Perth & Kinross
The Gateway to the Highlands is as gorgeous as anywhere in Scotland, with endless natural beauty to appreciate and explore.
Overview
Sir Walter Scott described Perthshire as "the fairest portion of the northern kingdom” and with some of Scotland’s most magnificent woodlands and abundant animal life here, it’s hard to argue with the great man.
A great race will take place here too as Perthshire hosts the Gran Fondo Road Race.
Just one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it’s a great getaway for family-friendly days out or adrenaline fuelled outdoor activities.
Spectator Guide
For information about how to get to the Gran Fondo event venues, race routes, where to watch the action, accessibility information and more, please download our Gran Fondo Spectator Guide below.
What to do
Perth
The fair city of Perth was Scotland’s ancient capital for five centuries. Sitting on the River Tay, it’s as beautiful as it's ever been, and you can still feel the grand history in its elegant architecture and cobbled streets.
There’s monuments, museums, art galleries, markets and parks aplenty, the perfect place to escape for a day or two.
Scone Palace
Once home to Scotland’s ancient Kings and The Stone of Destiny, Scone Palace will now see World Championships crowned as it welcomes the finish of the UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races on Friday 4 August.
Explore the royal grounds of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned.
There’s more history here than you’d think possible, with Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Victoria and Marie Antoinette all featuring in the palace’s noble heritage.
The palace is worth visiting alone for the peaceful gardens and woodlands - stay for a picnic and you might even see a peacock or two.
Perth Museum & Art Gallery
One of Scotland’s oldest museums is home to more than half a million objects and artworks of interest to anyone wanting to better understand the cultural history of our country.
Bring your bike (or rent one!)
Comrie Croft is one of Scotland's best trail centres with unique accommodation options including eco-camping.
You’ll find hand-built, technical trails at Dunkeld & Birnam. But if you fancy something slower paced, Loch Ordie is a classic mountain bike route.
Further afield there’s Cairngorms National Park up north, Crieff to the south, Rannoch Moor in the west, and Bankfoot to the east.
Plan your visit
Make the most of your time in Scotland's ancient capital, the 'Fair City' of Perth
Plan your perfect trip at VisitScotland.
Fun facts!
Perth was Scotland’s capital from the 9th century until the 15th century.
Due to its location in the heart of the country, it’s known as the Gateway to the Highlands - it’s a great base to venture further north.
The River Tay is the longest river in Scotland, flowing for 192km.
Perth is known as the 'Fair City', which is in tribute to Walter Scott's book, The Fair Maid of Perth.
Host regions
Discover Scotland... or should that be Bikeland? From mountainous roads to world class trails, there's something for every cyclist.
Tickets
Looking to buy tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships hosted in Glasgow and across Scotland? Here’s what you need to know!
Stirling
The storied city of Stirling will make history once more as it hosts the Road Time Trial at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs.
