Camperdown is a huge country park on the edge of Dundee. Combined with neighbouring Templeton Woods and Clatto Country Park it makes for an enjoyable walk within easy reach of the city.
Bog Factor
Paths and tracks through parkland and woodland; can be a little muddy at times.
Car parking in Camperdown Country Park, near Camperdown House.
Bus from Dundee.
NO359328
There are many car parks in the vast expanse of Camperdown Country Park; the walk is described from one reached by turning into the park from the roundabout on the A923 just north of the bypass; ignore the first two car parks on the right and instead use a third which is on the left just before reaching Camperdown House in the heart of the park. Begin the walk by heading towards Camperdown House. This is the most important Greek Revival mansion in Scotland; today it is owned by Dundee City Council who hope to eventually open it to the public as a historic stately home. Turn left along the near side of the house (pink marker) to reach the back and head to the octagonal wooden golf building. Behind this take the path that runs through the belt of trees, with the open golf course on your left.
When a larger track cuts across the route by a building, continue straight ahead. A second cross-routes is soon reached, with a marker post - turn right onto a path here. When the path reaches a tarred drive go across this, then taking the path which forks slightly left with a blue and green marker (immediately left of the 2nd tee sign). The path leads on through fine woodland. When it meets a track go straight across (cycle path markers). As the main path curves to the right away from the edge of the park keep ahead on a path that heads towards a house in the distance. The path heads through a gate and reaches the A923 in front of the house.
Carefully cross to the far side and then turn left along the pavement. After around 100m a crossroads is reached beside the Birkhill Inn - a possible spot for refreshments. Turn right onto a minor road, and when level with the lane behind the pub car park turn right again through an informal gap in the hedge. The walk now continues through the band of trees, keeping parallel to the road which is over to your left. After 350m or so the route meets a much larger path at a t-junction. Bear right here, then go left at a fork. The path runs along the northern edge of Birkhill Woods, with good open views towards the 
The path through the woods is clear to follow as it follows a winding course. After 300m ignore a path off left, continuing to reach a small bridge and then a forestry track and car park. The Templeton Woods information centre can be visited by detouring straight across here for a short distance, but the walk continues along the track to the left. Ignore paths off to the right and continue along the track; soon the Gallowhill Water Tower - a massive concrete structure - is seen on the left. The walk can be shortened at this point by turning right, but our route includes a detour to loop around the Clatto Reservoir. For the full walk, continue along the track, eventually curving left and leaving the woodland. Follow the track, passing to the left side of the back of a housing estate.
At a gate continue ahead on a road then slopes down towards the reservoir at Clatto. Head left into the parking area and then take the path on the right to reach a watersports building. From here head to the left and down some steps onto the embankment that surrounds the reservoir. The walk now continues by making a complete circuit around the embankment. This section is enlivened by the surrounding woodland and views to the Sidlaws as well as the birdlife on the water. Once back at the Clatto car park retrace your steps along the track back into Templeton Woods to return to the water tower.
Turn left onto a path almost opposite the water tower (left of the mountain bike trail sign). Ignore paths off right; keep ahead and eventually the path crosses the outflow of a small pond and then meets a larger path at a t-junction. Turn left here and follow this path to the A923. Carefully cross the road and go through the gate on the far side to head back into Camperdown park. Immediately a junction is reached - turn left and follow the wide path through some beautiful mature woodland.
The path soon reaches a car park and the north entrance road to the park - remain on the path, crossing over the road. Further on the path emerges at another car park, this time on the main drive into Camperdown. Again continue ahead, crossing the tarmac to pick up the yellow markers on the wide path beyond. This path leads around the eastern edge of Camperdown, with good views across the open parkland. Eventually a junction is reached - keep right here, following a cyclepath / yellow markers.
Eventually a tarmac road is reached, whilst opposite can be seen the modern cafe building which also serves as the entrance to the Camperdown Wildlife centre. There is an admission charge to the latter but the cafe makes the perfect end to the walk. If you don't visit it, cross the tarmac lane but don't take the track opposite, instead taking a path between the two that leads back uphill through the trees towards Camperdown House and the start of the walk.
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