Birkhill Woods, Balmerino

A flat start through woods overlooking the Firth of Tay and then a steady climb to Coultra Hill with good views over the water to Dundee on the descent. Leave time to visit the ruins of Balmerino Abbey.

Terrain

Clear but rough path with some boggy sections, short steep climb, descent on minor road.

Public Transport

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Start

Balmerino, 3km west of Wormit. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.25km/3.75 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 204m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NO357246

Maps / GPS

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Buy Explorer 371 - St Andrews
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Balmerino is reached via minor roads, just west of Wormit on the Firth of Tay. There is limited parking on the road outside the Abbey; the ruins date from 1229 can be visited on the right, there are also picnic tables in the grounds. From here walk down the road for a very short distance and take the lane on the left to pass a cottage on the right and then a large barn on the left. Immediately after the barn continue ahead on a narrow path to enter the woods. The path is marked occasionally with white topped posts - stay on the main path.

Stage 2

The tidal Firth of Tay can be glimpsed through the trees and in places there are good spots to watch for herons and wading birds. The path meanders through the trees crossing a number of small ravines - in a couple of places the bridges need repair and it is necessary to detour to cross the streams.

Stage 3

Where the path forks keep on the main path heading slightly inland to soon reach a large pine tree. Head to the right here to pass a marker post, ignoring the steep path heading uphill. The path goes straight through a dense section of pinewood before bearing left at a wooden fence. Here the path follows a stream inland and is marked with red arrows. Aim left to reach the edge of a field and continue straight ahead next to a beech hedge to reach a track.

Stage 4

Turn right onto the track and follow it until a fork. Just before the fork turn left onto a marked path that immediately turns right to go through a hedge into the adjacent field and then turns left to head uphill along the edge of a field. Stay close to the fence and near the top of the hill head left through the gate (or over the stile) into the woods. The path is marked with an orange arrow and is fairly level, ignore a second orange arrow pointing left and continue ahead to reach a small pond on the left. From here the path heads slightly uphill, passing through a gateway and soon bearing left into the woods with Coultra Farm visible through the trees on the right.

Stage 5

The path climbs gently and is soon joined by a bigger path and keeps to the left of the deer fence. Continue straight ahead to reach the summit of Coultra Hill, there are no views here because of the trees, but a little further on, the Firth of Tay can be seen clearly. When the path emerges from the pine trees bear left and then right to go through a gate and reach the road near a white cottage. Turn right to head down the road, signed for Balmerino. There are excellent views across the water to Dundee as you descend. At the junction with the bus stop turn left to soon pass the ornate Wedderburn Memorial Cottages set out in a half-square. The abbey ruins can be visited on the right.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.