Craig nan Caisean

The walk up Craig nan Caisean from Pitlochry is proper steep - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But that's rather the point. This isn't a gentle ramble; it's a genuine hill that demands respect and rewards effort in equal measure. The peak itself sits at around 800 metres, offering views across the Tummel Valley that stretch for miles on a clear day. You're looking down into the Highlands proper from here, watching the landscape fold away towards distant ridges.

Allow three hours minimum for the round trip, longer if you're not used to sustained climbing. The path is well-trodden but relentless, especially in the first half. Walkers with some fitness will find it satisfying rather than punishing; families with young children might struggle unless the kids are mountain-goat types. There's a cairn at the top and the usual sense of accomplishment that comes with earning your views rather than driving to them.

Go on a dry day - the ground gets boggy and muddy quickly after rain. Early morning or late afternoon gives you better light and fewer other walkers. It's free, naturally, and costs nothing but your time and energy.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Tummel Valley Holiday Park nearby, this is an excellent day walk to escape the facilities and actually feel you've achieved something. Glengoulandie Camping & Caravanning, a bit further out, also makes a solid base. Craig nan Caisean isn't fancy, but it's honest - a proper hill that'll remind you why you came to Perthshire in the first place.