Rushing rivers and babbling burns

Although it rained all night, we had a peaceful night in the Forestry Commission car park in Tay Forest near Dunkeld. Thankfully the weather was, once again, better than forecast and we were able to have a long walk. As the leisure batteries were getting low, we moved Bertie to a car park where the solar panel would get some sunshine, then set off.

We passed through an arch in a railway bridge then followed a woodland path along the River Braan. The autumn colours were beautiful in the sunshine and, after all the recent rain, the river was fast and turbulent. This area is called The Hermitage, a woodland park developed by the Duke of Atholl in the 18th century, with some of the tallest Douglas Firs in Britain.

I spent some time taking photos at Hermitage Bridge and Ossian’s Hall, a folly built in 1758 with stunning views over the Black Linn Falls that cascade downhill over the rocks, roaring loudly. Spray from the force of the waterfall filled the air, soaking our hair and faces.

The path then wound it’s way steadily uphill through the woods following the river, before crossing open fields and dropping down to Rumbling Bridge. Here there were more impressive rapids and waterfalls, forced through a narrow gap under the road bridge.

The next section of the walk was over open grassy moorland with lovely views.

By now I was starving and was glad when the path turned and headed back downhill, following the Inchewan Burn through woodland. We’ve seen a lot of water today!

We arrived back at the main road in Birnam and, following the path along the mighty River Tay to Dunkeld, past the gigantic and ancient Birnam Oak. It was lovely to see a red squirrel bouncing through the trees. Finally, we crossed the Tay via Telford’s bridge and had a lovely lunch in the pub in Dunkeld before heading back to Bertie.

Tonight we’re staying at Blair Atholl Caravan Park so we can get the batteries charged up again and have proper showers. The forecast looks rubbish tomorrow but we have a few ideas for things to do.