Dundee Botanic Gardens (5.5 miles)
This loop begins on Nethergate in the city centre, a short walk from the railway station. Head towards Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) - a moden-art gallery with changing exhibitions. Entry is free and a cinema and café are incorporated. Continue up Nethergate which becomes Perth Road. You will pass the Speedwell Bar, famed for its historic Edwardian interior and wide selection of whiskies. Three ales are usually on.
Follow Perth Road to the Botanic Garden which is owned by the University of Dundee. There is a modest admission charge and the sprawling garden contains a wide variety of plants. Or simply just relax on a bench in the pleasant surroundings! Peering through gaps in the trees reveals the runway at Dundee Airport.
Exit the gardens and head back up towards Perth Road. Turn back towards the city centre but take a left up Glamis Road and then right on to Blackness Road. We are basically paralleling Perth Road and we soon pass Victoria Park. Here we have the option of following the signed route up the adjacent Balgay Hill which has a public observatory at the 500-feet summit. Admission is free. A map showing the various paths up Balgay Hill can be viewed here.
Bowl down Blackness Road until you reach Urquhart Street. Turn left here then right along Brook Street. This becomes Guthrie Street and you can follow the Brown sign down West Henderson's Wynd to the Verdant Works - a superb museum explaining the history of the jute industry in Dundee. Make your way back along Marketgait to the start point of the walk. The Phoenix Bar is a haven for real-ale lovers and the Tail End fish & chips restaurant is just a couple of doors down.
