John's Hill

The walk up John's Hill takes roughly 45 minutes from Perth and rewards you with proper views across Perthshire - the kind of panorama that makes the climb feel entirely worthwhile. It's not a gruelling slog, though the final stretch does get a bit steep and the path can be muddy after rain, so decent boots aren't optional.

What you get at the top is a genuine sense of being somewhere, rather than just ticking off a viewpoint. On a clear day you can see across the city and far enough out to make the effort feel justified. The hill itself is open country - moorland and rough grass - so there's nothing to do up there except admire the view and sit down if you're knackered.

Walkers will find it satisfying; it's the kind of local spot that doesn't draw tour buses. Families with older kids can manage it fine, though small children might struggle with the final push. Skip it if you're after ruins or a café at the summit.

It works well as part of a wider exploration of Perthshire - hit it early morning before heading to any of the nearby parks like Greenhill Farm Glamping or Broadslap Farm if you're staying put for a few days. The walk is free, naturally, and you can do it any time of year, though winter brings muddy conditions and poor visibility more often than not. Go on a decent weather day and you won't regret the effort.