Hilton Hill

The walk up Hilton Hill takes you out of Perth quickly enough, and on a clear day the Perthshire views from the top are genuinely worth the leg work. It's not a dramatic peak by Scottish standards - more of a proper hill than a mountain - but that's rather the point. You get real perspectives on the Tay valley without needing specialist kit or six hours of daylight.

The ascent is straightforward and the terrain stays manageable throughout, which makes it popular with families who want something beyond a flat park stroll but aren't ready for Ben Lomond. Walkers with ankles that protest on steep ground will find this friendlier than most. Once up top, the landscape opens out across Perthshire - on good visibility days you're looking at genuine distance. It's the kind of spot where you understand why this corner of Scotland appealed to medieval kings.

Allow a couple of hours return trip from the carpark depending on fitness. There's no cafe or facilities at the summit, so bring water and something to eat if you're planning to linger. The path can be boggy in winter, so decent boots matter more than you'd think for what seems like a modest outing.

If you're camping at Perth Caravan Park or the excellent Scone Camping site just outside town, this makes an easy morning or afternoon excursion without the commitment of a full day's expedition. Head up before the light turns, and you'll have time to explore Perth itself afterward.