Birnam Oak and the River Tay, Dunkeld

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This waymarked walk visits the ancient Birnam Oak together with other remarkable trees along a lovely stretch of the River Tay. The route returns through the village of Birnam with beautiful historic buildings and a Beatrix Potter garden.

Terrain

Clear waymarked paths, tracks and minor roads.

Public Transport

Buses and trains to Dunkeld.

Start

River Tay car park in Dunkeld. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start the walk by walking over Dunkeld bridge towards Birnam. There is parking next to the river on the Dunkeld side, opposite the Taybank Hotel, or further up the main street. Once across the bridge - which offers great views up and downriver - turn down the steps to the left immediately next to the toll house. Turn right to begin following the path downstream.

Stage 2

After a while you pass a turning area and cross a bridge before arriving at a truly magnificent sycamore tree. Though 300 years old, this is a mere youngster compared to the celebrated Birnam Oak just beyond. Supported by wooden stilts, the oak is said to be the last remains of Birnam Wood, made famous through its role in Shakespeare's Macbeth and which covered this area 1000 years ago. The three witches had promised Macbeth that he would be safe as King until Birnam wood reached his castle at Dunsinane. As this was thirteen miles away he thought he would be safe, but his enemies attacked after approaching Dunsinane camouflaged by branches they had taken from the wood, and Macbeth was overthrown. Keep following the main path past another huge sycamore, ignoring a turning into Birnam on the right.

Stage 3

Follow the banks of the Tay, with some impressive beech trees lining the path. After passing a sewage works the path continues downstream until a small fishing jetty and hut. Turn right here to begin the walk back along a track. The track becomes tarmac; when it bends left go straight ahead to a kissing gate on the main road into Birnam. Turn right along this road.

Stage 4

Follow this road without turning off all the way through the village of Birnam, which has some beautiful old buildings. In the centre on the left hand side, the Birnam Institute is home to a Beatrix Potter exhibition and there is a small garden or park next door. The garden has a number of bronze sculptures of Potter's animals as well as information boards about the time she spent in the area as a young woman.

Stage 5

After passing the school entrance to road leads towrads a busy t-junction; bear right on the path that cuts diagonally across the grass area with a bench (waymarker post). Cross the main road ahead and follow the minor road opposite, signed for the medical centre. Beyond the medical centre, where the road curves right under a barrier, take the path that contunues straight ahead (waymarker post). Follow this until you reach the river. Turn right here rather than going under the bridge, and follow the Braan River for a short distance until the River Tay is met. There are good views of Dunkeld cathedral on the far bank. When you reach Dunkeld Bridge return up the steps by the toll house and cross the bridge to return to the start of the walk.

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