Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

Overview

Five hills, Corsiehill, Deuchny Hill, Barn Hill, Binn Hill and Kinnoull Hill, make up the Woodland Park which rises sharply from the banks of the River Tay, dominating the eastern flank of Perth.

At 222 metres above sea level, Kinnoull Hill is the highest and is a dramatic landmark much loved by the people of Perth and the many visitors drawn to Perthshire's superb natural heritage.

Gifted to Scotlands `Fair City` in 1924 and opened as Scotlands first official woodland park in 1991, Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park is, today, a tranquil haven for people and wildlife. There are miles of grassy paths and waymarked nature trails through fine mixed woodland of Scots pine, larch, oak, birch and Norway spruce, with the added benefit of some excellent open viewpoints. Its a great place to unwind and get close to nature though only a short distance from the bustle of the city. Kinnoull Hill is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and supports an abundance of flora and fauna. Look out for roe deer and red squirrels nibbling around the small stands of larch and Scots pine.
The northern slopes of the hill are relatively gentle and are the main route of ascent, starting from the well used Corsie Hill car park. For those not wishing to walk, the car park itself is an excellent viewpoint affording vistas across Perth and the mighty River Tay, with views to western and northern hills beyond.
The south of Kinnoull Hill has spectacular wooded cliffs, with some sheer drops of 500ft/150 metres. A track leads along the edge of the cliffs to Kinnoull Tower, a 19th century romantic folly said to be a copy of the watchtowers found in the Rhineland in Germany. From here there are marvellous panoramic views over the fertile farmland of the Carse of Gowrie to the east, and south to Moncreiffe Hill and the Lomond Hills in Fife. On a clear day you can even see as far as Ben Ledi in the Trossachs.

Cyclists and horse-riders are well catered for in selected areas of the park. Deuchny Wood, adjacent to Kinnoull Hill, is most easily accessed from Jubilee car park and has a Downhill Mountain Bike Zone. Waymarked routes for horse- riders can be found on both Deuchny Hill and Kinnoull Hill. The Squirrel Walk is a pleasant circular stroll from Jubilee car park through beautiful broadleaved and conifer woodland. This walk has been specially designed for those with special needs such as wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. A comprehensive leaflet giving details of all routes in the Woodland Park is available free of charge from Perth Tourist Information Centre.