The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Central

Follow the red marker posts and stay on the outside of the woods for a quick assent

River

There some good tracks up beside the tower, mint views of Perth down below and the river. Mint viewing point

Kinnoull Hill Tower is a structure situated on the edge of a high hill overlooking the River Tay. Built in the early 19th century, it consists of a round tower set between walls. The tower is set in wooded landscaped grounds, with trails through mature beech and pine forests. There is also an arboretum and excellent views across the Tay Valley. The dramatic cliffs at the southern end of Kinnoull Hill reminded the 9th Earl of Kinnoull of the lofty rock formations along the Rhine Valley in Germany and of fairytale castles that do not have rocky outcrops. He felt that Perth needed its own version of these Rhine castles, so he built towers on the summit of Binn Hill and on Kinnoull Hill. In addition to the tower, the Earl built a large stone table for use as a picnic area. Some sources attribute the Tower to Lord Grey of Kirfauns or the 11th Earl of Kinnoull. https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=1164

The hilltop has become known as a suicide hotspot. In 2015, it was "highlighted as a national area of concern for completed suicides". In the same year, 20-year-old Forfar Athletic player Jack Syme committed suicide at Kinnoull Hill. In early January 2002, Daniela Smith, a 31-year-old mother of two, pushed her children off the hilltop while they were strapped into a pushchair before throwing herself. Their bodies were discovered on a ledge about 100 feet (30 m) below the summit on 15 January. The bodies of two men were found under the hill in 2014.

On Kinnoull Hill itself, near the cliff edge, there is a stone table built in the 19th century. However, the main attraction is the beautiful views of the River Tay and the surrounding area.

Kinnoull is a real jewel in Perth’s crown. Trails wander through mature beech and pine forests to stunning views of the River Tay. There is an arboretum – a collection of trees – too, where you can check out trees that you can grow in your own garden. The trails on Kinnoull Hill itself are great for family walks and picnics. If you’re looking for some mountain bike action, try the nearby Deuchny Hill Bike Park. Deuchny is also a top destination for horse riding and longer cycle routes: an ancient right of way called Coronation Road connects the forest with Scone. The name suggests it may have been used by ancient kings on their way to their coronations. Perth and Kinross Council manage Kinnoull in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland. https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/kinnoull-hill

We left the car at a nearby parking lot and headed up the hill. The beginning of the trail is a few steps and then a steep climb, but only up to a certain point, then the trail flattens out.