Craig Formal

The walk up Craig Formal rewards you with panoramic views across Perthshire that stretch for miles on a clear day. It's a proper hill rather than a mountain - steep enough to feel like proper exercise, but not so technical that you need ropes and experience. From Aberfeldy, you're looking at a straightforward approach that takes most people two to three hours up and down at a leisurely pace.

The summit itself is peaceful and relatively quiet compared to the busier Perthshire peaks. You get views down the Tay Valley and across to the surrounding hills, which is particularly striking in autumn when the lower slopes turn copper and gold. It's the kind of hill that works well for walkers who want a decent climb without the crowds you'd find on Ben Lawers or the other showpiece peaks nearby.

This isn't a hill for very young children or casual strollers - the climb is genuine and the paths can be boggy in places. But teenagers and reasonably fit adults will find it manageable and satisfying. There's nothing at the summit itself - no café, no facilities - so bring everything you need. Spring through early autumn are the best times, when the ground isn't waterlogged and visibility tends to be reasonable.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Pitilie Pods is excellent and only twenty minutes away - Craig Formal makes for a proper day out that doesn't require driving far. Pair it with a wander round Aberfeldy town itself or a visit to nearby woodland walks to make a fuller day of it.