Dunper two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked this Slowway from Dunkeld to Perth at the start of August 2024. It is accurately mapped and, other than the section through Bankfoot where careful navigation is required, is easy to follow. The route is not suitable for wheelers due to rough, narrow paths near Birnam hill. However, the section from Perth north to Inveralmond is all tarmac and would be possible.

The path takes in the 400 year old Birnam oak just after leaving Dunkeld as you follow along the river Tay to Birnam. There are food and accommodation options in both these settlements as well as public transport links.
The path has a steep climb as it travels south under Birnam Hill from there is follows estate tracks to reach the B867. Cross the road with care and follow the sign to Murthly. Here you are walking on the road but there is little traffic. Walk until you see the sign to Bankfoot. There is a good track here that, after passing through a gate becomes a narrow path that can be muddy (wear your good boots). On entering Bankfoot the path turn right down a hill to enter the village where there is a shop, inn and a bus service to Birnam or Perth. Take care navigating though the village as the route turns left and right through the housing before heading out to Scot's Wood. The route after this is on a country road that, though described as walking and cycling friendly, has fast moving traffic. This is one of the long tarmac sections of the route. The route then follows farm tracks through farms and across the countryside. At times the going is tough on ankles as the tracks have been covered in railway line type ballast stones. One arrives at Luncarty at Ordie and head up into the village on a pavement alongside the main road. There is a food shop at Luncarty. From here the path more or less follows the River Tay south to Perth. Just south of Luncarty there is a footbridge missing and a short path diversion away from the river The new Tay crossing (Destiny Bridge) was being built at the time of walking and so there were some path diversions in place. The route will become more direct after the works have finished.

Look out for the delightful art work beside the river almond under the A9 road bridge.

The final part of the route into Perth from the river Almond is on tarmac and is hard on tired feet. The route ends outside the cinema and not at the railway station.

I gave this route 4 stars as it has good transport connections along the route, is well supplied with shops and accommodation, has beautiful views across the surrounding countryside, passes from the Highlands to the Lowlands of Scotland. Its downsides are the middle road section and the tarmac paths on the way into Perth.

I walked this course on 26/06/2024, from Perth to Dunkeld, and found the route generally easy to follow. However, it requires a reasonable level of fitness and appropriate walking gear.

The easiest part of the walk is from Perth city centre to Luncarty, featuring wide and accessible paved paths. As you head north out of Perth towards the new Cross Tay Link Road and Destiny Bridge construction, there are a few well-signposted diversions along quiet roads and paths. These diversions shortened the walk slightly, taking a more direct route along Fairview road, passing Luncarty Memorial Hall, and rejoining the mapped route just outside Luncarty Primary School. Therefore, I can't comment on the section of the path between Destiny Bridge and Luncarty along the River Tay.

Once across the A9, there is a long stretch of farm tracks, passing two farms and then a short walk along a minor road. The farm tracks were uneven and muddy in parts, which could be challenging on rainy days. The minor road, although quiet during mid-day, requires caution as cars drive quickly. A quick and pleasant path through Scot's Wood led us to Bankfoot.

Continuing through Bankfoot, we encountered some of the most challenging terrain on the walk. The path was very overgrown with nettles and waterlogged, so we opted to walk along the edge of the adjacent farmer's field. After this, the path became very muddy with many puddles. Despite only light rain in the days leading up to and during the walk, I doubt this path would be passable in worse weather without waterproof boots. We then mistakenly took a private road instead of the intended route but found it made little difference. This led us to a short roadside walk along the busy B867, after which we entered the woods for the final part of our walk.

The route then leads through a series of woodland tracks. Although there is no signage, following the mapped route shouldn't be difficult. Eventually, you reach a sign pointing towards Birnam Hill and Birnam. This trodden path leads the rest of the way to the train station and onto Dunkeld, with each turn signposted. This part of the walk is fairly steep and uneven in parts.

We arrived at the train station in Birnam and took the train back to Perth. Overall, it was an enjoyable walk but be prepared for puddles and uneven terrain. The route is well-drawn and safe if you take care of the roads and is quite direct considering how few roads are used. I would recommend it to others in favourable weather but would be hesitant in adverse conditions.

This is an excellent, easy to follow route, avoiding the windblown trees and overgrown path of DunPer1. It would only be suitable for walkers given the rough ground, and occasional steps and narrow gaps. I have given a description in the 'Overview' of the route, so won't repeat it here. I walked both routes, and a number of other Slowways routes, on a few excursions 2021-22, using buses and creating loops - hence the photos in the 'overview' and for Dunper1 and Dunper2 are taken in different seasons.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.