NO0340 : Ascending Birnam Hill

Birnam Hill - King's Seat

404m Elevation
171m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NO0340 : Ascending Birnam Hill

Mike Pennington Photo source

Explore routes near Birnam Hill - King's Seat

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km Hard

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Route planning notes

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Birnam Hill Circular Route

A scenic circular route starting from the car park at the foot of the hill, offering a pleasant ascent with stunning views.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

404m

1,325 ft

Prominence

171m

Coordinates

56.5436, -3.5758

NO032401

OS Map

52 53

Explorer: 379E

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a prominent cairn and offers space to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There's also a small rock outcrop that provides an excellent photo opportunity.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with some muddy patches after rainfall so don’t forget your trusty boots!

Birnam Hill is primarily composed of volcanic rock, a remnant from ancient geological activity that shaped the landscape. Its rocky outcrops provide a glimpse into Scotland's tumultuous geological past.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the majestic Grampian Mountains to the north, the rolling hills of Perthshire, and on a clear day, even the Trossachs in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Birnam' is derived from the Gaelic 'Birnam', likely referencing the birch trees native to the area. 'King's Seat' may refer to the historical significance of the hill as a royal vantage point.

Historical Significance

The hill is steeped in history, linked to Shakespeare’s 'Macbeth', where Birnam Wood famously comes to Dunsinane.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park located near the entrance to the Birnam Hill woods, just off the A9.

Public Transport

The nearest railway station is in Dunkeld, which is about 3 km away. Local buses also connect Dunkeld with larger towns.

Nearby Facilities

Dunkeld has plenty of amenities including cafes, shops, and public toilets. A warm coffee after a hike? Yes please!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of loose rocks on the ascent and watch for mud, especially in wet conditions. Take care on the descent to avoid slips.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Birnam Hill - King's Seat?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Birnam Hill - King's Seat through the maps

Are there other walkers around Birnam Hill - King's Seat?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Birnam Hill - King's Seat search or of course create your own walk for Birnam Hill - King's Seat

Can I organise a walk to Birnam Hill - King's Seat?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Birnam Hill - King's Seat.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Birnam Hill - King's Seat?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Birnam Hill - King's Seat here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NO032401

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