King's Seat

The walk up King's Seat rewards you with proper views across Perthshire - the sort of vista that makes you understand why someone bothered naming a hill after royalty. It's a straightforward climb from Perth, nothing technical, just a steady pull uphill through mixed woodland that opens onto moorland near the top. Allow a couple of hours there and back, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the summit.

This is walker territory, plainly. Families with young kids might find the ascent a bit much, though older children who enjoy being outdoors will get through it fine. The appeal is honest rather than showy - you're after good air, leg work, and genuine countryside rather than facilities or interpretation boards. Weather makes a real difference here. Pick a clear day and the panorama justifies the effort. Catch it in mist and you'll be squinting at your boots for most of the climb.

The site itself is free to access, as these Scottish peaks tend to be. What you'll need is decent footwear and a reasonable level of fitness. The ground can be boggy after rain, so timing matters. If you're based at one of the nearby camping spots - Beech Hedge is well-reviewed and sits within reasonable striking distance - King's Seat works as a proper half-day outing rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with other walks in the area around Perth and you've got a solid hiking itinerary. It's worth doing once you're in the region, though don't go out of your way solely for this one.