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By Rab Dobbie
There is something instantly calming about being out and walking in nature. Forget your mindful apps and daily emails telling you to switch off, it has been proven time and again that fresh air and open spaces are two of the best things you can feed your mind, body and spirit.
Here in Perthshire, Mother Nature has been especially kind and we are blessed with a natural environment unlike any other. From the urban landscape of the city centre you are only a short five minute walk from both the North and South Inch parks and their glorious vast blankets of green space. Treelined walks, Scotland's most majestic river and a pond bustling with the birds and insects who call it home, these beautiful parks bookend Tay Street with nature at her best.
Across the bridge and into the Norrie Miller Walk and Rodney Gardens you will find the stunning architecture of Kinnoull Church nestled into the trees, bushes and flowers that line the pond and river's left bank.
Of course, with this bountiful natural environment comes some of Scotland's most wonderful wildlife and from the bees and butterflies and of the insect world to the starlings, swans and ducks who have made their watery home in Perth a morning walk in Perth City Centre is a wonderful way to connect with nature.
Venture further out and you will find Perthshire awaits you in all her glory. From Loch Leven to the Deil's cauldron, Loch Earn to Dunkeld, there are so many reasons to put down your busy life, embrace Mother Nature and spend time relaxing in the countryside and landscapes of our amazing corner of the world.
Throw in our vibrant sunsets and sun rises, the ever changing seasons, red deer running wild and an awe-inspiring landscape and it is easy to see why a wee walk in Perthshire beats every other mindful option hands down!
GALLERY PHOTOGRAPHER
Rab Dobbie is an amateur photographer based in Perth who loves going out with his camera and getting shots of our wonderful landscapes and vast wildlife. His 'Two Starlings' shot is one of Nicki's favourite images of the year.