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Birks of Aberfeldy from Aberfeldy

Start/Finish

One of the two car parks in the Birks of Aberfeldy. From the traffic lights in the centre of Aberfeldy, take the road for Crieff (uphill). The right turning for the car parks is just after a pedestrian crossing. There are two car parks. An alternative start is to park in Aberfeldy and walk up from the Memorial Arch which is off the main street. This start will take you through the Lower Birks first.

Distance/Time

4 km     About 2 hours

Peaks

No peaks but the track up and path down are steep in places.

OS Sheet 52: Pitlochry to Crieff although a map isn't really needed.

Introduction

The Birks of Aberfeldy are the pride of this small town. They are effectively a gorge through which the Moness burn flows. A good path leads up one side and down the other but there are many steps. The highlight is the Upper Falls over which there is a bridge. The Lower Birks are well worth a visit and, if approached from the Birks, then end in a very pleasant memorial garden and arch. The gorge is very steep sided in places with a protective fence by the path. In the summer months, leaves on the trees can obscure the view so best to visit when the trees are bare.

Route

(1) From the car park, walk up the track until it divides. Go left across the bridge and follow the obvious path up, sometimes high above the stream. There are a series of steps but nothing too difficult. Eventually the path levels out and the Upper Falls will be seen from a viewpoint. Continue and soon reach the bridge over the falls. Just before this a path goes off left and follows the Moness Burn upstream for those who wish to explore.

(2) Continue after the bridge and descend on a much better path than the ascent path although the views aren't as good on this side of the stream. Reach the car park then fork left for the short tree trail which leads to the Crieff road. Cross over by the crossing and continue down the obvious path into the Lower Birks. When the path appears to double back, go to the “poetry stones” before continuing down. After crossing the bridge over the Moness Burn, reach the Memorial garden and arch. The main street is about another 30 metres. Retrace back to the car park.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 10^th July, 2024.