Balmanno Hill

The walk up Balmanno Hill from Perth takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a steady pace, and the payoff is a proper panoramic view across the Tay Valley. It's not particularly high - nothing that'll leave you gasping - but the vantage point is genuinely good, especially on a clear day when you can see right across towards the Ochil Hills.

What makes this more interesting than a lot of Perthshire walks is the mix of woodland and open ground. You're not trudging through forestry plantations the whole way; there's proper variety underfoot, and the hill itself feels like a proper hill rather than a gentle ramble. The views back towards Perth are worth the effort, though I'll be honest - if the weather's damp and misty, half the appeal vanishes.

It works well for families with teenagers who can handle a decent walk without moaning about it, and history buffs might appreciate the fact you're looking at terrain that's shaped centuries of Perthshire life. Allow a couple of hours from Perth town centre and back. There's no facilities on the hill itself, so take water.

If you're staying at Maycroft Retreat - a cracking spot just four and a half miles away - this makes a proper half-day outing before heading back for tea. It fills the gap nicely between a full-day expedition and something you'd do in an afternoon. Free to access, as these things usually are.