Walk of the week: Perth to Almondbank

Published on Sunday 21 November 2010 11:48

With gales forecast for the high tops, especially in the west, Jimbo, John and I adopted the usual practice of heading east for a low-level walk. On a cold blustery day, an outing by the banks of the Rivers Tay and Almond was a good choice and we were soon warmed by the brisk walk.

Jimbo, plus Springer spaniels, had previously covered part of the walk on a weekend, when there had been many a cyclist, so this time the dogs were left at home. The walk follows part of the National Cycle Network, Route 77, the so-called Salmon Run, from Dundee to Pitlochry, with our section mostly on a Tarmac path.

Although the riverside walk is shown on Ordnance Survey map 58, Perth to Alloa, in truth a map is not required; simply follow the excellent path. We walked from Perth to Almondbank, then back again, a distance of some 9 miles, although a one-way trip can be made if transport is pre-arranged.

THE ROUTE

Start from the North Inch, the top-most section of which has a lovely golf course, the Artisan Golf Club, formed in 1879. Follow the mapped cycleway, signposted Almondbank and Pitlochry, that goes west of the golf course then curves eastwards to run parallel to the Tay. Evidenced by the fast flowing river, there had been a lot of rain and the northern part of the golf course, a temporary lakeside park of some beauty, was closed.

In the distance can be seen the white fence posts of the race course by the river and the roof-top flag of Scone Palace. The confluence of the Tay and Almond, opposite the race course, is soon reached. The path then turns westwards, leaving the peaceful Tay behind. Ahead lies the Inverness railway line and the busy and noisy A9.

Still following the 77 cycle route, go under the stone-arched railway bridge then under the rather ugly concrete road bridge. The latter underpass is prone to flooding but luckily we had no problem. Continue by the fast flowing river under another stone-arched bridge, that of the old A9. The path meanders through a wooded glen, on the left of which is an industrial estate partly hidden by the trees. Pass another sign – Almondbank 1 miles, Pitcairngreen 2 miles, Bankfoot 8 miles – and the path surface now changes from Tarmac to gravel, muddy in places on our visit.

On approaching Almondbank through a pretty wooded strip, the scenery opens out with open fields to the left. Continue past the remnants of an old bridge, the central pier still intact, and then past a weir and the Town Lade.

Shortly after, reach a wide footbridge where the signposted 77 cycle route crosses the Almond – Bankfoot 7 miles, Pitlochry 25 miles.

However, stay with the south bank, passing an eroded section by a hut at the edge of a grassy park with football posts. On reaching the Almond Valley Bowling Club, turn left up steps to reach Main Street and the Almondbank Inn. The Inn has variable open hours earlier in the week, but is open Thursday to Saturday from 11am and Sunday from 12:30pm. Alas, we were there on a Wednesday and before opening time.

Our anticipated lunch break was not to be, and on the way back it was a case of nibbling a few chocolate bars.

When parallel to the Tay on our walk back to Perth, we studied the close-by deep and fast flowing water. Judging by a group of seagulls floating downstream, we estimated that the current was flowing at some 4mph. This was another reason for the dog-free outing. The dogs chafe on the lead at the best of times and especially when beside water. It was obvious that Jimbo had made the correct decision. The water was a sure temptation for the dogs and neither John nor I would have been prepared to jump in to rescue them.

THE FACTS

Map Ordnance Survey map 58, Perth to Alloa

Distance 9 miles

Height A negligible 30m

Terrain Excellent path

Start point North Inch, Perth

Time 4 hours

Nearest city Perth

Nearest refreshment spot An abundance of choice in Perth