Craigvinean
COVID-19 update
All FLS visitor centres are currently closed. Walking and mountain bike trails remain open, as do most toilets and car parks, but do check below for local updates for closures.
We want to ensure your visit is an enjoyable and safe one.
Make sure you follow the Scottish Government’s FACTS advice – helping to protect yourself, your family and your local community, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code helping to keep Scotland beautiful.
Welcome to Perthshire's Big Tree Country
Craigvinean was one of the first of the Big Tree Country forests, and one of several planted by the Dukes of Atholl. It became a popular place in Victorian times: early visitors delighted in the forest paths leading to follies and dramatic viewpoints. Now you can follow the trails to discover the same stunning views over Dunkeld and the mighty River Tay.
Guide map to Tay Forest Park (PDF 5.6MB)
Walking trails
Pine Cone Point Trail
Weave your way through the forest to a unique shelter with spectacular views over the River Tay.
Wide, firm and largely smooth gravel surface, with some slightly uneven sections. Long moderate slope for 600m with some steeper sections.
Allow 1½ hours
Look out for pine cones by the trail that have been nibbled down to the stalk. It's a sure sign that red squirrels are about, and at the high point of the trail, a giant pine cone is waiting for you. The views from here across the Tay to Dunkeld and to the mountains in the north are magnificent.
Creagan Loisgte Trail
Discover the Victorian-inspired Torryvald folly hidden deep within the varied forest.
Sections of uneven earthy paths with short rough, narrow and rocky patches. Includes steep slopes. Some parts may be muddy.
Allow 1 hour
Victorian visitors loved ornate follies – fanciful buildings with no practical purpose, designed just for the pleasure of seeing them in the landscape. The Torryvald folly you'll find on this trail today stands in the place of a ruined Victorian viewpoint. It's named after a long-deserted township that lay to the north.
Activities
Orienteering
The fixed orienteering course at Craigvinean is a great way to try this popular sport, in which you hunt for check points using a detailed map. If you’d like to have a go, get in touch with Scottish Orienteering for a map of Craigvinean, grab a compass and head for the trees.
Facilities & access
The nearest public toilets are in Dunkeld, where you'll also find a wide variety of shops and places to eat.
Getting here
Craigvinean is 1 mile west of Dunkeld. Turn off the A9 at the sign for The Hermitage. This road immediately swings to the right, passing the easy-to-spot car park for Craigvinean after 250 meters. You can also park in the National Trust for Scotland Hermitage car park where parking charges apply.
Using SatNav?
PH8 0JR is the nearest postcode.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?