Crieff

The Glenturret Distillery might get all the headlines, but there's proper substance to this compact market town tucked into the southern slopes of the Grampians. Crieff has that lived-in feel you get in places where tourism hasn't completely taken over - locals still outnumber visitors on Morrison's Street, and the independent shops actually serve the community rather than just flog tartan tat.

Walk up to Sir David Baird's Monument and you'll understand why folk settled here. The views stretch south across Strathearn's fertile farmland toward the distant Ochils, while behind you the hills rise toward proper Highland country. Dunruchan Hill and Torlum offer cracking walks without needing serious kit, though the archaeological sites at Fordie and Ochtertyre require a bit more detective work to appreciate.

Comrie sits just eight miles west - a lovely drive through rolling countryside that gets more dramatic as you approach the village. The Comrie Croft Trails have become quite the draw for mountain bikers, while their Skills Park keeps families busy for hours. It's not all outdoor pursuits though. The town retains that solid Perthshire market feel, with enough character to warrant a proper explore rather than just a quick stop.

Getting here's straightforward enough - the A85 from Perth takes about 20 minutes, or you can approach from Stirling via the A822 through some genuinely lovely countryside. Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense if you're planning to explore both the immediate hills and the broader Strathearn area. You're well positioned for day trips to Loch Earn or even a push north into proper Highland territory around Aberfeldy.