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WAYMARKED WALKS: The Highland villages of Dunkeld and Birnam straddle the River Tay and are surrounded by some of the finest woodlands in Scotland – the very heart of Perthshire Big Tree Country. A network of 36 miles/58km of waymarked paths radiates out into the countryside on both sides of the river, following river, burn and lochside, passing through shaded woodlands and climbing steep hillsides with panoramic views. All eight routes are circular in nature and can be linked to provide a wide choice of scenery or distance. Comprehensive leaflet with outline map available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Dunkeld.
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MODERATE WALKS
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Larch Walk
Distance: 3 miles/4.75km
Approximate Time: 60 minutes
Height Gain: 200 metres
Further Info: Part of Dunkeld Waymarked Walks network – leaflet from Dunkeld VIC
A gentle ramble, rich in historical interest, around the green heart of Dunkeld. This walk offers in miniature many of the sights to be enjoyed on a larger scale elsewhere in the area. The walk begins at the North car park, near the village centre, and follows riverside and woodland paths to the hill top viewpoint of King’s Seat. In early summer there are carpets of bluebells under the trees and banks of flowering rhododendrons along the riverbank. The Dunkeld Larches can also be seen near the river and include the remaining `Parent Larch`, which stands 100 feet high near the west end of the cathedral. This tree is the last survivor from a group of five planted by the 2nd Duke of Atholl in 1738.
Dunkeld Cathedral is part ruin, part parish church and can be visited throughout the year. The medieval cathedral holds the tomb of Alexander Stewart, the notorious Wolf of Badenoch. Refreshments in Dunkeld or at Hilton Dunkeld Hotel – conveniently situated on the riverbank at a midway point on the walk.
Inchewan Walk
Distance: 5 miles/8km
Approximate Time: 120 minutes
Height Gain: 80 metres
Further Info: Part of Dunkeld Waymarked Walks network – leaflet from Dunkeld VIC
From the centre of Birnam the path follows the Inchewan Burn up Birnam Glen to the northern end of Glen Carr, offering attractive views of the surrounding hills and straths from the high moorland and from open clearings in the Ladywell Plantation. This walk is memorable for the sounds carried so clearly in the wind across the glen; the curlew's call, the bleating of sheep and the staccato sound of the green woodpeckers `drumming` in the old timber at the edge of Tomgarrow Wood. Sheep graze in the open fields around Balhomish and Tomgarrow and dogs should be kept on leads. The walk can also be started from the car park at Inver. Both start points are clearly shown on the walks leaflet. Refreshments available in Birnam.
The beautifully landscaped Beatrix Potter Garden and nearby Beatrix Potter Exhibition is situated at the start of the Inchewan Walk and can be visited throughout the year. Beatrix Potter, the English author and illustrator, developed her interest in wildlife, drawing and painting during her childhood summers spent at Dalguise House near Dunkeld.
The Braan Walk through The Hermitage
Distance: 3.75 miles/6km
Approximate Time: 90 minutes
Height Gain: negligble
Further Info: Part of Dunkeld Waymarked Walks network – leaflet from Dunkeld VIC
The waterfalls, rapids and swirling pools of the River Braan provide the focal point for the first part of this walk as it leads up through The Hermitage, a wild `tree garden`. This woodland was created by successive Dukes of Atholl influenced by the `Romantic` movement and the fashion for `wild` landscapes. Visitors today can marvel at one of the tallest trees in Britain – a majestic Douglas fir measured at 64.5 metres (212ft) and still growing at the side of the `black pool`, near to the bend in the river. Above the waterfall is the romantic folly known as Ossian’s Hall. The walk continues to Rumbling Bridge with its spectacular waterfalls and then on through open moorland to Tomgarrow Wood. Red squirrels can be seen on this leg of the walk or at least evidence of their presence in the stripped, scattered spruce and pine cones. The start points for this walk are The Hermitage, Rumbling Bridge or Inver car parks. Good choice of cafes and eating places in Dunkeld.
Craigvinean Forest
Distance: 1.5 miles/2.5km+
Approximate Time: 45 minutes +
Height Gain: variable
Further Info: Tay Forest Park leaflet from local VisitScotland Information Centres or OS Landranger Map 52
Craigvinean is Gaelic for `crag of the goats`. This is one of Scotland’s oldest managed forests and was created from larch seed brought from the Alps for the Second Duke of Atholl. Such plantings were part of the great expansion of forestry in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century which centred on Perthshire. Craigvinean has been popular since the time of the Victorians, who delighted in the forest paths leading to follies and dramatic viewpoints, some of which give open views down to Dunkeld and the mighty River Tay. Today’s visitors can choose from many excellent routes and the paths network is continually developing. Start at the Craigvinean car park just off the A9 at GR 013423. Refreshments in Dunkeld.
Birnam Hill
Distance: 4.25 miles/6.75km
Approximate Time: 120 minutes
Height Gain: 340 metres
Further Info: Part of Dunkeld Waymarked Walks network – leaflet from Dunkeld VIC
Standing proudly on the edge of the Highland boundary fault line, Birnam Hill is a wonderful viewpoint; eastwards across Loch of the Lowes and on to the fertile farmland of Strathmore; westwards to the hills of Perthshire. The hill rises steeply to 1300ft and can be climbed by a well signposted circular route that starts either from the centre of Birnam or from Quarry car park. (Walkers are advised to follow the direction shown in the leaflet and on waymarkers to avoid a steep ascent). Lower slopes are gentle and cloaked in deciduous woodland, while the path to the summit (also known as The King’s Seat) is heathery and rougher as it leads onto high open ground. On the way round look out for The Stair Bridge viewpoint, a high bridge that looks out onto some small lochans, and Rohallion Castle, a ruined old tower. Both these points of interest are signposted and worth the small detour. Go quietly and it is often possible to watch small groups of roe deer in the shady glades. Black grouse and capercaillie also live on the hill and feed on pine needles and blaeberries found at the summit. Refreshments in Birnam.
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LONGER WALKS
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Atholl Woods
Distance: 6.75 miles/10.75km
Approximate Time: 180 minutes
Height Gain: 300 metres
Further Info: Part of Dunkeld Waymarked Walks network – leaflet from Dunkeld VIC
Atholl Woods stretch over many acres of hill country to the north of Dunkeld offering delightful walks and open views around the vast conifer plantations. The longest circuit begins from the Cally car park (GR 023 438), located off the A923, north of Dunkeld. The trees are regularly harvested and the cleared areas provide many wonderful views from the forest tracks. To the southwest the lochs of Craiglush, Lowes and Butterstone are clearly seen; to the north the valley of the River Tay stretches out, framed by high mountains.
The walk through Atholl Woods passes along the banks of two small but attractive lochs. Mill Dam always has large numbers of wildfowl, including widgeon, mallard and tufted ducks. Polney Loch, also known as the Goat's Pool, lies beneath the imposing cliffs of Craig a' Barns and has a distinctly Swiss atmosphere created by its situation and scenery. Close to the edge, the stealthy grey heron can often be seen waiting motionless to spear an unsuspecting fish or frog. There are many possibilities for other longer and shorter walks in the area, as described on the map board at Cally car park.
Loch Ordie
Distance: 11 miles /18km +
Approximate Time: 270 minutes +
Height Gain: 300 metres
Further Info: OS Landranger Map 52
Escape civilisation for a while and discover the unspoilt hinterland above Dunkeld. Walkers can enjoy miles of Atholl Estates tracks and paths through open countryside peppered with tranquil lochs. The start point is the Cally car park (as for the Atholl Woods Walk above), located off the A923, north of Dunkeld. Walks in this area are not waymarked so an appropriate Ordnance Survey map is recommended to aid navigation
Loch Freuchie
Distance: 7.5 miles/12km
Approximate Time: 150 minutes
Height Gain: 50 metres
Further Info: OS Landranger Map 52
Loch Freuchie lies in a sheltered location in Glen Quaich behind the tiny settlement of Amulree. There is a pleasant and mostly level circular walk around the loch, partly on minor road, partly on good tracks.
Set off from the car park (GR 899 364) next to the community hall in Amulree and take a clockwise direction along the peaceful, unclassified road. Continue walking high above the loch to reach the northern end and the turn off for the remainder of the circuit. A small shingle beach makes a good half way resting place, ideal for picnics and watching bird life on the loch. Estate tracks lead back to Amulree village where walkers will find a welcoming hostelry. Amulree is located 9 miles/14.5km west of Dunkeld on the A822. The circuit described above also makes a good mountain bike route.
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