A pretty, circular walk taking in the sites and waterfalls of the Hermitage as well as more open ground with pleasant countryside views. NOTE: This route is currently CLOSED due to a landslip - a diversion is in place, see map in car park or here, or start from NTS car park further north on A9.
Summary
Clear waymarked paths, tracks and minor roads.
Terrain
Inver Car Park just south of Inver off the A9
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
1. Route CLOSED due to landslip - see diversion or start from NTS Hermitage car park further north off A9. Start from the Inver Car Park, just south east of the small village of Inver off the A9, opposite Dunkeld. Here there is an information board with details of the route. Leave the car park on the lower route marked Braan Walk and go past a gate into woodland. Where the path forks keep on the higher, waymarked path. Soon a carved memorial bench is passed and the path follows the River Braan upstream. After a short while, a stone bridge comes into view and a contender for the title of Britain's tallest tree can be seen on the left hand bank of the river near the bridge. At 64.6 metres high, this Douglas Fir has got into the record books, however it has a contender for the record in Dougal Mor in the Reelig Glen near Inverness which has recently been measured as higher still. As both trees are still growing the challenge is set to continue.
2. Cross the bridge over the dramatic waterfall, which can also be viewed through a tunnel under the bridge. To the left is Ossian's Hall, the centre piece of The Hermitage, a wild garden built by the son-in-law of the second Duke of Atholl in 1758. The first part of Ossian's Hall is usually open. From the Hall turn left and continue along the wide path with good views of the river on your left. Soon you reach Ossian's cave, part of the Hermitage. Continue straight ahead keeping on the path nearest the river. When you reach a crossroads turn left following green marker posts.
3. This path takes you through woods to a track where you turn left following the sign for the Rumbling Bridge. Eventually cross a bridge and go through a gate and follow the track through open grazing land. The path passes a large boulder and descends to the road where you pass through a kissing gate and turn left onto the road and head downhill. Soon the Rumbling Bridge is reached where the river descends a dramatic waterfall.
4. After crossing the bridge, take the first path on the left and head gently up through the trees. There are good views back of the Rumbling Bridge and river at a couple of places. The path crosses a small wooden bridge and carries on through pleasant native woodland. When the path emerges at a road go straight across and continue along the track opposite.
5. As the track heads uphill, turn left at a fork and follow the track as it curves to the right past the house at Tomgarrow. The track then passes a caravan and goes through a gate into a pine and birch wood. Just before you reach another house, the path forks to the right and passes in front of the house and then crosses a small bridge and a gate to enter Ladywell plantation. When the path reaches a forestry track, turn left following the green marker. Keep on the main track ignoring another track to the right. This passes through forestry until it reaches another track where you turn left and soon reach a gate and emerge onto the road.
6. Cross the road and descend through the trees and cross a minor road to reach Inver Car Park and the start of the walk.
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