Inver Walk and Pine Cone Point, Dunkeld

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Summary

This excellent waymarked walk is full of interest. It leads into the lower section of the Hermitage and offers a chance to detour up to Pine Cone Point - a modern folly with a fine view. The route then returns along the banks of the mighty River Tay, passing Niel Gow's Oak and through the hamlet of Inver.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Clear waymarked paths, tracks and minor roads.

Public Transport

Buses and trains to Dunkeld, 2km from the start.

Start

The Hermitage car park off the A9. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.6km / 6.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 186m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO013422

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (8)

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, joing another path coming in from the right. Eventually the path forks; take the right fork. Further on the path forks and turns right again - however you can make a short detour to visit Ossian's Hall (visible ahead) and view the waterfalls from its interior before returning to this spot.

Stage 2

Keep on the main path ignoring a path off to the left. Follow the path slightly uphill through pine woods, passing a totem pole on the left hand side. Bear right at the next fork, and the path soon emerges at a forest track. Go straight across and follow the track through a long section of pine forestry.

Stage 3

Eventually a junction is reached where a path crosses the track. It is worth detouring up the path to the left here, signed for Pine Cone Point - the winding path zig-zags, gaining height gently. At a junction turn sharp right and continue along the path to eventually reach a modern folly - a wooden shelter sculpture with seats and a splendid outlook looking out over Strath Tay. Return all the way back to the main track. Turn left along it to continue the Inver walk.

Stage 4

Off to the right is a rock outcrop, with stone steps constructed up it - this is the Torryvald Folly, named after a lost township; in Victorian times it was a celebrated viewpoint. Ignore the waymarked paths and return to the main track, continuing along it. At junction at a bend turn right and then soon after turn left onto a signed route downhill through the woods. The path meanders through the woods; fork right off the old track onto a path that soon descends steeply.

Stage 5

The path reaches Craigvinean Wood parking area, and continues down to the road. Cross this and take the path through the woods directly opposite. The path passes under the railway and then under the A9 once more. Go left at a fork to begin the walk down the west side of the Tay. Wader-clad fisherman can often be spotted from the banks. Keep following the river bank and then follow the path as it detours inland slightly and passes a ruin. Stayp on the main path as it returns to the river bank before leaving the woods to follow the edge of a field.

Stage 6

Soon the path reaches Niel Gow's Oak, named after the famous fiddler. Gow lived at Inver and composed many tunes under this oak and in the nearby countryside.

Stage 7

Keep following the path which crosses a stream and returns to the river bank. There are first views downstream towards Tay Bridge. Turn right at a marker post shortly before the way is blocked by the River Braan. The route now passes under the A9. Do not cross the footbridge beyond, instead turning right on a track. Keep right at a fork onto a path.

Stage 8

The path emerges in the hamlet of Inver. Bear right, passing the attractive cottages and to the left of the large white house. When the the end of the road is reached take the path up to the pavement of the A9 and turn left. Now it is only a short walk along the side of the A9 before you turn left into the Hermitage car park and the start of the walk.

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