The Birnam Oak – Dunkeld Town Centre loop from Dunkeld and Birnam

Hiking trails & Routes

The Birnam Oak – Dunkeld Town Centre loop from Dunkeld and Birnam

Easy

hikers

The Birnam Oak – Dunkeld Town Centre loop from Dunkeld and Birnam

01:56

7.24km

80m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

990 m

The Birnam Oak

Highlight • Natural Monument

Thought to be about 600 years old the Birnam Oak stands on the edge of the River Tay. It's also known as Macbeth's oak, as it is a relic of Birnam Wood, mentioned in William Shakespeare's play.

Tip by

1.02 km

The Young Pretender Sycamore

Highlight • Viewpoint

300 year old sycamore tree next to the Birnam oak tree (both have descriptive signs)

Tip by

1.93 km

Aran Bakery

Highlight • Cafe

Aran Bakery, founded by Flora Shedden, is a celebrated Dunkeld institution and must visit when in the area. Flora, a former Great British Bake Off contestant, infuses her creations with …

Tip by

2.03 km

A lovely town along the River Tay, Dunkeld is a wonderfully picturesque town in Perthshire.

The town centre feels like a step into history, albeit with delicious modern bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and independent shops.

Tip by

2.03 km

Dunkeld Town Centre

Highlight • Settlement

Tip by

5.25 km

Dunkeld Town Centre

Highlight • Settlement

Choice of 2 national cycle routes from Dunkeld heading north.

Tip by

5.34 km

View of the River Tay from Dunkeld Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Dunkeld Bridge was built by Thomas Telford in 1809 and was the main road north to Inverness until the A9 was built in 1977. Today, it provides excellent views up and down the River Tay.

Tip by

6.76 km

Beatrix Potter Garden

Highlight • Structure

The Beatrix Potter Garden and Exhibition Centre, nestled in the heart of nature, celebrates the life and work of the beloved author and illustrator. Visitors explore enchanting exhibits and lush gardens, immersing in Potter's timeless charm and creativity.

Tip by

7.24 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.74 km

2.64 km

789 m

584 m

232 m

148 m

Surfaces

2.75 km

1.94 km

1.27 km

1.03 km

130 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 12 October

16°C

5°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

December 19, 2023,Birnam and Dunkeld - River Tay walk

A lovely winter walk along the Tay with @Blaze Trails Perthshire group. Suitable for pushchairs (a few slopes though), great for baby carrying. Lots of options to vary this route too.