Kinnoull Hill Tower — Local services in Scotland

Review by Toby the Castle Connoisseur

Greetings again, loyal subjects. It is I, Sir Toby Fluffington III, adventurer extraordinaire and distinguished ruin inspector. This time, my paws carried me on a grand quest through a magical forest, the kind that smells of moss, mystery, and the faint promise of snacks. Every tree seemed older than time, every rustle of leaves whispered secrets, and I bravely ignored at least three suspicious squirrels in order to press onward.

At last, the forest opened to reveal it: a ruin perched dramatically atop a cliff, clinging to the edge like it had been placed there by some ancient paw of destiny. Naturally, I trotted up as if I owned the place already.

The views? Spectacular. Below stretched a valley so picturesque it could’ve been painted by a spaniel with too much free time. Rolling hills layered the horizon, soft and noble. A river snaked at the bottom, glittering in the sun like someone had spilled a chest of treasure across the land. And from my high perch, everything looked so wonderfully… small. Tiny houses, miniature trees, ants pretending to be people. I stared down, chest puffed out, imagining my royal proclamation: “Yes, all of this. Mine now.”

The ruin itself had just the right amount of drama — broken walls perfect for striking heroic poses, crumbled stones ideal for sniff inspections, and enough windy corners to make my ears flap majestically. I paced around like a king surveying his throne room, already planning which tower would house my biscuits and which chamber would be my royal nap den.

From above, I looked out at the vast kingdom and thought: “Yes. This is good. The sheep will pay taxes in wool. The birds will serve as messengers. The humans… well, they can bring the treats.”

In conclusion: an awe-inspiring ruin in a magical setting, fit for a ruler of my stature. 15/10. Would absolutely crown myself King of the Valley and demand belly rubs as tribute.

Yours majestically, Sir Toby Fluffington III Castle Connoisseur, Cliff-Top Monarch, Ruler of...

Kinnoull Hill Tower is a striking historical landmark perched on the cliffs of Kinnoull Hill, overlooking the River Tay in Perth, Scotland. Built in the 18th century by Thomas Hay, the 9th Earl of Kinnoull, the tower was designed to resemble the romantic castles he admired along the Rhine during his travels in Germany. The Earl sought to emulate the dramatic landscapes of the Rhine Valley, finding a parallel in the rugged cliffs of his own estate .  

The tower is a cylindrical folly, constructed to enhance the picturesque views from the hilltop. It stands on a rocky outcrop several feet below the 222-meter summit of Kinnoull Hill, offering panoramic vistas of the River Tay, the city of Perth, and the surrounding countryside . The structure is now a Category B listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance. 

Kinnoull Hill itself is part of Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Scotland’s first official woodland park, established in 1991. The park encompasses five hills—Kinnoull Hill, Deuchny Hill, Corsiehill, Barn Hill, and Binn Hill—and is managed jointly by Forestry and Land Scotland and Perth & Kinross Council . The area offers a variety of walking trails, including the Tower Trail, which leads visitors through mixed woodlands to the tower, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region .  

The tower has also found its place in literature; Jane Austen referenced it in her 1790 work “Lesley Castle,” describing it as “an old and Mouldering Castle… situated two miles from Perth on a bold projecting Rock” . 

Today, Kinnoull Hill Tower remains a popular destination for hikers and tourists, offering a blend of historical intrigue and scenic beauty that continues to...

Quite a steep climb up from Perth centre (where I started, crossing the Tay on the footpath over the railway bridge). But you are rewarded with excellent views over the snaking Tay from the escarpment near the trig point at the summit - and the quirky castle (or folly - photo 4) is worth a visit too. Plenty of tempting subsidiary paths lead off the main pathway inviting you to explore if you have time - I didn't. Navigation was tricky - hence only 4 stars. So a good map would be useful if you are new to the area. The woodland is a lovely mixture of mature oak, ash, beech, birch and hawthorn. It's a walk I would happily do again. The cliff near the summit and the folly is sheer, and unfenced if you have young children...