Inchewan Walk, Birnam
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 8 kms | 02:00 (hrs:mins) | 80 metres | Explorer 379: Dunkeld, Aberfeldy & Glen Almond |
Description
From the centre of Birnam the path follows the Inchewan Burn up Birnam Glen to the northern end of Glen Carr, offering attractive views of the surrounding hills and straths from the high moorland and from open clearings in the Ladywell Plantation. Dippers can often be seen from the banks of the burn hunting for insects in the fast flowing waters. Another easily recognisable bird is the curlew, inhabiting the higher moorland around Balhomish and Tomgarrow. The curlew's loud, haunting call indicates its presence long before the bird is visible in the air with the swept wings and long curved bill silhouetted against the sky.
This walk is memorable for the sounds carried so clearly in the wind across the glen; the curlew's call, the bleating of sheep and the staccato sound of the green woodpeckers `drumming` in the old timber at the edge of Tomgarrow Wood. Sheep graze in the open fields around Balhomish and Tomgarrow and dogs should be kept on leads.
The beautifully landscaped Beatrix Potter Garden is situated at the start of the Inchewan Walk and can be visited throughout the year. Beatrix Potter, the English author and illustrator (1866 -1941) developed her interest in wildlife, drawing and painting during her childhood summers spent at Dalguise House near Dunkeld. Many characters from the books were inspired by local worthies - the most famous being Mrs Tiggywinkle, inspired by a Dalguise washerwoman! Beatrix Potter's art is known throughout the world and her animal illustrations were created following careful study of her own collection of pets which included rabbits, hedgehogs, mice, lizards, newts, frogs, bats and toads.
Access Info
By foot from the centre of Birnam or from the car park at Inver. Dunkeld and Birnam are well served by local buses and coaches on the Perth - Inverness route. There is also a rail station at Birnam, very close to the start of the walk.
Additional Info
The Inchewan Walk is part of the Dunkeld and Birnam Waymarked Walks system. Excellent leaflet with outline maps available from local tourist information centres in Perthshire. The leaflet details 8 different waymarked walks in the Dunkeld and Birnam area covering a total distance of 36 miles/57km.
Other attractions in the Dunkeld and Birnam area include Dunkeld Cathedral, the Beatrix Potter Garden and Exhibition and the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve. There is a range of hotels and cafes in both Dunkeld and the neighbouring community of Birnam.
Free Big Tree Country Guide available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre. Packed with information on walking, cycling and wildlife watching at over 65 woodland and countryside sites, this is the ideal companion to help you explore Perthshire?s great outdoors. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
