Former Saw Mill

The remnants of an old sawmill sit quietly beside the river near Dunkeld, a place where industrial Scotland once made its mark on the landscape. There's not much left to see now - mostly stone foundations, the occasional bit of machinery half-buried in moss, and the water channel that once powered the whole operation. It's the kind of spot that appeals to anyone interested in how people actually worked and lived in rural Perthshire a century or two back, rather than those looking for a showy visitor attraction.

You'll want to allow a good half-hour to wander around and take in the layout. The setting itself is rather lovely - you're right by the river with proper woodland around you, so even if the archaeological remains don't grip you, the walk there makes it worthwhile. Bring decent boots; the ground can be boggy depending on recent rainfall.

Families with older kids who like a bit of detective work - figuring out what each bit of stone was used for - tend to get more from it than toddlers will. Walkers moving between Dunkeld and other riverside paths find it sits naturally on a longer route. History enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Scottish industrial heritage, should make the effort.

Both Inver Mill Farm and Erigmore Holiday Parks are just a few miles away, making this an easy morning outing if you're staying in the area. It's free to visit as far as anyone knows, though access is informal - just be respectful of the site. Go when the ground's dry and take your time; there's something quite moving about standing where people once laboured to make a living from the river.