The best running trails around Stanley

For Trail MTB explorers on an adventure. Let’s face it—when you hear “Roman Bridge,” you expect gladiators and emperors, but this one’s a bit of a twist. The so-called Roman Bridge on the Murthly Castle estate in Perthshire isn’t actually Roman. Shocking, I know. Built in the mid-19th century, it’s a masterpiece of Romanesque style, complete with six beautiful arches spanning the dramatic Birnam Burn. They knew how to make things grand back then, no doubt about it. This wasn’t just a simple crossing—it was a statement. Now, why the Roman name, you ask? Simple. The Victorians were obsessed with classical grandeur. They loved to borrow from the past and put their own spin on it. This bridge wasn’t about utility—it was about prestige. A Category A listing proves its national importance. But here’s the bad news. The bridge has seen better days. Time hasn’t been kind, and now it’s in poor condition, neglected like yesterday’s headlines. Sad, really. Historic Environment Scotland’s Canmore database still has photos of its glory (and its current wear and tear). If you’re a fan of heritage—and who isn’t—you should check those out. Believe me, it’s worth it. For now, this bridge remains part of Murthly’s romantic, forgotten past. Let’s hope someone swoops in with a good restoration plan—maybe even an upgrade. Wouldn’t that be something? Ref: http://canmore.org.uk/site/26972

An excellent wide smooth path leading into and out of Perth from the north. Beware that this is a shared-use path, for cyclists it's NCN 77.

For Trail MTB explorers on an adventure. Murthly Estate and its wider surrounds are home to a large number of scenic gravel and dirt tracks and paths—asphalt roads for quick quiet transit. The off-asphalt routes, whilst not challenging, offer plenty of opportunity for exercise and transit. There's always another combination of ways and it's easy to create routes of many distances and duration. After rain, many tracks will be muddy increasing the opportunity to wash your bike.

It's a nice ride beside the river along a wide shared-use asphalt path. Watch out for the vehicle barriers and other paths joining.

Drumshogle Wood in Perth is a haven for nature lovers, featuring diverse flora, fauna, and classic stone bridges.

Home of the Perth parkrun (every Sat at 9:30) this is a good area for a run when staying in Perth. The North Inch (Inch means meadow) is an area of about 54 hectares to the west of the River Tay. It's a managed park of playing fields, riverside paths and a golf course. The site was the scene of a major inter-clan battle in 1396.

The North Inch (Inch means meadow) is an area of about 54 hectares to the west of the River Tay. It's a managed park of playing fields, riverside paths and a golf course. The site was the scene of a major inter-clan battle in 1396.

The River Almond is a tributary of the River Tay in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. It rises in the hills to the south-east of Loch Tay, and flows eastwards through Glenalmond. It runs through the village of Almondbank, before joining the Tay immediately north of Perth. The river's course is around 48 kilometres (30 mi) long