Dronachy Wood

A proper forest walk rather than a manicured nature reserve, Dronachy Wood near Perth delivers the kind of woodland experience where you actually feel like you're in among the trees rather than shepherded along a boardwalk. The paths wind through mature mixed woodland with enough moss-covered boulders and twisted roots to make you watch your footing, but nothing that requires serious hiking boots.

It's the sort of place where families with primary-school kids will have a genuinely good time - there's enough to explore without the "are we there yet" complaints setting in after twenty minutes. Walkers after something proper will appreciate the network of trails that let you string together a decent loop. The woodland canopy is thick enough that it's pleasant even on warmer days, though come autumn it's genuinely worth the detour just for the light filtering through the trees.

Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing. The forest isn't about specific viewpoints or heritage buildings - it's about time among the trees, spotting the odd deer if you're quiet, listening to what passes for silence these days. Free, informal access, no visitor centre faffing about.

If you're staying at Luxury Hideaways, the nearby luxury park, Dronachy makes an easy morning expedition before heading back for a proper lunch. It's genuinely one of those spots where Perth's location starts to make sense - proper countryside ten minutes from the town centre.