Walks near Perth by train

Moderate climb to Dumyat, the landmark peak at the western Ochils, through mixed woodland and a rhododendron tunnel, with summit views to the Wallace Monument.

Dumyat: A prominent peak at the western end of the Ochil Hills offering outstanding panoramic views over Strathallan and the Forth valley.

Time: 4h30

Warnings: A moderate hill climb with steep, occasionally slippery paths and crag edges; take care on the descent.

Walk details: Strathallan Community Rail Partnership (PDF).

Rural Union Canal towpath: the Avon Aqueduct (Scotland's longest and tallest) and the 630m Falkirk Tunnel (Scotland's longest); good for wildflowers.

Warnings: Towpath can be muddy; suitable footwear advised.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

Scenic coastal walk on the Fife Coastal Path beneath the iconic Forth Bridge, through charming towns including Aberdour with its harbour and sandy beach, on to Burntisland.

Warnings: Exposed to coastal weather; pack layers and waterproofs.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

Recommended: The highlight of the route is the spectacular Avon Aqueduct. A simple, direct and easy-to-follow walk mostly along the Union Canal towpath, with an uphill section from Polmont at the start and a downhill section into Linlithgow. Good surfaces with no road sections and though the towpath is narrow in places and there are stepped sections in Linlithgow. Follows the Union Canal towpath. Linlithgow has plenty of history to explore.

Waterway: nine tenths along the Union Canal.

Time: 2h30–5h30

1 end-of-walk reward: the Granary

Warnings: The towpath is narrow in places. Stepped sections in Linlithgow may present problems for some, though alternatives exist.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Recommended: All inland as the headland is not walkable, though it still has a coastal feel.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: Mainly hard-surfaced with a few short climbs, around suburban Dalgety Bay with some sections secluded by trees and great views to the Forth bridges.

Coastal: nine tenths along the coast.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 3h–6h30

Warnings: A few short climbs.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: Varied walk, urban at both ends with scenic views in between.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Time: 6h–12h

Lunch: Cafe at Dysart Harbour midway.

Warnings: Some climbing.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Very nice section of The Fife Coastal Path; a stunning section of the Fife Coast Path. A stunning section of the Fife Coastal Path with good surfaces throughout and minimal gradients and becoming a little industrial on the final approach to Burntisland. The pavement is narrow through Aberdour. Follows the Fife Coastal Path; the journey can be broken at Aberdour (station and buses) or combined with the Inverkeithing to Dalgety Bay route. A little waterfall near Aberdour is worth seeing.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 3h–5h30

Lunch: Easy access to facilities along and at either end of the route.

Warnings: The pavement is narrow through Aberdour.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

About half on road, half off-road, with gorse, grazing animals, kissing gates, stiles and small lochs. Most road sections are small and quiet or in-town with good pavements and though there is a 2 km stretch along the A909. Includes the Old North Road local heritage trail and a footpath along the banks of Stenhouse Reservoir, with likely views to the Firth of Forth. Optional side trips up Dunearn Hill (an ancient hill-fort) or Burntisland Binn. Bring food and drink as there is nowhere to stop and eat; bus routes on the B925 and B9157.

Time: 3h–6h30

Lunch: Nowhere to eat en route — pack lunch!

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a fifth of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 3h30–7h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Time: 5h–10h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.