The best running trails in Perth and Kinross

If you're seeking a challenging jogging experience, the Loch Leven Heritage Trail delivers a difficult 12.4-mile (19.9 km) journey. You will gain 233 feet (71 metres) in elevation, typically taking about 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete. As you jog, you'll traverse diverse landscapes, from winding woods to marshland, all while enjoying picturesque views across Loch Leven. Keep an eye out for the iconic Lochleven Castle, perched on its island, which you can spot from various viewpoints like Kirkgate Point.

The trail is generally accessible, offering multiple entry points and convenient facilities along the way. You will find parking options and cafes, many of which also provide toilets for visitors. While much of the path is paved and level, be prepared for some sections, particularly within the RSPB Loch Leven Reserve, which can be uneven and exposed to wind. There is also a noticeable climb of about 15 metres on the southern part of the route, adding to the overall challenge.

This route circles the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, an area renowned for its abundant birdlife. You can expect to see numerous migratory ducks and swans, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife observation during your run. The presence of Lochleven Castle, with its rich history, further enhances the unique character of this trail, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Embark on the Beinn a' Ghlò Circuit for a truly demanding jogging experience through the vast wilderness of the Mounth. This difficult route spans 18.5 miles (29.7 km) and challenges you with a significant 4382 feet (1336 metres) of elevation gain. As you ascend towards the Càrn nan Gabhar summit, you will encounter stony and boulder-strewn upper slopes, offering expansive views across the landscape. Plan for a duration of around 4 hours and 14 minutes to complete this rigorous circuit.

Before you set out, be aware that conditions on this high mountain route can change rapidly. If you plan to jog in winter, expect snow, ice, and cornices, which demand specialized gear and prior experience in such environments. Always be prepared for the possibility of poor visibility and challenging navigation, as the complex mountain terrain can become disorienting in adverse weather.

This circuit is a highlight within Cairngorms National Park, renowned for its remote and empty feel. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as grouse and deer, which are often spotted in these parts. The views from the higher elevations, particularly looking back towards Beinn a'Bhuird and Ben Avon, provide a memorable reward for your effort on this notable Scottish trail.

Schiehallion from Braes of Foss car park offers a challenging jogging experience, covering 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with a significant 2275 feet (693 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You start on a well-maintained path made of local stone, offering steady views over Loch Tummel and towards the Cairngorms. As you ascend, the path becomes rockier, and the final 2 kilometers to the summit involve navigating an awkward quartzite boulder field, which is generally unsuitable for jogging due to the risk of injury, but rewards you with expansive views of Loch Rannoch and Rannoch Moor. The mountain's slopes are rich in heather, mosses, and blaeberry, providing varied colors throughout the seasons. This route is rated as difficult overall.

To tackle this route, you'll begin from the Braes of Foss car park, where the initial section provides a good introduction for those new to hillwalking. However, be prepared for the significant increase in difficulty once you reach the boulder field, which demands careful foot placement and concentration, especially on the descent when your legs are tired. In winter, the trail can become partially frozen and very slippery, adding to the challenge. If you're looking for a less strenuous option, an Easy Access Walk is available near the car park.

Schiehallion is one of Scotland's most recognizable and popular Munros, often chosen as a first Munro due to its accessibility. Its distinctive conical shape makes it easily identifiable from a distance. Historically, the mountain played a crucial role in an 18th-century experiment by Nevil Maskelyne to estimate the mass of the Earth, which also led to the first use of contour lines in cartography. The John Muir Trust manages the eastern side of the mountain and has undertaken extensive path repairs to combat erosion, ensuring the quality of the lower path you'll experience.

Prepare for a difficult jogging experience on the Ben Lawers Classic loop, covering 7.3 miles (11.7 km) with a significant 2679 feet (816 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route, which you can complete in about 1 hour and 44 minutes, takes you through mountainous terrain with rocky and potentially boggy sections. As you ascend towards the summit of Ben Lawers, you will find steep and eroded paths, but the reward is panoramic views stretching over Loch Tay, Glencoe, and even the Cairngorms on a clear day.

Before you head out, be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly, bringing cool temperatures and strong winds even in summer. You will need very good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy shoes for this route; some sections might require scrambling. A conveniently located car park at a high elevation provides a good starting point, but always be prepared for challenging navigation in poor visibility.

This loop leads you to the summit of Ben Lawers, Scotland's 10th highest Munro at 1,214 meters (3,984 feet), and often includes Beinn Ghlas, offering a chance to bag two Munros in one outing. The Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is globally recognized for its rare arctic-alpine flora, thriving on the mountain's mineral-rich rocks. Keep an eye out for wildlife like red deer and ptarmigan as you jog through this ecologically important area.

Embark on the Lady Mary's Walk loop from Crieff for a moderate jogging experience that blends riverside tranquility with rewarding hill climbs. This 6.8-mile (11.0 km) route, typically completed in 1 hour and 18 minutes, offers diverse scenery. You'll begin along the picturesque River Earn on flat, well-surfaced paths shaded by ancient oak and beech trees, some over 150 years old. As you extend towards Laggan Hill, the trail introduces more challenging uphill sections, gaining 488 feet (149 metres) in elevation, with uneven and potentially muddy terrain. From Laggan Hill, you'll be treated to panoramic views across the Strathearn Valley, the Knock of Crieff, and distant peaks like Ben Vorlich.

While the riverside section of Lady Mary's Walk is generally easy and suitable for all skill levels, incorporating Laggan Hill increases the difficulty to moderate. The path can narrow to single file at points, especially along the river. Be aware that some sections of the broader loop can be unsurfaced and uneven, potentially becoming muddy after rain. This trail is accessible year-round, offering different charms with each season, from lush summer greenery to vibrant autumn colours.

This historic path, created around 1815 by Sir Peter Murray and named after his daughter Lady Mary, is part of Perthshire Big Tree Country. As you jog, look out for the many seats and viewpoints along the route, some engraved with poems about the area. The trail is also rich in wildlife; you might spot kingfishers, woodpeckers, red squirrels, or foxes. You can even pass by the Glenturret Distillery, offering an interesting stop near the route.

The Birnam Hill Path offers a difficult jogging route, covering 4.2 miles (6.8 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1111 feet (339 metres), typically taking around 1 hour and 5 minutes. You will jog through peaceful forest paths filled with oak, beech, and Scots pine, where you might spot red squirrels. As you climb, the trees give way to open moorland, revealing sweeping views of Dunkeld and the River Tay, culminating in panoramic vistas from the King's Seat summit.

Be prepared for a strenuous ascent and steep, rocky descents on this trail. You will need sturdy shoes, as parts can be quite steep and potentially muddy or icy depending on the season. Certain open areas might also be boggy, especially after rain, so plan your visit for favorable weather conditions.

This route is notable for its varied terrain, transitioning from dense woodlands to exposed moorland, offering a diverse natural experience. The expansive views from the top, stretching to distant peaks like Schiehallion and Ben Lawers on a clear day, make the challenging climb worthwhile. It provides a rewarding physical test with stunning Scottish Highland scenery.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Ben Vrackie & Loch a' Choire loop from Pitlochry. This difficult route spans 9.6 miles (15.4 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 2451 feet (747 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete. You will start by jogging through mixed woodlands before the landscape opens up to expansive heather moorland. The path around Loch a' Choire can be quite boggy, so be ready for varied underfoot conditions. The highlight is the steep climb to Ben Vrackie's summit, where rough stone steps lead you to panoramic views of the Cairngorms and Loch Tummel, making the effort truly worthwhile.

Given its accessibility from Pitlochry, this route is very popular, so you should anticipate encountering many other joggers and hikers, especially on weekends and during good weather. Starting early can help you avoid the busiest times on the trail. While the paths are generally well-maintained, the substantial ascent demands a good level of physical fitness and confident footing. Make sure you are prepared for the terrain, particularly the rough stone steps leading to the summit. Planning your visit with these factors in mind will ensure a more enjoyable outing.

This loop is a standout in the region for its combination of varied terrain and rewarding summit views. It offers a true taste of the Scottish Highlands, transitioning from sheltered woodlands to exposed moorland and a mountain peak. The trail's popularity stems from its proximity to Pitlochry, making it a convenient yet demanding option for those looking to push their limits. It provides an excellent opportunity to experience a classic Scottish hill climb without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Embark on the Meall nan Tarmachan & Meall Garbh loop from Ben Lawers car park, a challenging jogging route that takes you across rugged Scottish peaks. You will cover 8.2 miles (13.2 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2173 feet (662 metres), which makes for a demanding but rewarding experience. As you ascend, you will find yourself on the Tarmachan Ridge, a rocky and winding path offering expansive views of the surrounding mountains and distant Loch Tay.

This difficult loop starts conveniently from the Ben Lawers car park, which provides a high-altitude beginning to your journey. While the initial climb towards Meall nan Tarmachan follows clear paths, be prepared for rougher ground and potentially boggy sections once you are past the summit. Navigation can become tricky, especially if mist rolls in, so always carry appropriate maps and gear. Experienced joggers can expect to complete the route in about 2 hours and 18 minutes.

This trail is nestled within the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, an area known for its unique alpine flora and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for native species like ptarmigan and red deer as you traverse the landscape. The route offers a true sense of the Southern Highlands' wild character, providing a memorable mountain jogging experience away from the crowds.

Embark on the Atholl Woods Path for a refreshing jogging experience through varied woodlands and open country. This moderate route spans 6.8 miles (11.0 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 684 feet (208 metres). You can expect to complete the loop in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, enjoying views of the Tay valley and passing picturesque water features like Polney Loch and Mill Dam. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife and local wildlife, including fallow deer or red squirrels, as you move through the mixed forest.

When planning your visit, be aware that while the trail mostly follows good forestry tracks, some sections can be stony and rough underfoot. If you jog after wet weather, you might encounter softer ground, mud, and even cattle droppings, so choosing appropriate footwear is a good idea. Parking is generally available, and the Cally car park offers a convenient starting point, leading you directly into an uphill section of the path.

This trail winds through the scenic Craigvinean Forest, offering a blend of mature coniferous and deciduous trees that create a dynamic environment throughout the seasons. The path provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural charm of the area, making it a popular choice for those seeking a rewarding outdoor activity. It stands out in the region for its accessible yet engaging terrain, perfect for a focused jog or a brisk walk.