Kinnoull Hill Tower
Perth, United Kingdom Scenic spot
Frequently mentioned in reviews: Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. Nice just outside Perth. The can be reached via an easy hike, there are three different routes around. View is amazing especially on a clear and sunny day. Short for some stunning views Quite a steep climb up from Perth centre (where I started, crossing the Tay on the footpath over the railway bridge). But you are rewarded with excellent views over the snaking Tay from the escarpment near the trig point at the summit - and the quirky castle (or folly - photo 4) is worth a visit too. Plenty of tempting subsidiary paths lead off the main pathway inviting you to explore if you have time - I didn't. Navigation was tricky - hence only 4 stars. So a good map would be useful if you are new to the area. The woodland is a lovely mixture of mature oak, ash, beech, birch and hawthorn. It's a I would happily do again. The cliff near the summit and the folly is sheer, and unfenced if you have young children - take care. After countless drives past it en route to Aberdeen, I’d always wanted to visit Kinnoull Hill and uncover its story. Finally walking up with my family was a rewarding experience. The views were stunning, the intriguing, and the peaceful woodland trail made it a memorable and worthwhile adventure. The sheer cliff down to the A90 made the ruins even more inviting to climb for my lads, knowing it would wind us up. Review by Toby the Castle Connoisseur Greetings again, loyal subjects. It is I, Sir Toby Fluffington III, adventurer extraordinaire and distinguished ruin inspector. This time, my paws carried me on a grand quest through a magical forest, the kind that smells of moss, mystery, and the faint promise of snacks. Every tree seemed older than time, every rustle of leaves whispered secrets, and I bravely ignored at least three suspicious squirrels in order to press onward. At last, the forest opened to reveal it: a ruin perched dramatically atop a cliff, clinging to the edge like it had been placed there by some ancient paw of destiny. Naturally, I trotted up as if I owned the place already. The views? Spectacular. Below stretched a valley so picturesque it could’ve been painted by a spaniel with too much free time. Rolling hills layered the horizon, soft and noble. A river snaked at the bottom, glittering in the sun like someone had spilled a chest of treasure across the land. And from my high perch, everything looked so wonderfully… small. Tiny houses, miniature trees, ants pretending to be people. I stared down, chest puffed out, imagining my royal proclamation: “Yes, all of this. Mine now.” The ruin itself had just the right amount of drama — broken walls perfect for striking heroic poses, crumbled stones ideal for sniff inspections, and enough windy corners to make my ears flap majestically. I paced around like a king surveying his throne room, already planning which would house my biscuits and which chamber would be my royal nap den. From above, I looked out at the vast kingdom and thought: “Yes. This is good. The sheep will pay taxes in wool. The birds will serve as messengers. The humans… well, they can bring the treats.” In conclusion: an awe-inspiring ruin in a magical setting, fit for a ruler of my stature. 15/10. Would absolutely crown myself King of the Valley and demand belly rubs as tribute. Yours majestically, Sir Toby Fluffington III Castle Connoisseur, Cliff-Top Monarch, Ruler of All He Surveys If reaching here on foot from Perth Railway/Bus station do not follow Google maps all the way. Please till Branklyn Garden then look for signs to climb till the tower. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit followed by 5 minutes to reach the tower. Photos in the post will help start the trail. Once in it should be easy to follow. Best visited during summer when it's not raining. Perfect hill in a fall day. The folly was fun, and the small carvings round the woods were a nice treat. I did’n’a much care for the makeshift shelters (too much true crime?), but the people out and about were all smiles and hellos. Wonderful afternoon fun. Good from the car park up to the and back around to the car park, did it in just over an hour. Had my 2 dogs off the lead the whole way but the cliffs at the top might not be ideal for other dog walkers. Kinnoull Hill is a striking historical landmark perched on the cliffs of Kinnoull Hill, overlooking the River Tay in Perth, Scotland. Built in the 18th century by Thomas Hay, the 9th Earl of Kinnoull, the was designed to resemble the romantic castles he admired along the Rhine during his travels in Germany. The Earl sought to emulate the dramatic landscapes of the Rhine Valley, finding a parallel in the rugged cliffs of his own estate .   The is a cylindrical folly, constructed to enhance the picturesque views from the hilltop. It stands on a rocky outcrop several feet below the 222-meter summit of Kinnoull Hill, offering panoramic vistas of the River Tay, the city of Perth, and the surrounding countryside . The structure is now a Category B listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance.  Kinnoull Hill itself is part of Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Scotland’s first official woodland park, established in 1991. The park encompasses five hills—Kinnoull Hill, Deuchny Hill, Corsiehill, Barn Hill, and Binn Hill—and is managed jointly by Forestry and Land Scotland and Perth & Kinross Council . The area offers a variety of walking trails, including the Trail, which leads visitors through mixed woodlands to the tower, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region .   The has also found its place in literature; Jane Austen referenced it in her 1790 work “Lesley Castle,” describing it as “an old and Mouldering Castle… situated two miles from Perth on a bold projecting Rock” .  Today, Kinnoull Hill remains a popular destination for hikers and tourists, offering a blend of historical intrigue and scenic beauty that continues to captivate visitors. So, the hike is EXTREMELY uphill. Wear proper footwear. Go back down the way you came up. More than one parking lot. Great viewpoint Moderate short to the tower, great view over river Tay and Perth. Footpath is well maintained. Website change monitoring Monitor any webpage for changes – get instant email alerts when prices drop, new jobs are posted, products come back in stock, or competitors update their sites. Scenic spot
Address · Phone · Hours
- Address
- A90, Perth, Scotland, GB
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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