Falls of Bruar

The River Bruar doesn't just trickle through this corner of Perthshire - it crashes down in a series of proper theatrical drops that make the walk up worthwhile even on a drizzly afternoon. You'll follow well-maintained paths through beech and pine woodland, crossing the river twice on sturdy bridges before reaching the main falls. The lower falls are impressive enough, but push on to the upper cascade and you get the full drama - water tumbling over dark rock with spray catching the light when the sun's out.

It's a solid two-hour outing for most people, maybe three if you're taking photos or dawdling. The path isn't brutal but it's not flat either - there's genuine climbing, so bring decent boots. Families with older kids will manage fine, though toddlers might struggle with the ascent. Walkers and photographers are really the audience here; this isn't a sit-about-and-eat-ice-cream kind of spot. Access appears to be free and there's a small car park at the start near the Bruar Falls House, which sells refreshments if you've worked up an appetite.

Stay at Blair Castle Caravan Park, just 3.4 miles away near Pitlochry, and you've got a cracking base for exploring this stretch of the Tay valley. Parkdean Resorts Tummel Valley, five miles south, is also top-rated if you want more facilities. The falls fit neatly into a day spent working through the Perthshire hiking circuit - this is genuine Highland scenery without needing to trek for hours.