An exploration of the old streets of central Perth, combined with the vast green space of the North Inch and alongside the River Tay.
Bog Factor
City streets, pavements and paths
South Inch car park, Perth.
Perth is well served by both buses and trains.
NO120230
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 a striking domed circular building. Originally a water tower, the building served as an art gallery for many years, but is now empty.
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.
The route keeps close to the river, passing a number of sculptures as it reaches Bellwood Park. Where the clear concrete path forks keep right to pass Millais' Viewpoint, a carved stone sculpture framing a view across the water to the Sheriff Court. From here curve back left down to return to the riverside. At the next fork keep left to pass under Queens Bridge and follow the path - known as the Norie-Miller walk after the founder of General Accident. Keep on the path nearest to the river until you have to bear right to avoid flats, meeting Commercial Street. Turn left here and follow the pavement before crossing West Bridge Street and then turning left to cross Perth Bridge.
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 along the pavement until you see a thistle sculpture on the right. Turn right here to head 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.
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, passing the concert hall on your left. The old building on the right is the Fair Maids House - the oldest secular building in Perth, named after Walter Scott's popular novel of 1828. Just past this bear left into Curfew Row, originally part of the an early medieval suburb where malting and tanning took place. Now it is a pedestrian street. At the far end turn right into Mill Street.
Go straight across Kinnoull Street and South Methven Street to reach the old city mill. Bear left around this 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. Continue and then look for a stone tower facade on a building 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.
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 opposite. Designed in 1846 in the Italian renaissance style the grandeur reflects the confidence of the bank at the time. Turn right to walk back 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.
At South Street turn left. As you continue back towards the Tay, note the ornate facade of Perth's oldest hotel, The Salutation. Eventually the Tay is reached once more. There was a harbour on the river here when Perth was an important international trading port from the 12th century. The bridge opposite gives good views of the town, but don't cross it, instead turning right and walk along the riverside with lovely views over to Kinnoull Hill - itself providing a fabulous walk. Soon the road leads under the railway bridge. Cross the road ahead to return to the South Inch car park and the start of the walk.
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