Autumn Adventures: Great Walks Near Blairgowrie

As the crisp autumn air settles over Perthshire, Fife, and Angus, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of golds, reds, and ambers—perfect for exploring on foot.

Whether you're after a gentle stroll through nearby woodlands, a scenic riverside amble within half an hour's drive, or a more invigorating hike a little further afield, this guide has something for everyone. This list is an introduction to walks you can enjoy, with plenty more the explore.

Staying at The Angus Hotel means you're perfectly placed to enjoy these stunning autumn walks, each offering a unique way to soak up Scotland's seasonal splendour.

Walks close to Blairgowrie

A gentle, family-friendly woodland walk along the Alyth Burn, the Den o'Alyth is just outside Alyth. Flat paths, a play park, and beautiful autumn colours make it ideal for all ages, means it can be tailored for short or longer outings and is accessible for families. You can also reach Alyth by #57 / 57A bus, from opposite the Hotel.

The Ardblair Trail is a circular walk starting from Blairgowrie, taking in countryside, lochs, and woodlands. Around 3 miles, suitable for most walkers, and especially magical in autumn. You could add the Bluebell Woods to make your circuit around a 6-mile walk.

The River Ericht offers guests and locals alike some much-loved walks upstream to Cargill's Leap with waterfalls and old mills. The return is over the Knockie, a local hill, where you can enjoy some wonderful views over the town and to the Sidlaw hills beyond. This 5.8km walk is accessible with marked paths, tracks and minor roads.

The power of Reekie Linn waterfall creates an awe-inspiring sight, especially when in spate when the two separate falls merge into one powerful torrent, creating a spectacular sight with lots of spray. The River Isla flows from the Cairngorms Mountains, so rainfall or snowmelt in the hills can quickly raise water levels, resulting in the falls being in spate. The gorge below the falls also contains other, less accessible cataracts.

The final stage of the Cateran Trail climbs over the hills north of Alyth and across tranquil countryside to the Bridge of Cally. This walk is just over 16 miles one way, and enjoyed by those who are up for a longer walk.

Walks that Start Within a 30-minute Drive

Famous for its towering Douglas firs and the River Braan, this woodland walk is stunning in autumn. Starting from the NTS car park, you'll walk along the river back as you head towards Ossian's Hall. The current folly was built as the centrepiece of The Hermitage in 1782-3, overlooks the Black Linn Falls. And if you're lucky, you might even see some red squirrels darting in the treetops, or salmon leaping the falls in autumn.

Combine woodland, lochside, and wildlife watching on this 7.8km circuit. The area is renowned for its autumn colours. The Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve covers 130 hectares including woodland, the freshwater loch and visitor centre. In the autumn, the reserve is home to Canada and greylag geese, wigeon, a variety of ducks, grey heron and much more.

The ancient Birnam Oak – known to many from Shakespeare – stands near the River Tay in historic Birnam. The nearby Beatrix Potter Garden and Birnam Arts Centre celebrates the summers the young author spent exploring this corner of Scotland. The river walk to Dunkeld is just under 4 miles, with clearly marked paths and tracks, and fairly easy walking.

Near Blairgowrie, 2-2.5 hour walk through Drimmie Wood and the Tullyfergus estate offers classic Perthshire scenery. It is suitable for most walkers and loops you through some dense forestry plantations which opens to varied countryside and a lochen and part of an ancient drove route used to bring Highland cattle to market.

The 200 acres of Kinclaven's ancient woods are known for their spectacular spring display of bluebells in May, but there is much more to enjoy through the year. With a few different unsurfaced paths to explore, you might get to see a red squirrel, hear a woodpecker, or cross paths with a Roe or Fallow deer, if you're quiet enough.

Walks Within a 30-60 Minute Drive

The Birks of Aberfeldy is a dramatic gorge walk with waterfalls and spectacular autumn colours. The full circuit is a bit steeper and takes about 2 hours, but shorter options are possible. While deservedly popular, and celebrated in a poem by Robert Burns, the walk up the steep gorge reveals several waterfalls along a well way-marked path with a good amount of up and downhill.

A riverside stroll beneath mature trees with vibrant autumn foliage. Add Laggan Hill for a longer route with gentle climbs and woodland views. And an option for a start/end spot is Glenturret Distillery, allowing you a chance to sample another very Scottish flavour.

Known for its autumnal display, Faskally offers both easy and moderate trails through mixed woodland and along Loch Faskally. This 3-mile walk includes crossing a metal suspension bridge, passing the Festival Theatre and climbing steps alongside the fish ladder before you reach the peaceful waters of Loch Faskally.

A little over 3 miles, this short hill walk needs moderate fitness along a good waymarked paths with a wooded summit that offers panoramic views. The ascent is steady and manageable. Your climb is rewarded with a seat slightly to the left of the path at the top of Craigower to enjoy the view down the strath (broad mountain valley).

Known as a museum without walls, the Cateran Ecomuseum is situated on the 500-million-year-old Highland Boundary Fault— the divide between the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands. The Ecomuseum touches Perthshire, Angus, and the southern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, with a series of walks in different locations. There is also a series of cycle rides to explore, and some picturesque roads and historic routes across the area.

You have a choice here – start from the centre of Perth and head across the Tay, or drive to Jubilee car park and take the shorter walk through the Woodland Park. When you reach the Tower – built in 1829 as a romantic folly and observatory – you'll enjoy views across the valley with the Tay winding its way towards Dundee and the North Sea.

From leisurely local paths to invigorating hill climbs and coastal trails, The Angus is perfectly located to enjoy autumn in this corner of Scotland. We invite you to step outside and embrace the season's beauty.

After a day of exploring, return to the comfort of The Angus, where you can relax and share your favourite moments from the day. Whatever your pace or preference, these walks offer memorable experiences just waiting to be discovered on your next visit.