Hill of Dores

The walk up Hill of Dores catches you off guard with how quickly the landscape opens up. You're looking at genuinely sweeping views across Perthshire the moment you crest the top - proper countryside unfolding in every direction. It's not a massive summit, but that's rather the point. The climb is straightforward enough for most abilities, though the final push is a bit steep for what is essentially a local hill.

This one suits walkers who want a proper outing without committing to an all-day expedition. Families with primary-school-age kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might flag on the approach. The views are the whole story here - no visitor facilities, no cafe, no heritage plaque. Just you, the Perthshire hills, and on clear days, sight lines that make you understand why people stay in this part of the world.

Allow two to three hours round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. There's no entrance fee, naturally. The best light hits the summit in late afternoon, so plan accordingly if you want to photograph it properly.

If you're staying at Beech Hedge, just outside Perth and rated highly by most visitors, Hill of Dores makes an excellent afternoon venture. It's close enough not to waste a morning driving, but feels properly remote once you're up there. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect solitude on weekends.