Atholl Woods Path

This path circles through the coniferous Atholl Woods on the north side of Dunkeld. Points along the way include:

• Cally Loch, a wee loch at the start (or end) of the walk
• Mill Dam – a great lunch spot with views of the loch and Deuchary Hill, well worth a photo or two
• the picturesque Polney Loch. 

You will also get views across to Craigvinean Forest and beyond to Strathbraan and skirt the bottom of Craig a Barns, a popular climbing spot.

The whole route is about 6 ¾ miles / 11 km and takes about 4 hours on foot. It features moorland paths and is mostly on forestry tracks, some of which are access to properties. There is a short section alongside the road. The whole route can be a bit muddy.

For more information, click here.

Braan Path

Walk among the giant Douglas first in the sheltered woods along the River Braan to Ossian's Hall in The Hermitage from where you can admire the impressive Black Linn Falls. Continue along the path to Ossian's Cave and Rumbling Bridge, which crosses a deep chasm where the river cascades into the gorge. The path on the other side of the river goes through open heathland and birch woodland.

The moderate-going circular route is about 4 miles / 6.4 km and takes around 2 ½ hours to enjoy. It includes some minor road walking, two bridges, several gates, a gentle climb through woodland and muddy bits after rain.

For more information, click here.

Birnam Hill Path

Birnam Hill Path climbs to King's Seat at the summit at 1,200 ft / 365 m with magnificent views across the settlements below. Around the route's southern end, take a short detour to Stair Bridge – a folly with a breath-taking view towards of Perth. If you're lucky, you may spot a black grouse feeding on blaeberries and pine needles.

This strenuous-going circular route is about 4 miles / 6.4 km and takes about 2 ½ hours to explore. It includes forest and open moorland paths, a steep incline to the Hill's summit with some short rocky sections. It can be boggy in open areas.

For more information, click here.

Birnam Riverside Path

This is an easy waymarked circular route that follows a lovely stretch of the River Tay, with views across the river to Dunkeld's magnificent medieval cathedral, before going under Telford's historic Dunkeld Bridge. The path goes past the ancient Birnam Oak, one of the few remaining trees of the Birnam Wood which was made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

This walk is about 3 ½ miles / 5.4 km and is suitable for most abilities, with benches dotted along the riverbank.

For more information click here.

Fiddler's Path

Enjoy this riverside walk past the historic Dunkeld Cathedral, where you can read about the Parent Larch, and Dunkeld House Hotel, whose grounds host the Dunkeld House Tree Trail. Keep your eyes out for roe deer, salmon, goosanders, herons and white-bibbed dippers. Across Jubilee Bridge, admire Niel Gow's Oak where the famous fiddler composed many tunes.

The circular route is about 5 ½ miles / 9 km, taking about 3 hours on foot to explore. It follows mostly smooth path or pavement and includes pavement walking across three bridges and a short flight of steps up to Dunkeld Bridge — a Thomas Telford design.

For more information, click here.

Inchewan Path

One of the most varied paths in the Dunkeld Path Network, Inchewan Path starts near the Beatrix Potter Garden and follows the road alongside Inchewan Burn in the woodland of Birnam Glen. Enjoy views of surrounding hills and straths from Ladywell Plantation and Tomgarrow Wood. There is an abundance of birdlife around the area, so keep your eyes and ears open.

This easy-going circular route is about 3 miles / 8 km and takes about 3 hours to explore on foot. It includes some forestry track, field and drive walking.

Inver Path

This pleasant waymarked walk 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. Craigvinean is a spectacular woodland full of wildlife like red squirrels, pine martin and an assortment of bird life. The route returns along the banks of the mighty River Tay, passing Neil Gow's Oak and through the hamlet of Inver.

Craigvinean Forest, Pine Cone Point and the Hermitage are also all part of Perthshire Big Tree Country.

This moderate-going route is 5 miles / 8 km and takes about 3 hours to explore. The most abilities path to Pine Cone Point includes steep incline. There is a short narrow tunnel under the A9 which includes a few steps. It also includes some minor road walking and one gate.

For more information, click here.

Loch of the Lowes Path

This walk explores the rolling countryside on the north side of Dunkeld and meanders through coniferous and deciduous woodland to the Loch of the Lowes. The route's key attraction is the Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve at the loch, where there are hides (admission charge) perfect for spotting osprey and an array of other bird life. 

The route is about 4 ¾ miles / 7.5 km and crosses the A923.

For more information click here.

Loch Ordie Path

This long circular route is great for walkers and cyclists and offers amazing views of plantations and hills at the entrance to the Highlands. It meanders through woodland and hillsides between Loch Ordie and Mill Dam — a fantastic place to rest on one of the sculptured seats and see if you can't spot fallow deer and mute swans. There is an abundance of birdlife along this route too keep an eye and ear out for, including black grouse, osprey, merlin, short-eared owls and hen harriers.

The path is about 10 miles / 16 km, taking about 6 ½ hours to walk. It includes some uneven track road, narrow and wet sections, several burn crossings, stiles and gates, gentle uphill gradients around the base of Deuchary Hill, and ¼ mile / 500 m of verge walking.

For more information, click here.

Download the Dunkeld Paths Network leaflet