Enjoy Big Tree Country

Perthshire Big Tree Country is magical at any time of year ... enjoy the orchestral spring birdsong; the colour summer wildflower display; the trees in their stunning autumn colours; the snow covered hill tops glistening in winter.

Why not let nature’s vitality inspire you to get outdoors for some healthy exercise? It’ll lift your spirits and help burn the calories, a win-win situation for everyone.

You can take your pick from the enormous choice of waymarked routes around Big Tree Country. The Walk & Cycle page shows their locations.

Nature's Magic highlights what to look out for when you’re in the woods.

With so many varied sites, there is something to interest all the family. You could explore places that are associated with historical figures or that are notable for their wildlife. If you enjoy ‘collecting’, try seeing how many heritage trees, waterfalls or viewpoints you can visit.

There is a full programme of events around Big Tree Country. These can introduce you to new areas and help you learn about their wildlife and heritage. Many are designed to give children a fun experience in the outdoors.

For more ideas about places to go and things to see, dip into the features - a collection of articles written by a local walking enthusiast.

Ospreys are a Big Tree Country success story. They return in late March, after spending winter in Africa, and lay from one to four eggs in a treetop nest.

The species was extinct in Scotland for more than 50 years, but reappeared at Loch of the Lowes near Dunkeld in 1969 and has bred there ever since.

The population has steadily grown and now nearly 50 percent of Scotland’s ospreys nest in Perthshire. At the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre you can view the birds from a hide or see footage from CCTV cameras.