July 25th to August 3rd this year is Love Parks Week, so we decided to feature four of of our favourite Perthshire parks. All of them are great for enjoying some green space and a picnic, but also have a variety of different types of walks nearby, some easy and some a bit more challenging.

Macrosty Park

This charming Victorian Park in Crieff is a great choice for a relaxing stroll through green lawns. The Turret Burn runs through it and little bridges across give added interest. My favourite bit is the bandstand, and there’s also a play-park and the Pavilion Cafe. Nearby is Lady Mary’s Walk, which takes you along the banks of the River Earn. You can either just do this part, or continue on the Laggan Hill trail for a longer, more challenging route.

Loch Leven Nature Reserve

The Loch Leven Heritage Trail starts off in Kirkgate Park with a wide green where several picnic benches are dotted about, and also has a children’s play-park and lots of open space. There’s a stretch of sandy shoreline too, and opportunities for bird spotting and visiting historical sites. I always particularly enjoy the viewpoint area. In season, you can also take a ferry over to Leven Castle, something that’s on our bucket list, and it’s possible to walk or cycle all the way round the loch.

Tay Forest Park

The Tay Forest Park covers a wide area and includes the famous Queen’s View, and two of our favourite picnic spots—Allean Forest and Faskally Woods. Allean is a particularly great place to stop for a picnic if you’re doing the scenic route around Loch Tummel, and there’s also walking trails you can access from there. Faskally Woods has plenty of picnic benches and is next to Loch Dunmore, which makes for a non-strenuous yet scenic stroll after lunch.

Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

Kinnoull Hill is most famous for the folly situated at the top of the main walk, overlooking the city and shining River Tay. This alone is worth visiting for, but it has lots more to offer too. The beautiful woodland is punctuated with wooden animal sculptures that make for a great ‘treasure hunting’ activity. Taking about an hour and half, there’s benches at the summit to admire the views.

Pack a picnic this August and head to one of these pretty perfect Perthshire parks!