Pitlochry Recreation Ground

The Recreation Ground sits right on Pitlochry's doorstep, a proper local spot rather than a tourist trap. It's woodland and open grassland rolled together, with decent walking trails that take you through the trees and alongside the River Tummel. Nothing flashy, but on a clear day the views up to the surrounding hills are genuinely pleasant.

Walkers will get the most from it - families with younger kids might manage an hour or so before restlessness sets in, unless you're the type to let them climb trees and splash about in the grass. The trails are well-maintained and not steep, so it's accessible for most fitness levels. Spring and summer are obviously best, though it's fine most of the year.

What makes it work is proximity to everything else Pitlochry has going for it. The town itself has proper restaurants and the famous dam with its fish ladder if the kids fancy seeing salmon jumping. Milton Of Fonab Caravan Park is practically on top of the Recreation Ground - less than a five-minute walk - making it ideal if you're basing yourselves there. Faskally Woods Holiday Park is just over two miles away and gives you easy access to both the ground and Pitlochry's main attractions.

Free to wander, no specific opening times that I can find - it's one of those places you just turn up to. Best visited early morning if you want it quieter, especially in summer when the town gets rammed with coach tours. Allow an hour minimum if you're doing a proper walk.