The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Moncrieffe Hill

There are over 25 dog-friendly hiking trails around Moncrieffe Hill, offering a variety of options for you and your canine companion. These include 11 easy routes, 16 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.

Yes, Moncrieffe Hill offers several easy dog-friendly walks. For a gentle introduction, consider the View of Perth from the Bench loop from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, which is just over 3 km. These trails often feature well-maintained woodland paths, perfect for a relaxed stroll.

The terrain on Moncrieffe Hill is quite varied. You'll find well-maintained woodland paths, stone-surfaced forest tracks, and narrower firm paths. The hill is largely covered in mature, mixed conifer and broadleaved woodland, with some areas featuring an igneous escarpment. Many paths have been resurfaced with fine gravel, improving accessibility for both hikers and their dogs.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes on Moncrieffe Hill are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An excellent option is the Moncrieffe Hill loop from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, which covers over 6 km and offers diverse scenery.

Moncrieffe Hill is rich in history, featuring two significant Iron Age hillforts. You can visit the Moredun Top Hillfort, which encircles the summit, or the smaller Moncreiffe Hillfort. These sites offer a glimpse into the past while providing panoramic views. A good route to explore one of these is the Moredun Top Hillfort loop from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park.

For breathtaking views, head towards the summit area known as Moredun Top. This spot offers expansive vistas over Perth, the River Tay, the River Earn valleys, and as far as the Ochil and Lomond Hills. The Moncreiffe Hillfort Viewpoint and Moncrieffe Hill Eastern Viewpoint are also highly recommended for their scenic outlooks.

Moncrieffe Hill is home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, roe deer, and various bird species like great spotted woodpeckers and buzzards. While enjoying the natural environment, please ensure your dog is kept under control to protect the local fauna.

The Moncreiffe Hillfort Viewpoint – View of Perth from the Bench loop from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park is an excellent choice. This easy 5 km route combines the tranquility of the mixed conifer and broadleaved woodland with rewarding views from the Moncreiffe Hillfort Viewpoint, offering a balanced experience for you and your dog.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails around Moncrieffe Hill, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 150 ratings. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning panoramic views from various viewpoints, and the peaceful, diverse woodland environment that makes for an enjoyable outing with their dogs.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging adventure with their dog, consider the View of Perth from the Bench – Moncreiffe Hillfort Viewpoint loop from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park. This moderate route spans nearly 11 km with significant elevation gain, offering a comprehensive exploration of the hill's diverse landscapes and viewpoints.

Yes, Moncrieffe Hill features a sculpture trail, primarily located in the north-west part of the wood. This trail is marked with green and white waymarkers, adding an artistic and engaging element to your walk through the natural setting. It's a unique way to experience the woodland with your dog.