Dunkeld Walks - BIRNAM HILL

Scottish

Towns

Birnam Hill

Length: 4 - 6 miles
Height climbed: 1120ft/343m
Grade: B
Parking: Car park at Dunkeld or Birnam
Toilet facilities: At Birnam

Birnam Hill, rising steeply to 1300ft, is the last outpost of the Grampian Mountains along the Tay Valley, and as such gives fine views; not only westwards, back into the hills of Perthshire, but also to the south and east, across the fertile plains of central Scotland.

You can park at the new car park just off the Birnam Quarry up the Bankfoot B867 road. From here, proceed under the arch and follow the path up the hill to your left, this joins the estate track. At the junction of these two tracks a short detour can be enjoyed by turning sharp left to Kink's Rock, or right to Rohallion Castle.

Returning to the original track, carry on up the Stair Bridge. The views from this point are splendid, taking in Robin's Dam, Rohallion Lodge and the River Tay going down to Perth.
Return to the main track from Stair Bridge, proceed up the hill to your right, follow the path taking a right along the foot of the cliff to the steps. The steps lead up to the summit, known as the King's Seat.

Leaving the summit in the opposite direction, follow the narrow path through the heather northwards to a rocky outcrop, set in a stand of Scots pine at around 100ft. The views from this point are extensive including Birnam, Dunkeld and towards Loch of the Lowes.

Walk carefully down the very steep path ahead of you and return either along the foot of the hill to Birnam Quarry car park or out under the A9 to Birnam town centre.