Stretching from the rolling countryside around Perth to the mountains and glens of Highland Perthshire, this beautiful part of Scotland is known for its natural beauty and offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes.
Here you'll find tumbling waterfalls hidden amongst ancient woodland, peaceful lochs surrounded by mountains and attractive towns and villages lining the banks of the River Tay. Add historic castles, whisky distilleries and some excellent walking, and there's plenty to fill several days.
Perthshire is also remarkably accessible. Perth is less than an hour and a half from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, while the main road north towards Inverness passes by Dunkeld and Pitlochry, making the region an ideal addition to a tour of the Scottish Highlands.
Is Perthshire in the Highlands?
Is Perthshire in the Highlands? The answer depends on which part you are visiting.
The traditional county stretches from relatively gentle countryside in the south to mountains and remote glens in the north.
Cross the Highland Boundary Fault and the landscape changes noticeably as farmland gives way to forests, lochs, and mountains.
The area around Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Blair Atholl, and Loch Tay is often called Highland Perthshire and offers some of Scotland's most accessible Highland scenery.
Perthshire's extensive forests have also earned it the nickname Big Tree Country.
The landscape is impressive year-round but is particularly beautiful in autumn, when its wooded hillsides turn brilliant shades of red, copper, and gold.
Top Attractions in Perthshire
There is much more to Perthshire than any Top 10 list can cover, but several places stand out if you are visiting the area for the first time.
Scone Palace
Just outside Perth, Scone Palace occupies an important place in Scottish history. For centuries, Scone was the crowning place of Scotland's kings, including Robert the Bruce.
Today you can explore the palace's elegant rooms and ancient treasures, including an intricately detailed writing desk gifted by Marie Antoinette and embroidery worked on by none other than Mary, Queen of Scots herself!
In the extensive grounds, see Moot Hill, where Scotland's monarchs were traditionally crowned.
The Hermitage
Just outside Dunkeld, The Hermitage is one of Scotland's most atmospheric woodland walks.
Paths lead beneath enormous Douglas firs towards the River Braan and the spectacular Black Linn Falls. The best view is from Ossian's Hall, an 18th-century folly overlooking the waterfall.
It's an easy walk and a particularly rewarding stop during autumn.
Dunkeld
Dunkeld is a historic Perthshire town on the River Tay, surrounded by wooded hills. It became an early religious centre in the 9th century when Kenneth MacAlpin brought St Columba’s relics here.
Its 13th–15th‑century cathedral still dominates the town, partly roofed and partly preserved as a medieval ruin.
Dunkeld also witnessed the destructive 1689 battle during the Jacobite rising.
Today, it’s known for its restored 18th‑century buildings, riverside walks and the nearby Birnam Oak, linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Queen's View and Loch Tummel
Few viewpoints capture the character of Highland Perthshire better than Queen's View.
From the viewpoint, the landscape stretches westwards along Loch Tummel towards the distinctive summit of Schiehallion.
It's a classic Highland panorama of water, woodland, and mountains, and it's particularly impressive on a clear day.
The particular Queen that this beauty spot is named after has been lost in the mists of time. Some think it was Queen Victoria, who visited the area in 1866.
Others suggest Mary, Queen of Scots, while others maintain it was Isabella of Mar, the first wife of Robert the Bruce, who is said to have rested in the area during her travels in the late 13th century
Blair Castle
The ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl, Blair Castle stands near the village of Blair Atholl and has been part of the Perthshire landscape for more than seven centuries.
Its rooms contain historic furniture, paintings, weapons and family treasures, while the surrounding estate includes the restored Hercules Garden and extensive grounds.
The castle is connected to the Atholl Highlanders, who serve as the personal bodyguard to the Duke of Atholl and are recognised as Europe’s only legal private army.
Loch Tay
Long, narrow and surrounded by mountains, Loch Tay extends for around 15 miles through the heart of Perthshire.
The attractive village of Kenmore stands at its eastern end, while Ben Lawers rises above its northern shore.
The Scottish Crannog Centre sits on the loch's banks, where you can explore a reconstruction of an Iron Age village and see demonstrations of traditional crafts such as woodworking and textile weaving.
Killiecrankie
A few miles south of Blair Atholl is the wooded Pass of Killiecrankie, where the River Garry cuts through a steep-sided gorge.
Its peaceful appearance disguises a turbulent past. The Battle of Killiecrankie was fought nearby in 1689 between Jacobite and government forces.
A popular woodland walk leads to Soldier's Leap, where one of the government soldiers, Donald MacBean, leapt 18 feet (6 m) across the River Garry to escape the pursuing Jacobites.
Schiehallion
With its distinctive pointed summit, Schiehallion is one of Perthshire's most recognisable mountains.
Its almost symmetrical shape also gave the mountain an important place in scientific history. In 1774, astronomer Nevil Maskelyne used Schiehallion during an experiment to estimate the mass of the Earth.
For walkers, the mountain offers a popular route to a summit standing 1,083 metres above sea level.
Taste Perthshire
Taste Perthshire, located in the village of Bankfoot, is a popular stop for travellers heading to and from the Highlands. It offers great food as well as local produce and crafts.
It’s probably most popular as a place to meet the resident Hairy Coos.
Just outside the main building, a small herd of Highland cattle graze in the adjoining field, giving visitors an easy, up‑close look at these iconic, shaggy‑fringed animals.
Their gentle nature, sweeping horns, and famously tousled coats make them irresistible to photograph, and they are a real icon of Scotland.
Pitlochry - The Heart of Highland Perthshire
For many visitors, Pitlochry is the natural base for exploring Highland Perthshire.
Developed as a Victorian resort town after the arrival of the railway, it retains much of its traditional character. Its main street is lined with hotels, cafés and independent shops, while wooded hills provide an attractive backdrop.
So what to do in Pitlochry?
Start with a stroll through the town before walking down towards the River Tummel and Pitlochry Dam. The dam was built as part of a major hydroelectric scheme and includes a famous fish ladder that lets around 5,000 salmon annually continue their journey upstream to spawn.
Whisky enthusiasts can visit Blair Athol Distillery, which stands at the southern end of town and has been producing whisky since the 18th century.
For a short walk, follow the woodland paths to Black Spout, an impressive waterfall just outside the town centre.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre stands beside the River Tummel and has developed an excellent reputation for its programme of theatre, music and entertainment.
Explore Aberfeldy and the River Tay
West of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy makes another excellent base for exploring Perthshire.
The town sits beside the River Tay and is closely associated with Robert Burns, who visited in 1787 and was inspired by the local landscape to write The Birks of Aberfeldy.
Today, a woodland walk follows the Moness Burn through the Birks to a series of waterfalls.
Nearby you'll find Castle Menzies and Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, while Loch Tay and Glen Lyon are within easy reach.
Discover Glen Lyon
For somewhere quieter, head into Glen Lyon, often described as one of Scotland's most beautiful glens.
Stretching westwards into the mountains, the glen offers a landscape of rivers, woodland, waterfalls and isolated farms.
It receives considerably fewer visitors than many of Scotland's better-known Highland glens, making it a rewarding detour for anyone wanting to explore a more peaceful side of Perthshire.
Walk Through the Birks of Aberfeldy
The Birks of Aberfeldy combines two things Perthshire does particularly well: woodland and waterfalls.
The circular walk climbs through a steep wooded gorge beside the Moness Burn, passing a succession of cascades before reaching the Falls of Moness.
Robert Burns visited the area in 1787 and was so impressed that he wrote a poem celebrating the landscape.
Perth - The Fair City
While Perthshire is the wider region, Perth itself deserves time on any visit.
So what is Perth famous for?
The city stands on the banks of the River Tay and has played an important role in Scottish history. Its proximity to Scone, the traditional crowning place of Scottish monarchs, helped make medieval Perth one of Scotland's most important settlements.
It was granted city status again in 2012 and now combines historic streets with attractive riverside walks, parks, shops, and cultural attractions.
One of the most important recent additions is Perth Museum, home to the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone. For centuries, the stone played a central role in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.
The city's location also makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the countryside of southern Perthshire or travelling north into the Highlands.
Perthshire's Whisky Country
Perthshire has a long association with Scotch whisky and several distilleries welcome visitors.
Around Pitlochry you'll find Blair Athol Distillery and Edradour, while Aberfeldy is home to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery.
Further south, Glenturret near Crieff traces its history back to the 18th century and is regarded as one of Scotland's oldest working distilleries.
A distillery visit provides an opportunity to discover how malt whisky is produced, learn about the importance of water, barley and oak casks and, of course, sample the finished product.
When is the Best Time to Visit Perthshire?
Every season brings something different to Perthshire.
Spring brings longer days, woodland flowers and rushing waterfalls, while summer is ideal for walking and exploring the area's lochs and mountains.
Autumn is arguably Perthshire at its most spectacular. Its extensive forests produce some of Scotland's finest autumn colours, particularly around Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry.
Winter brings a quieter atmosphere, with snow often dusting the higher mountains of Highland Perthshire.
Highland Perthshire FAQs
Where is Perthshire?
Perthshire is a large region in central Scotland, stretching from the gentle countryside around Perth to the mountains and glens of the Grampian Mountains.
What to see in Perthshire?
Perthshire offers waterfalls, woodland walks, peaceful lochs, historic towns, castles, whisky distilleries and excellent walking routes. The region is known for its varied landscapes and natural beauty.
Is Perthshire in the Highlands?
Only northern Perthshire is considered part of the Highlands. The Highland Boundary Fault runs through the villages of Comrie, Crieff and Dunkeld in Perthshire. To the south are the Lowlands and to the north the Highlands.
Is Perth a city in the Highlands?
No. Perth is in southern Perthshire, which is not part of the Highlands. It sits on the River Tay and has long been an important historic Scottish city.
What are the famous attractions in Perthshire?
Perthshire is packed with wonderful attractions, from historic Scone Palace and the towering Douglas firs of The Hermitage to Dunkeld’s medieval cathedral and the Highland panorama at Queen’s View.
Blair Castle offers centuries of history, while Killiecrankie, Loch Tay, and the iconic summit of Schiehallion provide dramatic views at every turn.
Why is Perthshire called Big Tree Country?
Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country because of its extensive forests and impressive woodland. The region is especially beautiful in autumn when the hillsides turn vivid shades of red, copper and gold.
What makes Queen’s View so famous?
Queen’s View is celebrated for its beautiful view over Loch Tummel towards Schiehallion. Its name adds to the intrigue, with competing views as to which Queen it is named after - Queen Victoria, Mary Queen of Scots or Isabella of Mar?.
What can I do in Pitlochry?
Pitlochry is famous as a Victorian resort. It makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area, and the town itself offers scenic riverside walks, the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, whisky tasting at Blair Athol Distillery, woodland trails to Black Spout waterfall and performances at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
When is the best time to visit Perthshire?
No matter what time of year you visit, Perthshire has something to offer. Spring offers colourful floral displays, summer brings long days, perfect for long country walks, autumn transforms the forests into a blaze of colour, and winter provides a quieter experience with picturesque landscapes and snow‑dusted peaks.
Can I visit Perthshire on a day trip with Scottish Tours?
Yes. Scottish Tours offers day trips that explore many Perthshire highlights, including Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair Athol Distillery, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and Taste Perthshire in Bankfoot, where you can meet the resident Hairy Coos.
Visit Perthshire with Scottish Tours
Discover Highland Perthshire, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historic regions, with Scottish Tours.
Many of our day trips visit towns and villages such as Dunkeld and Pitlochry or venture to popular whisky destinations such as Blair Athol and Dewars Aberfeldy. Whatever your interests, we've got a tour for you.
Browse our Scotland Tours and book today.
Photo credits: VisitScotland and Shutterstock
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