Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s picturesque Strathearn Valley lies the charming market town of Crieff, surrounded by breath-taking landscapes and rich history. One of the best ways to explore the area’s natural beauty and discover its fascinating past is by taking a walk along Lady Mary’s Walk and up to Laggan Hill. This 4-mile circular route starts at MacRosty Park and offers stunning views of the River Earn, ancient hill forts, and diverse wildlife. Join us as we embark on this scenic adventure and soak up the beauty of Crieff.
Walk Details
Route Information
Route Video
Route GPS
Route Map
Points of Interest along the Route
MacRosty Park (1)
MacRosty Park is a stunning woodland park that boasts an impressive collection of mature trees, including Douglas fir and noble fir. It’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a range of activities and attractions to suit all ages.
One of the park’s main features is the Victorian bandstand, which has been recently restored to its former glory. It provides a perfect backdrop for summer concerts and community events. The park also features several children’s play areas, including a zip wire, climbing frames, and a sandpit, making it an ideal destination for families.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of benches and picnic areas throughout the park where visitors can relax and soak up the natural beauty of the surroundings. Additionally, there is a lovely café that serves refreshments, including hot drinks, sandwiches, and cakes, perfect for a quick snack or a leisurely lunch.
One of the most notable things about MacRosty Park is its impressive range of trees and flora. The park boasts an array of stunning flowers, shrubs, and trees, including several species that are rare and unusual. The park also has a walled garden that features a rose garden, a herbaceous border, and a greenhouse with exotic plants.
MacRosty Park is situated on the west side of Crieff and has a large car park at the foot of Milnab Street off of the A822. It’s an excellent starting point for those who wish to explore the surrounding area, including the popular Lady Mary’s Walk and Laggan Hill circular route.
Lady Mary’s Walk (2)
Lady Mary’s Walk is one of the most scenic walking routes in Crieff. Located in the heart of the Strathearn Valley, this 1.5-mile path runs alongside the picturesque River Earn and features an avenue of mature oak, beech, lime, and sweet chestnut trees that provide a stunning canopy any time of year. The path is mostly flat and easy to follow, making it perfect for all ages and abilities.
The walk is named after Lady Mary Murray, whose family were local landowners in the early 19th century. She was renowned for her love of nature and outdoor activities, and it is said that she often walked along this route to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Starting at MacRosty Park, a lovely woodland park with a Victorian bandstand, children’s play areas, picnic areas, and a cafe, the path leads you towards the riverbank, where you can enjoy the calming sound of the water and spot various species of birds such as kingfishers, dippers, herons, woodpeckers, owls, and buzzards.
As you walk further along the path, you can also see some interesting historical features such as an old railway bridge and a stone archway that marks the entrance to Ochtertyre Estate. The estate is home to a beautiful walled garden that dates back to the 18th century and is open to the public for a small fee.
River Earn (3)
Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s stunning Strathearn Valley lies the charming market town of Crieff, home to an array of natural wonders and cultural attractions. One of the town’s highlights is the River Earn, a picturesque waterway that runs through the town and offers an array of outdoor activities and scenic views.
The River Earn: A Natural Wonder of Crieff
The River Earn is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, offering a wide range of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The river runs through the town, and it is bordered by lush woodlands, tranquil meadows, and rolling hills.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the River Earn is by taking a leisurely stroll along its banks. The town of Crieff boasts several stunning walking routes that showcase the river’s scenic beauty, such as Lady Mary’s Walk and the Millennium Walkway.
Things to Do along the River Earn
Apart from taking a relaxing walk along the river, there are several other activities that visitors can enjoy. Fishing is a popular pastime in Crieff, with the River Earn being home to an abundance of fish, such as trout and salmon. Fishing permits can be obtained from the Crieff Angling Club.
Water sports enthusiasts can also enjoy canoeing or kayaking along the river, with several companies offering equipment rentals and guided tours. The river’s gentle currents make it an ideal destination for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can take on the river’s rapids and challenges.
Wildlife on the River Earn
The River Earn is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The river and its surrounding woodlands provide a habitat for a wide range of bird species, such as kingfishers, dippers, herons, woodpeckers, and buzzards. Visitors can also spot mammals like red squirrels, roe deer, foxes, and badgers.
Puddock Pond (3)
What to Expect
Puddock Pond may be small, but it’s full of life. You can expect to see a variety of birds, including ducks, swans, and herons, as well as amphibians like frogs and newts. Dragonflies and damselflies are also common sights during the warmer months.
The pond itself is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the scenery. There are several benches dotted around the pond, providing the perfect place to take a break and watch the wildlife.
Activities
In addition to birdwatching, Puddock Pond is a great spot for fishing. The pond is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and there are plenty of peaceful spots around the edge of the water to cast your line.
If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love exploring the pond’s edge and looking for frogs and other creatures. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can rent a rowboat from the nearby cafe and take to the water.
Laggan Hill (4)
Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s Strathearn Valley, the charming market town of Crieff is a popular destination for those seeking a taste of Scotland’s natural beauty and rich history. One of the town’s most captivating attractions is Laggan Hill, an ancient hill fort that dates back to around 500 BC.
Laggan Hill and Its Historical Features
Laggan Hill is part of an ancient hill fort that dates back to around 500 BC. It has some interesting archaeological features such as ramparts and ditches that can still be seen today. There is also a viewpoint where you can admire the panorama over Loch Turret Reservoir and Ben Chonzie. Take a moment to soak up the serene surroundings and appreciate the rich history of the area.
Wildlife on the Walk
Birds
Lady Mary’s Walk and Laggan Hill are great spots for birdwatching. As you walk along the river and through the woodland, keep an eye out for kingfishers, dippers, herons, woodpeckers, owls, and buzzards. These birds are attracted to the area’s diverse habitats, including the river, woodlands, and open fields.
Mammals
Crieff is home to a variety of mammals, and Lady Mary’s Walk and Laggan Hill offer great opportunities to spot them. Look out for red squirrels, roe deer, foxes, and badgers as you walk through the woodland and fields. You may also spot some farm animals such as sheep and cows grazing in the fields.
Amphibians
Lady Mary’s Walk and Laggan Hill are also home to several species of amphibians. Keep an eye out for frogs, toads, and newts in the Puddock pond. The pond is also home to some insects such as dragonflies and damselflies, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Fish
The River Earn is home to several species of fish, including trout and salmon. You may spot these fish swimming in the river as you walk along Lady Mary’s Walk. The river is also a habitat for some aquatic plants such as water crowfoot and water buttercup.
