A varied walk with great open views of the surrounding countryside and down to Dunkeld from the final viewpoint. The climb up is reasonably gentle, but the descent is long and steep.
Summary
Clear waymarked paths, steep descent with short rocky sections.
Terrain
Users'
rating
1. Begin the walk from the layby at Birnam Quarry just off the A9 on the B867. If using public transport the walk can be started from Birnam itself, just follow the signs to the railway station and then the red marker sign to link to the walk at the bottom of the long descent. From the B867 layby go under the railway and follow the track for a very short distance until you reach a signed turn on the left. Follow the path as it climbs steadily through mixed woodland.
2. After a while there are views over the railway line and the path climbs next to a fence then a wall. Keep straight on, passing an area of felled forest with open views beyond. The grassy path levels off and curves around the hill to the right. Keep right at a junction.
3. The path soon leaves the wood and crosses open heather moorland. This is a good area for spotting birds of prey. Follow the path as it contours around the knoll ahead and then climbs, first gently, and then up steps, to reach the top of the King's Seat. There is a large cairn at the top and great views over the surrounding countryside.
4. From the top follow the clear path down a rocky section and then through trees and over a boggy part of the path to pass a rocky crag with good views over Dunkeld and Birnam below. The path now starts its steep descent through woods. Part way down there is a seat that makes a good resting spot.
5. At the bottom turn right onto a wide path which soon turns into a track and then a road which passes between houses. Keep right at any junctions. After passing the houses, the track ahead is marked as private. Just before the sign, turn left onto a marked path through the woods. Follow this path as it meanders through the woods and crosses a small wooden bridge at one point. At times this part of the walk can be noisy as it is close to the busy A9. Keep following the path until it emerges onto a track. The route goes straight across and follows a path, however if it is very boggy you can just walk down the track as the path emerges onto it later. When you reach the track from the path turn right and head gently downhill and under the railway back to the start of the walk.
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