Buckie Braes

The Braes overlook the River Tay from the eastern edge of Perth, and it's the sort of spot you stumble upon rather than plan for. There's a car park, some picnic tables scattered about, and proper views across the water to the rolling hills beyond. It's genuinely pleasant - not dramatic, but quietly good for an hour or so.

You won't find much infrastructure here. It's a simple setup: turn up, spread out a blanket, eat your sandwiches, maybe let the kids run about on the grass. The riverside walk is gentle enough, though nothing that'll keep anyone entertained for hours. If you're staying at Scone Camping and Caravanning Club Site just a few miles south, this makes a natural afternoon stop without much faffing about.

The real value is in the pause rather than the destination. Families with younger children will get a kick out of the open space and the water views. Anyone stopping over in Perth before heading further into Tayside won't find it a wasted detour. Just don't expect facilities - there's no shop, no cafe, no loos that I could find. Bring your own food and drink, and ideally pick a decent day, because there's no shelter to speak of.

It's free, obviously, and you can turn up whenever suits. Dead useful if you're breaking up a caravan site stay and need a change of scenery for lunch.