15k Run Perth: Scenic Loop of Choinneachain Hill

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 15.7km trail run offers a quintessential Perth and Kinross experience, striking a balance between accessible landrover tracks and rugged Scottish hill climbing. Starting from the dramatic base of the Loch Turret dam, you'll find a steady warm-up along the water's edge before the ascent begins in earnest. With 479m of vertical gain, the route transitions from grassy paths to high-altitude tracks that skirt the shoulder of Choinneachain Hill. Expect a "Category SL" (Small/Long) mountain run experience: no pavement, several small ford crossings that might test your waterproof socks, and wide-open ridges that provide a sense of true Highland isolation without requiring technical scrambling.

Loch Turret is more than just a scenic backdrop; it sits in a glacial hanging valley and serves as a vital reservoir for the Strathearn area. As you climb away from the water, you are traversing land steeped in history, located just north of Crieff—traditionally the "gateway to the Highlands." The area is home to diverse wildlife, and it is not uncommon to spot red deer or birds of prey soaring over the heathery slopes. While the route bypasses the absolute summit of Choinneachain Hill, the elevated position offers expansive views across the rugged Breadalbane mountains, making every meter of that 479m climb feel well worth the effort.