This superb circular walk climbs up over the beautifully wooded Birnam Hill. It offers superb views over the surrounding countryside on the ascent and then over Dunkeld from a crag on the way down. The ascent up is reasonably well graded, but the descent is steep in parts.
Clear waymarked paths, steep descent with short rocky sections.
Buses and trains to Dunkeld.
Birnam Quarry layby off B867.
Begin the walk from the layby at the old 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. Starting from the B867 layby pass 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. After a while there are views over the railway line and the path continues to climb.
At a signed junction ignore a path left ('Pass of Birnam'), instead keeping straight on. Further on is another signed junction. Again the Birnam Hill route goes straight ahead, but a short detour to the left enables a visit to Stair Bridge, an ornamental bridge built in the 19th century. The bridge is in a poor state of repair but is a fine viewpoint looking out towards Perth.
Return to the main path at the signpost to continue the walk. The path now 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 to the right across the flank of Birnam Hill.
Turn left at a marker post to short-cut a corner, then left again rejoining the main path. It now continues up to reach the large cairn at the highest point of Birnam Hill - known as King's Seat. The all-round views are superb.
Descend from the signpost; initially there is a very steep rocky section of path but it is very short. Below this the path becomes a little boggy across an open area, before passing again into woodland. Eventually a rocky outcrop is seen just to the right - be sure to visit this as it offers a simply superb view over Dunkeld and Birnam to the Loch of the Lowes and its neighbours.
The path now descends more steeply once more, down through the trees. There are further glimpses of the view on the way down, and at one point a bench offers an opprtunity for a rest. At the junction near the foot of the hill turn right (still signed Birnam Hill path). Keep ahead when the path joins a tarmac driveway from a house.
Turn right at the track beyond (marker post). The route continues along a track between some fine old villas and large houses. Eventually fork left (marker post) onto a footpath that continues through the woods. Eventually a signed junction is reached; the left branch heads into Birnam village, whereas to complete our circuit go straight ahead. A track is then joined - keep straight on to rejoin the outward route and pass under the railway to the parking layby.
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