Birks of Aberfeldy
The Birks of Aberfeldy is a popular circular walk through mature mixed woodland on the outskirts of Aberfeldy. The Falls of Moness tumble through the gorge and provide a dramatic centrepiece, especially good after rain! National bard, Robert Burns wrote `The Birks of Aberfeldie` here in 1787. A quote from one of the verses sums up the splendid scene
" The braes ascend like lofty wa's,
The foaming stream deep-roarin' fa's"
The Birks (Scots for birch trees) still cloak the steep slopes of the Moness gorge, along with oak, ash and elm. A narrow, well defined path is overhung by mature trees and rises to a height of 150 metres at a bridge directly above the Falls of Moness. From here enjoy the roaring white water beneath and, in winter, fine views over the top to Strathtay.
Much of the gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its botanical features and it is likely that there has been continual woodland cover at the site for up to 8000 years.The gorge is a place of immense natural power and beauty in any season but perhaps most photogenic in the cooler days of late autumn.
For those not so mobile, there is a picnic area at the car park which gives a good flavour of the walk. There is also a short tree trail identifying a large number of species.
The walk is about 1.5 miles long in total and can be joined from the main street in Aberfeldy or from the car park off the A826.
Photos courtesy of Meg Dunn.
Contact
Aberfeldy Tourist Information Centre
Birks of Aberfeldy
Moness
nr Aberfeldy
Perthshire
PH15
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1887) 820276
Fax: +44 (1887) 829495
E-Mail: aberfeldytic@perthshire.co.uk
WWW: http://www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
