Birnam Hill (King's Seat)

The walk up Birnam Hill rewards you with views that stretch across Perthshire in ways the guidebooks don't quite prepare you for. It's the kind of modest peak - King's Seat is the summit - that locals know far better than tourists, which means you'll likely have the paths mostly to yourself even in summer.

The hill rises directly above Erigmore, making it ideal if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks. Erigmore Holiday Park and Inver Mill Farm are both minutes away, which is handy because this isn't a lengthy expedition - most people knock out the ascent and descent in under two hours. The terrain is straightforward woodland walking with a definite incline towards the top, but nothing that'll leave your legs screaming.

What makes it worth the effort is the perspective you get from the summit. On a clear day you're looking out across the Tay Valley and beyond - proper expansive stuff. The literary types will know this is the Birnam of Macbeth fame, though I'd warn you the connection feels more historical than atmospheric these days.

It's excellent for families with older children who can manage an uphill slog without complaint, and walkers will appreciate the peaceful access. If you're combining it with a park holiday in the area, this sits nicely as a morning activity before heading elsewhere. The ground can be boggy in wet weather, so decent boots are essential. Newmill Farm and the other parks within a few miles give you plenty of base options.