River Tay Way

The River Tay Way is a proposed new, linear long-distance route with separate designated routes for cycling and walking being developed by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust. The River Tay Way will travel between Perth and Kenmore through some of the finest countryside that Perthshire has to offer. Ultimately, the route could extend westward to the West Highland Way and eastward to Dundee and the new Fife Pilgrim Way. Both routes would be approximately 50 miles / 80 km and would pass through the communities of Luncarty, Stanley, Murthly, Dunkeld and Birnam, Aberfeldy, and Kenmore. The walking route follows existing designated core paths, and the cycling route follows National Cycle Route 77 (NCN 77) and NCN 7. The intention is to create the River Tay Way through a ‘daisy chain’ of community links that enable residents to undertake low-carbon, active travel and together create a long-distance leisure route through some of Scotland’s finest highland lowland scenery. The River Tay Way would also generate additional local economic income for these communities as well as for Perth & Kinross overall. The routes identified are well-served by visitor accommodation, shops and places to eat and drink, which all would provide the necessary infrastructure to support leisure users of the route. There is also a rich abundance of natural, built, historical and sporting heritage along the route, offering a wealth of innovative, landscape-based interpretation opportunities. The River Tay Way would aid in the delivery of four of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, six of the Scottish Government National Performance Framework outcomes, and fits in with current Active Travel, Mental Health and National Walking Strategy agendas. The soft launch also coincides with the Scottish Government’s Year of Coast and Waters. We are confident that the River Tay Way will one day become one of Scotland’s Great Trails.