Hermit's Cave

The walk to Hermit's Cave near Dunkeld is half the appeal - you'll scramble down a proper steep path through beech woodland until the Tay opens up below you, and there it is, a dark mouth in the sandstone cliff. The cave itself sits right on the riverbank, and on a quiet afternoon you'll hear nothing but the water and the occasional bird. Inside, it's modest - not some vast cathedral space, but intimate and atmospheric, the kind of place that makes you understand why someone might actually choose to live here centuries back.

This one rewards walkers and history buffs more than casual strollers. The river views are outstanding, and if you time it right (early morning or late afternoon), you'll have the place to yourself. The walk takes a good hour round trip depending on fitness, and the descent is steeper than it looks on the map - proper care needed if the ground's wet. It's free, which is excellent value given you're getting woodland, river scenery, and a genuine bit of Perthshire atmosphere rolled into one.

Camp at Inver Mill Farm just down the road and you've got a cracking base for exploring the Tay valley. The nearby Erigmore Holiday Park works too if you want a touch more facilities. Hermit's Cave pairs nicely with walks around Dunkeld itself - the town's got plenty of appeal beyond this single attraction, but if you're already in the area, the cave's absolutely worth the detour.