Nature Walks, Gardens & Parks
Drummond Castle Gardens
Muthill (“Moothill”) Crieff
8 miles away May – October
www.drummondcastlegardens.co.uk
Drummond Castle was built on a rocky outcrop by John, 1st Lord Drummond around 1490. The 2nd Earl, a Privy Councillor to James VI and Charles I, succeeded in 1612 and is credited with transforming both the gardens and the castle between 1630-1636. The keep still stands but the rest of the castle was restored and largely remodelled by the 1st Earl of Ancaster in 1890.
Drummond has all the characteristics of a courtly, 17th century Scottish Renaissance garden. It is a composite garden, restructured in early Victorian times and renewed again in the 20th century when the garden framework and the exceptional interest of the original 19th century design were carefully preserved
The formal planting and attention to detail has placed Drummond Castle Gardens as one of the finest stately gardens in Europe. An “Alice in Wonderland” garden and utterly stunning! Also has a kitchen garden and glasshouse. Check out their website for stunning pictures and details of opening times, directions etc
MacRosty Park
Crieff
With fine view across Strathearn and towards Ben Chonzie, this public park is situated within an exceptionally picturesque landscape, and has been a visitor attraction for over 100 years. It is named after its benefactor, James MacRosty, and has children's play areas, a Victorian bandstand, picnic areas, a café, easy going walks and an impressive collection of conifer trees.
The park is situated on the west side of Crieff, with a large car park at the foot of Milnab Street off of the A822.
Braco Castle has a 19th Century partly walled landscaped garden with woodland and meadow walks, spring flowered bulbs, mature specimen tress and shrubs. Features a rhododendron and tree-lined path and an ornamental pond, extensive hedging and herbaceous borders. Terrific views over the castle park to the Ochil Hills.
Gleneagles Golf Course
Footpath around the course
Of course you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the outside at Gleneagles. Head to the golfers car park and set off on foot - walking the paved area boundaries of a number of the beautiful crafted holes. A gentle walk to stretch the legs without too much effort - followed by refreshment at The Dormy afterwards!
Buchanty Spout
River Almond Waterfall Buchanty
(off the B8063) PH1 3SQ
Buchanty Spout in early October is a great place to enjoy nature and have a chance to see salmon leaping over the waterfall – at the right time of year. If you go, wear shoes with grippy soles (the rocks can be very slippery and it does get muddy climbing down there) and plan to stay for a little while… wait about 10-15 minutes between seeing each salmon leap – it’s worth the wait! The water cascades down over a series of steps and if you are lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, the sun streams through the trees to produce dopple lighting effects.
There is a car parking area beside where the road forks within the village of Buchanty and a path then leads down in to a small ravine. There is a “severe” council sign saying that there is to be no swimming or diving but further down the path also a lifeguard ring for those who do!.
If hiking and hill walking is not your thing but you love to be close to nature or the beauty of formal gardens and parks - you will be close to heaven in Perthshire. These gardens and nature walks that are at their best at different times of the year too....
River Almond Waterfall at Buchanty Spout
Salmon leaping at Buchanty Spout
MacRosty Park, Creiff
Braco Castle Gardens
A beautiful New Year's Day on the Kings Course, Gleneagles
The "Alice in Wonderland" Gardens at Drummond Castle
The "Alice in Wonderland" Gardens at Drummond Castle