Location: Kinnoull Hill, Perthshire
Grade: Easy hill climb
Distance: 4 miles/7km
Time: 2 hours
I’VE lost count of how often I’ve gazed up at Kinnoull Tower and thought that I must climb up there one day. With a few hours to spare in Perth recently I did just that, and despite the grey misty weather, I thoroughly enjoyed the easy but atmospheric climb through the forest.
Kinnoull Hill rises from the River Tay on the outskirts of Perth and you can climb it easily from Perth City Centre. I parked in the South Inch car park and crossed the railway bridge (walkway for pedestrians) over the river. The bridge crosses, and offers access to, Moncrieffe Island. I was surprised to discover there is a golf course on the island, although much of the land is used for allotments. Apparently, Moncrieffe Island, sometimes referred to as Friarton Island, is the only permanently inhabited freshwater island in Scotlan, which is not on Loch Lomond.
Once across the river I crossed the busy A85 road and almost immediately followed a sign that indicated the National Trust for Scotland’s Branklyn Gardens. I didn’t visit the gardens– you don’t see much at this time of year - but turned left at a sign that prominently indicated the route to Kinnoull Hill.
Climbing gently uphill I passed a large house on my left. Barnhill is a former centre for the local fruit growing industry and its sheer size gives you an idea of how important that industry is for this region. Once past the house the road turns left and shortly afterwards reaches a junction. Although it’s not clear from the signposts where to go, turn left here for Kinnoull Hill and keep climbing, with open ground to your left and woodland on the right.
By now I was in thick mist, which created a rather surreal atmosphere. Various trails, used mostly by mountain bikers I believe, threaded off the main path on both sides but I stuck with the broad path as it climbed steadily through the woods. At one point I stopped for a moment by a ruined building and got the shock of my life when I realised I was within feet of a large rook, which appeared to be climbing on to a dead tree. When I looked more closely I realised it was an exquisite and very realistic carving.
After more climbing the path appeared to level out with a picnic bench on my left. A signpost pointed out a car park but it was in the wrong direction for the summit. Another track lay on the right and after a quick check on my map I reckoned that was the route to the top - and it was. Within minutes I was on the broad summit of Kinnoull Hill, complete with a picnic bench and a large stone table. A short distance to the left was an OS column and two direction indicators.
I had wholly expected to spot the large stone tower that can be seen from the Friarton Bridge below but that was still a few minutes walk further on. A slightly undulating path, with warning signs to be aware of cliffs on the right, took me to it, a tall, circular tower that should have offered great views. All I saw was grey mist. The Kinnoull Tower is a romantic folly, built by Lord Grey of Kinfauns in 1829 in an attempt to create something of the Germanic castle views that are a feature of the Rhine.
It was a bit dark and misty for photography and with rain now falling I reckoned my best option would be a quick return to Perth and a stop at the first coffee shop I came to. I’ll just have to come back on a clear day for the views.
Cameron McNeish
ROUTE PLANNER
Map: OS 1:50,000 Landranger sheet 58 (Perth & Alloa) or 1:25,000 Explorer sheet 369 (Perth & Kinross)
Start/Finish: South Inch car park, Perth (GR: NO118231)
Distance: 4 miles/7km
Time: 2 hours
Public Transport: Perth is well served by train and bus from all major centres.
Information: Perth TIC, 01738 450600.
Route: Leave the car park and cross the river by the railway bridge. Cross A85 and TR. TL at sign for Branklyn Gardens and follow the lane, with a large building on your left. At top of lane follow gravel track to the right and in 100m TL at more signs. Climb hill with open land on L and woods on R. Continue on main track ignoring other tracks running off to L and R. Pass a ruined building and continue upwards. As path turns sharp L, continue on it to top of rise. You’ll see a picnic bench on L. TR here and continue to the flat summit. Continue with cliff top path to Kinnoull Tower. Return by the outward route.
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