Den of Alyth, Alyth

Explore this deep-sided wooded valley where the Burn of Alyth tumbles down. Although described here from the first car park on the road out of Alyth, it is possible to start from the centre of Alyth.

Terrain

Clear woodland paths, can be muddy in winter.

Public Transport

Bus to Alyth.

Start

Den of Alyth - first car park on leaving Alyth. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park head downhill on the footpath signed for Alyth. When it reaches the end of the playing field, curve right and then turn right to follow the burn upstream. You can also reach this point from Alyth - to do so take the roadsigned for Den of Alyth, passing to the left of the large church. After the last house, the ornate gates for the Den are reached on the left. Go through these and follow the path past the play area to meet the main path along the Burn.

Stage 2

After a short while you can see where the Burn has cut down through the rock over time to create a high cliff of rock known as Old Red Sandstone. Soon the first bridge comes into view amongst the beech trees. Do not cross but go down to it and then continue on the same side of the Burn on a narrow path. Take care here as there is a steep drop down to the water.

Stage 3

Soon the second bridge is reached, again stay on the same side and continue upstream. This area has been continuously wooded for several thousand years, probably protected from tree felling by the steep sides of the Den. Cross a small bridge and take the left hand fork to follow the water's edge as the burn takes in a wide curve.

Stage 4

At a stone bridge, cross the road and continue on the path on the same side of the water. At the remains of a stone wall follow the path which heads inland and then uphill. Lookout for a turning only a short way up. Turn right here onto a path which soon heads back down to the outward path. Use this to return to the stone bridge and turn right to cross the bridge and then immediately take the riverside path on the left.

Stage 5

Just before a green metal seat take the right hand fork to head uphill (the left fork leads back to the second bridge). The path meanders through mixed woodland with horse chestnut, birch and sycamore trees and smaller shrubs. Soon the first bridge is reached, cross this and take the path that slopes uphill to the right on the far side, which leads back to the start.

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