Scottish

Towns

Around Birnam

Length: 2 - 4 miles Height climbed: Negligible Grade: C Parking: Car park at Dunkeld & Birnam Toilet facilities: At Birnam Start walking from the southern end of Dunkeld Bridge, follow the steps down to the river bank and turn right. The first part of the walk is flanked by buildings, but these quickly end and, once you have crossed the Inchewan Burn, you will find the most famous object on this part of the river: the Birnam Oak. It is uncertain just how old the tree is, but if indeed Malcolm stripped branches from the trees of Birnam Wood to camouflage is army on the march to Dunsinane, this oak could certainly have been used for the purpose. Look also for a particularly old sycamore tree just beside it. Opposite the oak there is a children's play area - to the right of the path - and beyond that the path continues with fields on your right and a line of large beech trees fringing the river to your left. Presently, the path doubles back to join the main road back into Birnam Hotel. There is also an alternative path - if you turn left at the foot of the Dunkeld Bridge steps - which ultimately leads to the village of Inver on the River Braan and beyond that to the Hermitage Walk. Inver was the birthplace, in 1727, of Niel Gow, perhaps the most famous of Scottish fiddlers. His cottage may still be seen.

© The Perfect Solution Last updated November 1999