The Birks of Aberfeldy

Path information

Famous for its connection with Robert Burns, the Birks of Aberfeldy is a steeply wooded gorge on the Moness Burn with several spectacular waterfalls flanked by a variety of trees hosting a wealth of wildlife.

The Upper Birks is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance for the diversity of plants and animals, some which are rare. It is also within a wider Special Area of Conservation (SAC) relating to the Moness Burn and river species such as otter, lamprey and salmon. The site is featured in the Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust leaflet (PDF, 3 MB).

The 3.5 km (2 mile) circular route is in two sections:

Lower Birks

The first path starts in the centre of Aberfeldy and follows the burn through the Lower Birks.

Upper Birks

The upper path, through the gorge beside the Moness Burn, rises to a height of 250 m (820 ft) at a bridge directly above the spectacular Falls of Moness.  There are seats and viewpoints along the route.

Facilities and events

• Picnic benches, a tree trail and an information board can be found within the car park area.
• Toilets are available in Breadalbane Community Campus and on Taybridge Terrace opposite Victoria Park in Aberfeldy.
• Maps of adjacent path networks

Getting here

• On foot - From the town square, pass through the arch into the Lower or 'Wee' Birks, cross the A826 and walk through the car park to reach the Upper Birks.
• Public Transport - Visit Traveline Scotland to plan your journey
• Car park - The car park at the Upper Birks is signed from the A826.  Postcode: PH15 2DX

Path closures

View our Highland area path closures page for information regarding path closures.

Occasionally paths may be closed to the public due to events taking place in the surrounding area.  Current exemption orders can be viewed on our rights and responsibilities page.

If you come across any problems on the paths, including signposts and path furniture such as stiles and gates, please report them to us by contacting communitygreenspace@pkc.gov.uk or calling 01738 475000.