Walks and Nature Trails

It has been said that the Kinnaird Estate encompasses every type of Scottish landscape within the 7,000 acres.

The variety is extraordinary. A network of walks lead guests through farmland, river banks, high moorland and to one of Scotland's few remaining juniper forests, without once leaving the estate. Closer to the House, the surrounding gardens or the walled Victorian Kitchen Garden are an idyllic place to relax. A gentle stroll past the gazebo, through the woodland will lead you down to the banks of river. Nature trails for our younger guests, following animal tracks, mushroom spotting and searching for the young spring animals are always a great success.

Big Tree Country and the Champion Trees

The striking image of Kinnaird’s 18th century House nestled under the pine covered crag is unforgettable.  The reason Perthshire is commonly known as Big Tree Country, is clear as you journey along the A9 towards Kinnaird. 

In the early 18th century the Dukes of Atholl began an extensive programme of tree planting that would be heralded amongst some of the first commercial plantings in Scotland.  Most famous was the 4th Duke of Atholl who was so dedicated in his efforts that he became known as ‘the Planting Duke’.  Most of the several million trees planted during this time were intended to be harvested for use in the ship-building industry in order to supply an alternative to dwindling Oak forests.  With the use of iron and steel becoming more widespread, by the time it came to harvest the trees they were left to grow wild amongst the Atholl Estates.

This explains why we have a concentration of ‘Champion Trees’, the biggest of their species, in Perthshire.  On the Kinnaird Estate there are three examples which are all in close proximity to the main House under the protection of the crag.  Alastair, our Concierge and Outdoor Butler, will be delighted to share with you these trees and more about their history.

The Hermitage

Close by is ‘The Hermitage’. The waterfalls, rapids and swirling pools of the River Braan are the focal point for this walk and an impressive stand of Douglas firs provides a dramatic setting with the concentration of so many ‘big trees’ it creates a cathedral-like atmosphere. Views across the waters of the Braan take in a stately Douglas fir measured at 64.5 metres (212 ft) until recently, the tallest tree in Britain.

Click for link to the Hermitage site