a bike in the woods there. The Hermitage, Craigvinean but watch out for the ghost of Colin McRae
If you like trees, and don't mind that there's not really a hill, the arboretum (from the cathedral up to the hilton and back) is a nice loop
I'd also recommend the arboretum walk, it's completely flat but it's really pleasant and follows the river.
Loch of the Lowers is also good- we saw the ospreys two weeks ago, and the babies will have hatched now. If you got a dusk you may get to see the beavers too.
Birnam Hill is very steep to go up from the North side, it is fine for going down though.
The path from near the rail station bridge takes you the long way round, going round the bottom on the east, then up the south side. Most of it is well trodden, so an easy enough walk, albeit a few sections of steepness. There are a few false summits too, which can be a bit of a downer.
The summit is great, views all around. Take some binoculars.Ben Vrackie from there is spectaular.
Another short walk is along the river, cross toward Birnam from Dunkeld, go down the steps at the toll house on the bridge, then follow the river. You'll pass the Birnam Oak and a huge sycamore that the kids can squeeze into.Carry on to the end of the path, and a lot of steps take you up to Birnam House caravan park, there is a nice bar there. Then either return the way you came, or go through Birnam and look around the Beatrix Potter garden, and get the kids to find all the characters.
The Hermitage has a number of longer walks too, local tourist office will have the maps. I've not been for 2 years, the bridge over the river, near the waterfall was shut then due to a landslide, so the walks werent possible, but I presume it has been repaired now. Quite a few red squirells in that wood.
If you like trees, and don’t mind that there’s not really a hill, the arboretum (from the cathedral up to the hilton and back) is a nice loop
You can extend this by going past the hotel up to the road bridge, cross the river and then return on the western bank. This takes you past Neal Gow’s oak, past the station and then back into Dunkeld over the main road bridge.
Don’t forget to buy cake from Flora (Aran bakery) and have a drink in the Tay Bank beer garden.
The Hermitage. EDIT - just seen you've done that, sorry - read before replying
A proper hill just 15 mins up the A9 Ben Vrackie not too far off a being a Munro
Its a Corbett. Rode it on wednesday. weather and views were stunning.