Perth City walk

1. The walk starts from the car park at the north corner of the South Inch, the large green space on the south side of the city, however the route can be joined at any point. From the car park entrance cross Marshall Place to reach the outside of the Fergusson Gallery. Once a water tower, the impressive circular domed building is now an excellent art gallery named after, J D Fergusson, a Scottish colourist from Perth. Cross Tay Street to reach the riverside and pass under the railway. Turn right to climb the steps up to the pedestrian bridge next to the railway line. The bridge crosses the wide River Tay, keeping high above the island which houses a golf course and allotments. Once on the far side of the river take the path on the left at the beginning of the sculpture trail.

2. The route keeps close to the river and passes a number of sculptures as it reaches Bellwood Park. Where the clear concrete path forks keep right to pass Millais' Viewpoint, a carved stone piece framing a view across the water to the Sheriff Court. From here curve back left down to the riverside. At the next fork keep left to pass under Queens Bridge and follow the Norie-Miller Riverside Walk, named after the founders of General Accident. Keep on the path nearest to the river which eventually emerges onto Commercial Street. Turn left here and pass a coffee shop before crossing West Bridge Street and then turning left to cross Perth Bridge.

3. The domed building ahead as you cross the bridge is the Marshall Monument - part of Perth's city art gallery. On the far side of the river continue until you reach a thistle statue where you can turn right onto the North Inch. The word Inch comes from the Gaelic for island and reflects the boggy nature of this ground which has been used for cattle grazing, linen drying, horse racing, and still hosts the Perth Highland Games and agricultural show. Follow the path around passing a statue of a soldier and a girl and the regimental memorial before bearing left along the path which is also a cycle track. The path runs alongside the river with many fine houses visible on the far side. Soon the North Inch Golf Course is reached, the path continues straight on, splitting the course. Follow the curve of the path around to the left and follow the path on the other side of the Inch back towards the city, passing the Bells Sports Centre and the nearby Black Watch Museum on the way.

4. When the path reached the middle of Rose Terrace opposite, leave the path and cross the road. The Terrace was built in 1807 with the prominent statue of Britannia added in 1886. Turn left to walk past the Terrace and carefully cross the main road to head left along Georgian Atholl Crescent. Turn right into North Port and soon the Fair Maids House is reached on the right. The oldest secular building in Perth was named after Walter Scott's popular novel of 1828. Opposite the far end of the building take Curfew Row, originally part of the an early medieval suburb where malting and tanning took place. Now it is a pedestrian street between the shopper's car park and the Horse Cross concert hall which is passed on the left. At the far end turn right into Mill Street.

5. Go straight across Scott Street and South Methven Street to reach the old city mill which now houses the tourist information office. Bear left around the building, which has a water race running underneath it and houses an undershot wheel and is part of Perth's industrial past as a centre of the linen industry. Pass the front of the Tourist Information and look for a stone tower on the street ahead. This is the Wynd House and the route follows the narrow passage underneath. When it emerges onto South Methven Street turn right and then left into the High Street which soon becomes pedestrianised. Continue to David Annand's sculpture Nae Day Sae Dark, inspired by William Soutar's poem of the same name.

6. Turn right into Edward Street and then take the next left St John's Place. This leads to St John's Kirk, Perth's oldest building, parts of which date from 1100. Here in 1559 John Knox preached against idolatry, causing the congregation to sack the town's three monasteries. Walk around the building and admire the Central Bank building, now housing Lakeland. Designed in 1846 in the Italian renaissance style the grandeur reflects the confidence of the bank at the time. If the shop is open it is worth popping inside to look at the fine plaster ceilings. At the end of the street, the ornate facade of Perth's oldest hotel, The Salutation, can be glimpsed. Walk up the other side of the church, looking out for the sign for Fleshers Vennel, named after the butchers that used to trade in this area. At Edward Street turn left.

7. Cross South Street and follow the covered walkway and turn left when Canal Street is reached. This street follows the line of the Medieval town wall and ditch. Perth was one of the few walled towns in Scotland and Canal Street led to a harbour on the river when Perth was an important international trading port from the 12th century. At Tay Street, near the river, turn left to pass the impressive Sheriff Court and then cross Tay Street at the next traffic lights. The bridge gives good views of the town. Don't cross it, instead turning right and walk along the riverside with the chance to admire the tiny sculpture menagerie - another celebration of a Soutar poem - on the railings. Soon the junction and the Fergusson Gallery are reached. Cross the road ahead to return to the South Inch car park and the start of the walk.

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