Atholl Woods circuit, Dunkeld

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Head north from Dunkeld to explore the quiet forestry trails to reach the loch at Mill Dam before returning through mature woodland overlooking the Tay and passing picturesque Polney Loch.

Terrain

Forestry tracks, good paths, short section on roadside verge.

Public Transport

Dunkeld is well served by both buses and trains.

Start

Cally car park, near Dunkeld. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Cally Car Park which is one kilometre from Dunkeld. Follow the main road north from the village, turning right at the T junction onto the A923 Blairgowrie road. The lane leading to the car park is the second left from this road. The route is waymarked with yellow arrows. Start the walk by heading back out of the car park towards the entrance track following the sign for Atholl Woods Path - Mill Dam and then turning left at the crossroads up the track signed for Mill Dam and Upper Hatton.

Stage 2

When the track forks bear right towards The Glack and Upper Hatton, soon passing an area of felled forestry on the right. Keep right when the track forks again and soon pass the entrance to Upper Hatton (stay on the main track here). After crossing a stone bridge, ignore the track leading to Birkenburn on the left and when the entrance drive for The Glack is reached turn left through a metal gate. The first part of the track is lined with cherry trees and if you visit in summer before the birds have had a chance to strip the trees you may be rewarded with a free snack.

Stage 3

A short way along the track pass a signpost and continue straight ahead signed for Main Path to Loch Ordie. Soon the waters of Mill Dam are reached; keep left to pass the west side of the loch. Mill Dam is popular with many types of wildfowl including mallard, tufted duck and widgeon. Beyond the water the route passes alongside trees to reach a junction. Turn left here following the sign for Atholl Woods Path.

Stage 4

Follow the track and go through a gate. Keep following the yellow arrows, another gate leads into a section of forestry plantation. Keep straight ahead following the waymarkers when another forestry track leaves to the left and then keep left at the next fork in the trees. After a stile the track bears left and crosses open ground to reach the top of a slope overlooking the Tay.

Stage 5

Turn off the main track to head left here signed for Polney Loch, passing some lovely mature beech trees. The track eventually descends through woodland to the road (part of General Wade's military road) at a gate. Turn left and carefully follow the verge for 0.5km until Polney Loch is reached.

Stage 6

Follow the signed track on the left to pass the Loch which is popular with moorhens, ducks and herons, and after a wooden hut head into the woods. The woodland path passes to the left of Polney Sawmill before returning to the car park at the start.

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