The best walks and hikes around Moncrieffe Hill

The trails on Moncrieffe Hill cater to a range of fitness levels. You'll find everything from gentle slopes on the northern side to steeper climbs around the Moredun fort. The paths are generally well-maintained and wide, but some sections can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Komoot classifies most routes here as easy or moderate, with only a few considered difficult.

Yes, Moncrieffe Hill is a great destination for families. The 'Sculpture Stroll' is particularly good for a shorter walk, featuring various wooden animal sculptures that children enjoy. For a slightly longer but still manageable adventure, consider the View of Perth from the Bench loop from Barnhill, which is a relatively short and easy trail.

Yes, dogs are welcome on Moncrieffe Hill. The woodland trails provide excellent walking opportunities for dogs. However, as the area is managed by the Woodland Trust and is home to wildlife like roe deer and red squirrels, it's important to keep your dog under control, especially during breeding seasons.

There are two main car parks managed by the Woodland Trust Scotland that provide access to the hill. One is located on the Tay side (north) and the other on the Earn side (south). Both offer direct access to the trail network. Parking can be limited during peak times, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

The summit, Moredun Top, sits at 223 meters and offers spectacular panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see across Perth, the River Tay and its estuary, and the River Earn. The vista stretches south towards the Lomond Hills in Fife and west to prominent peaks like Ben More and Stob Binnean.

Both hills offer fantastic views and woodland walking near Perth, but they have distinct characters. Moncrieffe Hill is known for its rich history, with two prominent Iron Age hillforts. Kinnoull Hill, part of the Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, is famous for its 19th-century cliffside folly, Kinnoull Tower. While both have well-marked paths, Moncrieffe's trails often feel more focused on historical discovery, whereas Kinnoull offers a popular, well-trodden path to its iconic tower.

Moncrieffe Hill is a year-round destination. Spring brings beautiful displays of bluebells, wild garlic, and snowdrops. Summer offers lush green woodland and the best chance for clear, long-range views. Autumn is spectacular, with the mixed woodland showing off its colours. Winter walks can be crisp and quiet, though paths may be muddy or icy.

The hill is home to two significant Iron Age hillforts. The most prominent is Moredun Top Hillfort, whose earthworks are still clearly visible. This site is believed to be the location of the Battle of Monad Craebi in 728 AD, a major conflict between Pictish groups. Exploring these ancient sites adds a fascinating historical layer to any hike in the area.

Yes, Moncrieffe Hill has several excellent circular routes. The Woodland Trust has marked three main loops: the shorter 'Sculpture Stroll', the historic 'Two Forts Trail', and the more strenuous 'Fir Long Loop'. For a moderate circular hike with great views, try the Moncreiffe Hillfort Viewpoint – View of Perth from the Bench loop from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park.

The mixed woodland is a rich habitat for wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, especially in the pine and fir sections, as well as roe deer. The hill is also a great spot for birdwatching, with species like the great spotted woodpecker, sparrowhawks, and tawny owls often heard at dusk. Over 100 species have been identified in the area.

There are over 180 routes to explore around Moncrieffe Hill on Komoot. These range from short, easy strolls through the woods to more challenging moderate hikes that take in the hillforts and summit, ensuring there's a trail for every type of hiker.