The Birks of Aberfeldy
The Birks of Aberfledy is one of a network of sites across Perthshire included in the
Perthshire Big Tree Country Heritage and Access Project. During 2008, interpretative facilities will be installed on site and a new leaflet will be available.
The Birks (meaning Birch) of Aberfeldy is a stunning wooded glen, and offers approximately 2 miles of well surfaced and way marked trails and paths along the edge of a steep gorge, through which flows the Moness Burn. The circular walk crosses the burn twice, with the upper bridge affording excellent views down the gorge.
There is a car park, picnic area, and a tree collection, the latter offering a short walk through an area planted with a number of specimen trees collected by Bobby Masterton from Cluny House Gardens. The path has been recently re-laid; the lower parts are accessible to wheelchair users, whilst the as the path heads up the gorge to a height of 250m, it becomes steep in places with flights of steps.
The Birks was made famous from its association with Robert Burns. On the east side of the Burn, you will pass an area known as Burns Seat - allegedly where Burns rested and composed his song 'The Birks of Aberfledy' in 1787.
Further downstream, toward Aberfeldy is a short pleasant walk through an area known as the 'Wee Birks'. The Wee Birks can also be accessed from the centre of Aberfeldy from Bank Street. As you explore the Wee Birks, you will note the old Mill Lade that used to supply the Mill in Aberfeldy with power
A leaflet (PDF, 1.7MB) is available for the site. It is also available from Perth and Kinross Council or from the Tourist Information Centre in the town.
Perth and Kinross have a management plan (PDF, 6MB) that details how the Council will manage the Birks of Aberfledy over the next few years.
