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Birnam Hill "Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until Distance - 4 miles height gained 300 metres Terrain - steep mountainous and rocky. Not for beginners (although its a pleasant walk) Description Starting Point - small car park just off the b867 a few hundred yards from the A9 (map) I must admit when I looked at the map i did wonder whether this was going to be a mincingly short run, but after an exhausting climb and exhilarating descent I was glad to be back at the car! Do this in a clockwise direction the first time you do it. From the car park you pass through a gate and go under the railway line. the track initially takes a right turn then a marker post signpost takes you up a left turn and steep ascent up the hill. some of the ascent can be ridden but a lot of it requires pushing/carrying your bike. If nothing else the views as you reach the top are spectacular - unfortunately my camera battery was dead, so you will have to find out for yourself. The last section of path is some very steep wooden steps which brings you almost to the summit. A short walk brings you to the cairn From the cairn the path heads NNE. There are some scrambles to get down in the first hundred yards - after this you can pretty much stay on the bike. The descent is fantastically and unremittingly steep - just enough to let you retain traction and stay in control - but no freewheeling down this hill. Your hands and forearms will plead with you to stop for a rest on the descent as you squeeze the brakes for all you are worth. Finally you come to a wider path where you turn left and pass a few houses. A signh alerts you to the fact it is a no through road, but carry on and you will find a red marker leading you down an overgrown path to the left. Continue on this path and stay on it until you find the point where you started. (dont do as we did and take the left turn too early" Ok its a short run but neither of us had the energy for a second run |
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