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Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff
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This walk was a favourite of Lady Mary Murray, whose family were local landowners in the early 19th century. The route is one of the most popular in Perthshire and provides a peaceful stroll beside the picturesque River Earn, along an avenue of mature oak, beech, lime and sweet chestnut trees. Some of the larger trees are in the region of 150 to 200 years old. The walk is a delight at any time of year and is particularly photogenic in the late autumn when the beech trees are a riot of rust and gold. Herons, kingfishers, grey wagtails, oystercatchers and dippers live on the river and otters have been seen at dusk.
There are many well placed seats and viewpoints along the way - perfect for a relaxing picnic.
The walk became accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs when Perth and Kinross Council upgraded the surface a few years ago. A circuit of about 3.5 miles/5.5 km is possible using the level riverside section and Laggan Road, an old drove road that runs parallel to the river. Much of the path is 3 metres wide, where it narrows the width does not drop below 2 metres. The path is well signposted. Car parking is at Taylor Park/MacRosty Park car park which is located just 500 metres from the gate where the accessible road to Lady Mary's Walk begins.
From the car park cross the Turret Burn by the stone bridge, then take the second road on the left. (Avoid the other path to the left which is marked Lady Mary's Walk, this approach is quite rough and has a narrow gate). Turn left at the crossroads and follow the track that goes over the disused railway line to join the riverside path for 1½ miles. The walk then swings away from the river and up a short hill, completing the circuit by returning along Laggan Road.
Lady Mary's Walk is part of the Crieff Waymarked Walks network. Comprehensive leaflet available from the local VisitScotland Information Centre in Crieff. Wheelchair users can also pick up another excellent leaflet entitled `Bob Bennett Walks - Lady Mary's Walk`. Bob is a wheelchair user with a zest for the outdoors. He has extensively researched, audited and assessed tracks and walkways for people with disabilities. Further details from the local VisitScotland Information Centre
T: 01764 652578
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Bennybeg Nature Trail, by Crieff
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This delightful nature trail lies just off the A822 between Crieff and Muthill. Wheelchair users can enjoy a circular route of approximately 1 mile/1.5km past a dramatic vertical rock face (which is part of a volcanic dyke) through woodland and then on to the tranquil Bennybeg pond.
Ample parking is available beside the Ceramic Experience Visitor Centre. The café within the centre is accessible for wheelchair users. Further details from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Crieff. T: 01764 652578
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Den of Alyth, Alyth, by Blairgowrie
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Den is from the Scots dialect meaning `wooded glen`. The Den of Alyth has several walks of varying length through the deep, shady glen of the Alyth Burn amongst mixed open woodland. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Den is notable for being naturally seeded and directly descended from the original deciduous woodland that once covered great swathes of lowland Scotland.
As well as being a quiet place to walk the Den is a place to rest, picnic and watch the varied wildlife. Oak, ash and birch trees are home to small birds like treecreepers and great tits, while dippers and grey wagtails live by the waterside.
There are three car parks at different locations, a picnic area and some play facilities at the southern end. One of the walking trails at the eastern end of the Den has been upgraded to provide approximately ½ mile/1km of fully accessible paths giving access to the riverside, through woodlands and open spaces. The paths are now a minimum of 1.5 metres wide (with many sections nearer 2 metres) on a smooth hard surface suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and a range of other disabilities. They form a circular route either from the car park or from the pedestrian gateway from the pavement leading from Alyth town centre. There is one slope leading to and from the car park, but flat resting points have been built into the pathway to allow for stopping.
Further details from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Blairgowrie T: 01250 872960
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Loch Leven Heritage Trail - Kinross to Pow Burn
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Set amongst rolling hills, Loch Leven is the sparkling jewel of Kinross-shire and a National Nature Reserve of international significance. It provides a home to an abundance of wildlife, most notably migratory geese and breeding ducks. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail gives access to some of the most attractive parts of the loch, allowing wheelchair users to experience its remarkable history and nature at first hand. The initial part of the trail opened in 2007 and runs 3.5 miles/ 5.7km from The Pier/Kirkgate Park, near the centre of Kinross, in a clockwise direction around the shores of Loch Leven to the Pow Burn. The path is level, wide and well-surfaced, suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users of all abilities. Parking is available at both The Pier and Kirkgate Park. A descriptive leaflet with outline map can be obtained from local shops and hotels.
During the summer season, the Pier is the launch point for Historic Scotland boat trips to Castle Island, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567. From the Pier, the path winds through Kirkgate Park and on through open woodland along the loch shore. A spur off the main path leads to a hide nestling among the reeds, an ideal spot from which to enjoy bird watching on the loch.
For a shorter walk there is the option to take the Town Loop path back into Kinross. Otherwise continue straight ahead towards Burleigh Sands, where the landscape changes and there are open views out onto the loch. For the time being the lochside trail ends at Pow Burn and a narrow, grassy linking path leads up to Loch Leven’s Larder, a restaurant, coffee shop and Farm Shop open throughout the year. The Trail passes through wildlife sensitive areas, so please go quietly and keep dogs under close control. Further sections of the Trail will be constructed in coming years and it will eventually encircle Loch Leven.
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Quarrymill Woodland Park, Scone, by Perth
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The wooded valley at Quarrymill has three excellent waymarked walks, a wealth of natural attractions and many wheelchair accessible facilities. In days gone by this spot was a busier, noisier and more industrious place. As the name suggests, stone was quarried here to provide building material for local houses. Watermills were erected to harness the force of the running water from the Annaty Burn and so grind bone meal, spin cotton and extract starch from potatoes.
Today, the millpond is home to mallards, moorhen and tufted ducks feasting on the ample supply of Canadian pondweed available all year round. Dippers live along the edge of the burn, so called because of their characteristic bobbing motion as they bounce in search of water insects that live under the stones. There are around 25 species of trees and shrubs in the Park, many of which are native to Scotland. In spring bluebells carpet the woodland floor beneath the old beech trees and red squirrels can be seen throughout the year making good use of the cones from the Scots pines. The trees were planted in the 1930’s by eminent local businessman and philanthropist Arthur Kinmond Bell of Bell’s Whisky fame.
Two of the walks within the park have been specially laid out for wheelchair users and there is also a purpose built viewing platform built out over the pond. Both routes run beside the waters of the Annaty Burn, with the south side route continuing on a gentle slope through pleasant countryside to the suburb of Scone (2miles/3 km) (Note: The gate beside Scone Church is suitable for wheelchair users but may be too narrow for motorised scooters)
Car parking is at the entrance to the Woodland Park (just off the A93 shortly before arriving at the entrance for Scone Palace).
Quarrymill Café is also at the entrance to the park and is open for snacks and refreshments from May to September.
Wheelchair users can also pick up an excellent leaflet entitled `Bob Bennett Walks - Quarrymill Walk`. Bob is a wheelchair user with a zest for the outdoors. He has extensively researched, audited and assessed tracks and walkways for people with disabilities. Further details from the local VisitScotland Information Centre T: 01738 450600.
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Perth Rambles
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The city of Perth enjoys a beautiful position on the banks of the River Tay, just where it starts to widen on the last stages of its journey to the sea. The town is known for its stunning floral displays and has won many trophies in the `Britain in Bloom` competition. Some of the most colourful flowerbeds can be found in the riverside areas, from where there are many delightful rambles suitable for wheelchair users. Bellwood Park (near to the Rodney Fitness Centre, off the Dundee Road) has good paths, numerous sculptures and the lovely, sheltered Rodney Gardens. For some of the best riverside views in Perth take the path under the Queen's Bridge into Norie Miller Walk.
The North and South Inches are two separate areas of attractive parkland close to the city centre. Both have flat paths suitable for wheelchair users, with plenty of interest en route. The North Inch has fantastic views of the mighty River Tay as well as many seats and good picnic spots close to the water.
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park is located less than 5 minutes drive from the town centre. There are many waymarked walking trails throughout the park including The Squirrel Walk (¾ mile/1km). This pleasant circular stroll starts from the Jubilee car park and is designed for those with special needs such as wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. The woodland is rich in bird and animal life, including red squirrels.
Further details from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Perth T: 01738 450600
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Tay Forest Park, Highland Perthshire
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Faskally Forest, near Pitlochry
Faskally is something of a model forest with a wide mix of tree species, some over 200 years old, surrounding picturesque Loch Dunmore. The landscape was created in the grounds of Faskally House, which in turn, was used as a Forestry Commission school. Here young foresters trained to repair British woodlands ravaged by felling for the war effort. The wood was perfect for testing new ideas, including mixtures of different species and creation of diverse woodland structures. Today, a gentle stroll around the woodlands will reveal the fantastic variety that has been achieved. The secluded shores of Loch Dunmore are accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs and make a wonderful spot for relaxing or a leisurely picnic. Herons can often be found fishing in the reeds around the edge of the loch. If you fancy a spot of fishing yourself there is a disabled fishing stance by the water. Disabled parking and toilet facilities are available within the forest close to the start of the route.
Queen's View, by Loch Tummel
Queen Victoria took tea here in 1866, but the viewpoint actually commemorates Queen Isabella, wife of Robert the Bruce who ruled Scotland between 1306 and 1329. The view across Loch Tummel to Schiehallion is one of the most famous in Scotland. The nearby visitor centre tells the fascinating story of people and forests in Highland Perthshire. It also acts as the information centre and tea room for the surrounding Tay Forest Park.
The visitor centre and tea room are fully accessible for disabled visitors. Powered wheelchairs can also access the short climb to the viewpoint.
Dalerb Picnic Site, by Kenmore
This lovely picnic area forms part of the Tay Forest Park and enjoys a wonderful location on the north shore of Loch Tay. The routes from the car park to the grassy picnic area are suitable for wheelchair access.
`A Guide to the Tay Forest Park` has clear maps and information on routes and points of interest throughout the park. Available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Pitlochry T: 01796 472215
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Additional Information
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Mobility Equipment Hire in Perth
To hire a wheelchair or scooter for the day, visit Shopmobility, Canal Street car park, Perth. The equipment is suitable for use within Perth city and on the terrain on the North and South Inch Parklands only.
Please note that it is not suitable for rambles in the wider countryside.
There is no charge but a donation is suggested. This service is available Monday to Friday 0900-1700. User to collect equipment.
Contact: Dave McLellan
T: 01738 783960
E: Perth Shopmobility
To hire a wheelchair or scooter outside business hours please call to book and arrange collection/return.
Accessible Scotland - VisitScotland guide to accessible accommodation and visitor attractions for people with disabilities. Available free of charge from any VisitScotland Information Centre in Perthshire.
The Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers organisation is active in arranging walks in the area. Local people and visitors are most welcome to join them.
Contact: The Chair, Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers, 16 Woodlands Road, Lundin Links, Fife, KY8 6HG
E: Forth and Tay Disabled Ramblers
W: Forth and Tay Disabled Ramblers
To find out about a great range of other suitable rambles throughout Scotland go to VisitScotland
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