The best city hikes and walks around Blackcraig Forest

There are currently 4 curated urban hiking trails available around Blackcraig Forest, all rated as easy. These routes offer a great way to explore the local towns and their surroundings on foot.

Yes, all the urban hiking trails featured in this guide are rated as easy, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. They generally have minimal elevation gain and are well-suited for a leisurely pace.

The urban hikes in this area, primarily starting from Blairgowrie and Rattray, offer a blend of town scenery and natural landscapes. You can expect riverside paths, views of local architecture, and glimpses into the surrounding natural beauty, such as along the River Ericht.

Yes, all the urban routes in this guide are circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Cargill's Leap – Blairgowrie Town Centre loop and the The Wee Coffee Shop – Blairgowrie Bridge loop.

The urban hiking experience around Blackcraig Forest is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.37 stars from 99 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility, the pleasant riverside sections, and the convenience of starting directly from local towns.

While specific restrictions may vary, generally, urban paths and forest tracks in the Blackcraig Forest area are dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in populated areas or near livestock, and to clean up after them. The varied terrain of forest tracks and riverside paths makes for enjoyable walks with your canine companion.

Given their 'easy' difficulty rating and relatively short distances, the urban hikes are generally suitable for families. Routes like the Erichtside Works loop, at just over 2.5 km, are particularly good for younger children or those with less hiking experience.

The urban hikes in this guide range from approximately 2.5 km to 4.2 km in length. Depending on your pace, they typically take between 40 minutes and 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete, making them perfect for a short outing.

Yes, as these are urban hikes, they often start and finish in or near towns like Blairgowrie and Rattray. You'll find amenities such as cafes and shops conveniently located. For example, the The Wee Coffee Shop – Cateran Café loop highlights local establishments.

On these urban trails, you can expect to see local town features, riverside views along the River Ericht, and potentially historical points of interest within Blairgowrie and Rattray. The Cargill's Leap – Blairgowrie Town Centre loop, for instance, takes you past Cargill's Leap, a local landmark.

Since these routes are based in and around towns like Blairgowrie and Rattray, public parking facilities are generally available within the towns, often close to the starting points of the trails. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and fees.