Mungall Park

The Mungall Park nature reserve sits just outside Crieff, a proper working landscape where you'll find yourself walking through woodland and open ground that actually feels managed rather than abandoned. It's the sort of place where you notice things - birdsong changes as you move between tree cover, the light hits differently on the grassland, and you'll spot evidence of the work that goes into keeping reserves like this going.

Walkers will find genuine value here. The terrain isn't challenging, which means families with younger legs or anyone after a gentle few hours will do well. Take binoculars if you're into birds. The reserve works best in spring and early summer when things are moving about, though autumn has its own appeal if you're after that quieter feeling.

Practically speaking, it's free to access and there's no set time limit - you come and go as you please. Most people give it two to three hours, though you could potter about all day if the mood takes you. Crieff itself has proper amenities, so you can grab a coffee and a sandwich before or after.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Braidhaugh is virtually on the doorstep at under a mile away, while Comrie Croft and the others are within easy striking distance - this works as a morning or afternoon activity between longer expeditions. It's the sort of reserve that rewards attention rather than spectacle, and that suits a relaxed park holiday perfectly.