Kinnoull Hill from Perth (3 miles)
Perth is a compact city and it's easy to make your way down to the banks of the River Tay. Stroll up to where the road begins to bend away from the water and head left along Bridge Lane. Here you will find Perth Museum & Art Gallery and the adjacent Concert Hall. Entry to the museum is free and an interesting exhibit is the Carpow logboat which was excavated from the Tay and dates from the Bronze Age.
Head back downstream to where the railway crosses the river. Various information boards give details of Perth's industrial heritage. The railway bridge has a pedestrian walkway which takes us across the river with Moncrieffe Island below. Keep to the pathway on the other side until you see a long flight of steps to your left. The rake of the staircase is shallow and eventually you emerge at the busy A85. Turn right, cross over and after a short distance you will see a brown sign for Branklyn Garden. Owned by the National Trust, the garden has an admission charge and features an exotic array of plants and a small tea room.
For access to the hill, turn left before the garden entrance up a signed path, going straight over the next crossroads. Keep following the indicated route through woodland and over open ground to reach the summit. A large stone table has been built and is a perfect spot for a bite to eat. The views are excellent. You can also wander round to the tower - a folly which is perched on the edge of the escarpment.
Work your way back down towards the city. As you cross the rail bridge, a domed building pokes its head up. This is the Fergusson Art Gallery which is housed in an old water tower. Entry is free and it's worth having a look around.
PUB STOPS - The Capital Asset occupies an old bank building on the banks of the Tay. You will already have passed it in the early stages of the walk. A good range of ales is available.
