Kirkton Hill

The walk up Kirkton Hill takes you out of Perth proper and into proper Perthshire countryside within minutes. It's not a mountain - more of a determined hill - but the views back across the Tay valley and towards the Sidlaws make it worth the leg work.

The ascent is straightforward rather than technical. Allow a good hour up and back if you're not moving at pace, maybe ninety minutes if you want to linger at the top. The ground can be boggy after rain, so proper boots matter here. On a clear day you'll pick out the Cairngorms away to the north, which is the real reward for the effort.

Families with older primary school kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might find it a slog. There's nothing at the summit itself - no café, no facilities - so bring water and something to eat if you plan to stay up there.

It works well as a morning or late afternoon outing if you're based at Perth Caravan Park & Camp Site or the five-star Scone Camping and Caravanning Club Site just a few miles north. Neither spot requires you to drive far. The walk is free, obviously, and you can start from various points depending on how much punishment you fancy.

The hill itself sits between Perth and Kinrossshire, making it a decent option when you've exhausted the lower valley walks but don't fancy a full day in the higher hills. Worth doing once if you're in the area for a week.