Follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns at The Birks of Aberfeldy

Scotland is blessed with countless wonderful walks all around the country.  Even in cities and towns, you are never far away from a green space filled with nature.  Finding rewarding walking trails on my travels around the country is one of my favourite things to do and when I discover somewhere extra special you can be sure I will also share it here with you.

The circular walk at the Birks of Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire definitely falls in to that category.  This beauty spot even managed to captivate Robert Burns who was inspired to compose 'The Birks of Aberfeldy'. Prior to his poem, the area was actually called the Den of Moness and renamed after his lyrics were put to a pre-existing melody and became a popular song.

The route takes you through a mossy woodland and up past tumbling waterfalls until you reach Upper Moness Falls, the highest on the walk.  I think it is a pretty magical place and obviously Burns did too, so if you fancy following in both our footsteps, read on...

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Birks of Aberfeldy Walk Details

​DISTANCE - Approx 2 miles from the designated free car park, add on about 1/2 mile each way if you are walking from Aberfeldy town centre

TIME - The walk takes on average 1 - 2 hours depending on how often you stop to admire the scenery!

TERRAIN - A mixture of designated pathways, wooden walkways and steps.  Steep climb on the way up.

DIFFICULTY - Most of the walks I feature on my blog are easy to moderate as I want to include options that most people can manage.  I would say that the circular route around The Birks of Aberfeldy is more towards the moderate category as there is some steep climbing in parts.  However, provided you have good mobility and a basic level of fitness then it is achievable.  If you do need a wee break then there are benches and view points where you can enjoy a wee breather.

TIPS - I would recommend following the trail clockwise - this direction is the most rewarding as you climb up past the many waterfalls but it does involve lots of steep steps.  Alternatively you can head anti-clockwise which involves walking uphill on a slope and coming down the stairs on the way back.  For the purposes of this blog, I'll be referring to the clockwise route.

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FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ROBERT BURNS

From the car park turn left and cross the first of several wooden footbridges over Moness Burn.  The start of the walk is flat and easy going.  Before long you will reach a sculpture of Rabbie Burns sitting on a bench, notepad in hand.  Take a seat next to him and take in the scenery that inspired Scotland's National Bard to put pen to paper.

Burns visited in August 1787 and a little further along the way you will find the actual spot that he was alleged to have sat at while composing his famous poem.  Although some of the woodland has changed since his visit, the oak, ash, hazel and birch trees are still there.

The birch trees are the stars of Rabbie's poem - 'birks' is the Scots for birch trees .

Before long you reach another wooden bridge which is the start of a climb up past a series of tumbling waterfalls that froth and burble over the mossy rocks.  The cacophony of rushing water fills the gorge as the path continues upwards past leafy ferns, lichens and overhanging branches.   The walk reminded me a lot of Puck's Glen in Dunoon which is one of my other top recommendations.

Continue a little further to reach a natural rock shelf which is where Robert Burns is said to have sat and written his poem.  I must admit, it is a lovely spot and it would be rude not to enjoy a wee rest here and toast Scotland's most famous bard.

For those of you unfamiliar with the song 'The Birks of Aberfeldy', here are the lyrics that Burns wrote after being inspired by his visit -

​Chorus -Bonie lassie, will ye go,
Will ye go, will ye go,
Bonie lassie, will ye go
To the birks of Aberfeldy!

Now Simmer blinks on flowery braes,
And o'er the crystal streamlets plays,
Come let us spend the lightsome days,
In the birks of Aberfeldy.

While o'er their heads the hazels hing,
The little birdies blythely sing,
Or lightly flit on wanton wing,
In the birks of Aberfeldy.

The braes ascend like lofty wa's,
The foaming stream deep-roaring fa's,
O'erhung wi' fragrant spreading shaws-
The birks of Aberfeldy.

The hoary cliffs are crown'd wi' flowers,
White o'er the linns, the burnie pours,
And rising, weets wi' misty showers
The birks of Aberfeldy.

Let Fortune's gifts at random flee,
They ne'er shall draw a wish frae me;
Supremely blest wi' love and thee,
In the birks of Aberfeldy.

I'm not going to lie, all the step climbing is a bit of a leg burner but I can't think of a better location for a workout - beats going to a gym any day!

The path zig zags upwards through the glen and every time you think there can't be any more waterfalls another one appears around the corner.  Gaps in the trees provide a view down to Moaness Burn below and you really start to appreciate how far you have come.

You might also like to read about some of my other recommended walks and viewpoints in Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country'

You will know you've just about reach the top when you get your first proper glimpse of Upper Moness Falls plunging in to the gorge far below.  The viewpoint is is made even more special with a verse from The Birks of Aberfeldy to reflect on.

​Much of the surrounding gorge has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its importance for the diversity of plants and animals, some which are rare.

Follow the wooden bridge over the falls and as long as you're not afraid of heights, be sure to pause in the middle and appreciate the long drop below.

After all that hard work, the downhill jaunt is an easy one.  This part of the route isn't quite as scenic although there are some fantastic views over the tree tops out towards Ben Vrackie in the distance.

I know tea and cake might undo all that good exercise but life is all about balance in my book!  If you do decide to reward yourself, the town of Aberfeldy has some great wee cafes.  My favourites are Habitat Cafe which is dog friendly, and The Watermill which also has a book shop.

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