Nature Walk around Aberuchill Castle

The walk will start at the Dalchonzie parking area which is at the start of the back road to Comrie at the eastern end. From there, we will walk towards Aberuchill Castle following the back road and stopping to look at points of interest along the way which will be just off the road. This section is completely flat, but there are stiles to go over to look at points off the road, such as the River Earn where there will be the chance of seeing dippers, kingfishers and goosanders, as well as signs of beavers.

Arriving at the middle entrance to Aberuchill Castle, we will follow the track to meet Castle Drive. From here we will be able to look at an Osprey nest and hope to see one of the adult ospreys. Red Kites and Common Buzzards should also be plentiful and there’s also the chance of seeing Goshawk. There are many very mature and beautiful trees to admire whilst walking within the estate grounds, along with fungi and lichens.

Once at the back of the castle, we will head into the walled garden for a sheltered tea-break. We will then make a short ascent (this is the steepest part of the walk) up a field across the grass so that we can look down on the impressive waterfalls.

Meeting another track, we will head back downhill with fabulous views over the Dunira Estate opposite, as well as Monument Wood. We will then re-meet Castle Drive and follow that to the main estate entrance with more chances to see raptors, woodland birds and some more amazing trees.

Walking down to The Ross, we will cut back to Dalchonzie Road via a footpath which passes Earthquake House where we’ll have a chance to look-in.

We will follow the road back to the parking area, retracing some of our steps for the last 1km. There’s a good chance of seeing Red Squirrels and more woodland birds this stretch.

What we see will depend on many factors, but this route is always filled with lots of wildlife gems, whenever we visit, so there should be plenty to admire and inspire!