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Birks o' Aberfeldy

Length: 2.5 miles Height climbed: 550ft/167m Grade: B Parking: In Aberfeldy Toilet facilities: Aberfeldy The falls of Moness are among the most spectacular and accessible waterfalls in Perthshire. The pleasure of this walk is heightened by the beauty of the steeply sided, wooded glen which holds them. The walk is divided into two sections. The first - a short path through the lower woods - starts just off the Aberfeldy Square, on the road to Kenmore. Follow the sign and turn off just before the bridge over the Moness Burn. This road crosses the burn and travels a few hundred yards until it reaches the A826 road to Crieff. Cross this road with care and bear left to the car park and entrance to the Birks. A short way along the path it divides into a scenic route and a nature trail, but if you are simply out for a walk this need not bother you, since the two routes join above the top hill. The path is quite steep and muddy in places, passing close to the cliff edges, but it is well maintained and solid steps and fences are provided where necessary. Strong footwear is certainly advised. All along the route there is lush vegetation with woods comprised mainly of oak, beech and the "birks" (or birch trees) of the walks title. Sheltered as it is, the glen can be a rewarding place to visit even in poor weather, when heavy rainfall makes the falls especially impressive. However, the scene is at its best on a fine day in spring or autumn, when the sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the leaves. Whatever the weather, the walk may be combined with a visit to Wade's Bridge.

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