This is a delightful walk from Perth city centre along the banks of the Tay to Luncarty where it is possible to return by bus.
Summary
Flat, surfaced cycle track and riverside path, can be muddy in places.
Terrain
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1. Start the walk in the centre of Perth by walking north along the town-side of the river Tay. Pass under the final bridge where the high water marks from various floods have been carved and continue along the tarmac cycle route with the park on the left and the river on the right. Follow the mixed cycle and pedestrian track through the parkland, where a couple of viewing platforms project out into the wide river, and across the golf course. Perth has a rich golfing history and this course is usually popular in most weathers.
2. At the far end of the golf course follow the cycle track as it turns right to head back to the river and then continues upstream. When gateposts with a flood barrier is reached pass through the gateway and take the right hand fork to follow the tarmac track as it runs along, separated from the river by a stone wall. After the wall ends, take the right hand branch at the next fork, keeping on cycle track 77, part of the national Sustrans network.
3. Fishermen can usually be seen on the far bank, which is part of the parkland belonging to Scone Palace. The Tay is one of the most famous salmon fisheries in Scotland and the upper parts of this walk are very popular with fishermen who can be seen both in boats and casting from a standing position in the river. Just before a copse of trees it is possible to take a detour to keep nearer to the river by turning right down a steep concrete path and following the river bank path until it rejoins the cycle way about 400 metres further on. This diversion is pleasant but can be muddy and somewhat overgrown in the high summer.
4. Follow the cycle track as it bends inland and goes under the railway and a bridge carrying the A9 and then takes the left hand fork uphill, passing a gate and then turning right to follow an old road over a bridge. After the bridge follow the road to the right, with a cottage straight ahead. Soon take the path to the right where there is an information board. The path now heads back down the other side of the River Almond, the reason for the diversion away from the Tay. Follow it back under the A9 and then under the railway. Here paths have been created by bikers and the route can be muddy, keep to the left in the trees and follow the main path.
5. Keep on the path as it heads through trees and then back to the bank of the river and continues upstream. For this first section the path is narrow and near the water's edge, however it soon widens and becomes flanked by mature trees on both sides. At one point a stone marker, showing the boundaries of fishing beats is passed. Continue upstream as the path widens to a track and passes some fishermens' huts. Turn left between two houses and then immediately right to pass inland of the smaller house skirting around the edge of a field on a path to return to the riverbank.
6. The path now leaves the trees behind and is flanked by fields. Keep following the path which can be a little overgrown in parts and cross a wooden bridge and pass a grand stone built house on the right. Immediately after this house turn left just before an attractive green fishing hut. After the hut turn right along a short section of path. This path emerges at a modern housing estate. Follow the crescent of houses until you can take a turning on the right. This is Taypark Road, follow it all the way through the rabbit warren of the housing estate until you turn left at a t junction to reach a small roundabout. Bear right here uphill to pass a shop and soon the main road in Luncarty is reached. Here there is a bus stop where the local bus can be caught back to Perth.
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