Perthshire boasts a wealth of 'Heritage Trees', most of which are readily accessible. Between them they encompass much of the history of the area. Some have been made famous by no less a poet than Robert Burns himself.
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Throughout Perthshire there are many beautiful woodland areas to enjoy.
There are some real treasures, however, that are well worth seeking out. (Approximate distances from Ridgeway Bed and Breakfast, Blairgowrie are shown in brackets)
The 'Fortingall Yew' (37 miles) is claimed to be the oldest tree in the UK. It may be anywhere betwen 3000 and 9000 years old. In 1769, its girth was recorded as 17 metres! Today you can still see the relics of the original trunk together with its offspring.
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Douglas Fir trees, claimed to be amongst the tallest in the UK at a staggering 64.5m (212ft) can be found at the picturesque 'Hermitage' near Dunkeld (10 miles). Planted by the Dukes of Atholl, the Hermitage also contains beautiful walks and follies beside the river Braan. |
In Crieff (34 miles) beside MacRosty Park, is 'Eppie Callum's Tree', an ancient oak said to have sheltered Rob Roy Macgregor and Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie (but not at the same time!)
At Meikleour (3 miles) beside Blairgowrie, is 'Meikleour Beech Hedge' recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest hedge in the world. It is 30m (100ft) tall and takes about six weeks to trim!
In 1787, Robert (Rabbie) Burns wrote the poem 'The Birks of Aberfeldie' while sitting among the birches that line the Falls of Moness outside of Aberfeldy (28 miles). The circular walk to the falls and back is a delight at any time of year.
| Robert Burns also wrote the poem 'The Humble Petition of Bruar Water' to urge the Duke of Atholl to plant trees on the bare slopes beside the Falls of Bruar (35 miles). After Burns' death the duke created a wild garden there in his memory. |
Beside the mighty River Tay at Birnam (11 miles) stands the Birnam Oak, thought to be between 800 and 900 years old. It is the last survivor of the forest described in William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'
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