The Hermitage and Braan Walk, Dunkeld

Summary

This varied walk is a Perthshire classic. It begins through the beautiful wooded glen of the Hermitage, complete with picturesque follies and attractive waterfalls. The route then becomes less busy as it continues up the glen, visiting the dramatic Rumbling Bridge before a return through more open countryside with attractive views. The Hermitage is owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Clear waymarked paths, tracks and minor roads.

Getting there

Start

The Hermitage car park off the A9 (charge).

Public Transport

Buses and trains to Dunkeld, 2km from start of walk.

Start Grid Ref

NO013422

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)

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Explorer 379 - Dunkeld

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Walk Description

User reports (16)

Stage 1

The walk begins at the Hermitage car park (NTS, parking charge). Begin from the lower part of the car park on the signed path beside the River Braan. Walk through the underpass under the railway and continue along the river bank. Eventually the path forks; take the left fork to stay by the river (the other route is the all-abilities path direct to Ossian's Hall). The riverside path soon reaches a picturesque bridge spaning the river. Head up the steps to the right to reach Ossian's Hall - a folly built as the centre piece of The Hermitage, which was created as a wild garden by the son in law of the second Duke of Atholl.

Stage 2

You can enter the hall which has two chambers and a viewing terrace overlooking the spectacular falls on the River Braan. The building helped to create drama for visitors by revealing the falls only at the last moment, which was considered to increase the effect. Beyond the hall, a left branch leads down to the riverside, whilst the walk itself continues on the main path through the woods, heading upstream and coming closer to the Braan once more.

Stage 3

Soon you reach Ossian's cave, a constructed stone grotto and cave - part of the Hermitage. Turn left at the fork here, leaving the crows behind. When the path meets a cross-tracks, continue straight ahead. Eventually a t-junction with a wall ahead - turn left here, signed for Braan Path to Rumbling Bridge.

Stage 4

The path leads aross a footbridge through a gate, continuing across open grazing land. Eventually a kissing gate leads out onto a minor road. Turn left downhill along the road, soon reaching and crossing the Rumbling Bridge, an old stone bridge high above a dramatic gorge, with waterfalls far below.

Stage 5

After crossing the bridge continuing briefly along the road before taking a path off to the left - marked with a wooden marker post with a green arrow. The path climbs gently through the trees; ignore the viewpoint path off left as it is obscured, but further the main path passes a second viewpoint with good views back of the Rumbling Bridge. From here the path continues through very pleasant native woodlands. When it emerges at a road go straight across and continue along the track opposite.

Stage 6

As the track heads uphill, turn left at a junction - signed 'Braan Walk'. Continue towards the house at Tomgarrow, following the track that continues to the right, becoming grassy once the house access is left behind. The track eventually heads to a gate and stile leading into a pine and birchwood. Just before you reach another house fork right onto a footpath which passes the house, later crossing a small bridge and passing through another gate to enter Ladywell plantation. Turn left at the forest track, still following the signs. Keep on the main track ignoring another track to the right. This passes descends through forestry until it reaches another track where you turn sharp left to complete the descent and emerge on a road.

Stage 7

Cross the road and descend through the trees to reach a minor road, opposite the Inver car park. Turn right along this road until a junction, then take a left turn to follow the road across Inver Bridge over the River Braan. The road now continues through the hamlet of Inver, with attractive cottages and a large old whitewashed house. At the end it becomes a footpath and leads up to come alongside the busy A9. It continues beside the A9 before emerging at the entrance to the Hermitage car park and the start of the walk.

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