Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 5.5 kms | 02:00 (hrs:mins) | 0 metres | Explorer 368: Crieff, Comrie and Glen Artney |
Description
This walk was a favourite of Lady Mary Murray, whose family were local landowners in the early 19th century. The route is one of the most popular in Perthshire and provides a peaceful stroll beside the beautiful River Earn, along an avenue of mature oak, beech, lime and sweet chestnut trees. Some of the larger trees are in the region of 150 to 200 years old. The walk is a delight at any time of year and is particularly photogenic in the late autumn when the beech trees are a riot of rust and gold. Herons, kingfishers, grey wagtails, oystercatchers and dippers live on the river and otters have been seen at dusk. Also watch out for trout and salmon rising on the water to feed.
Begin at the bridge in Taylor/MacRosty Park near where there is a large parking area. Turn left onto the path alongside the Turret Burn and then through a small gate to reach the banks of the River Earn, where Lady Mary's Walk begins. The route hugs the riverbank for approximately 1.5km and then, at a gap in the old railway embankment, doubles back to the start point via a good woodland track.
For a longer walk, head up the hill on the left hand path, just after the gap in the old railway embankment and the circular route onto nearby Laggan Hill is well signposted. This walk goes through mixed woodland and gives splendid views to surrounding countryside before returning to the car parking area at the start of the walk. There are many well placed seats and viewpoints along the way.
The local council upgraded the surface of Lady Mary's Walk a few years ago and this lovely route is now accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. A descriptive leaflet on the walk has been written by a local wheelchair user and is available from the Crieff Tourist Information Centre.
Access Info
Walk from the centre of Crieff or park at Taylor/MacRosty Park. Free outline map of the town centre available from Crieff Tourist Information Centre. Regular local bus service from Perth to Crieff.
Additional Info
Lady Mary's Walk and Laggan Hill Walk are part of the Crieff Waymarked Walks network. Excellent leaflet with outline maps available from local tourist information centres in Perthshire. The leaflet details 8 different walks in the Crieff area covering a total distance of 34 miles/55km.
Other attractions in Crieff include The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery, Crieff Visitors Centre, Stuart & Waterford Crystal and the 'Stocks, Stones and Stories' Exhibition in the Town Hall. Range of cafes and eating places in Crieff town centre.
Free Big Tree Country Guide also available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre. Packed with information on walking, cycling and wildlife watching at over 65 woodland and countryside sites, this is the ideal companion to help you explore Perthshire's great outdoors. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
