Birnam Wood

Wood, Forest in Perthshire

Scotland

Birnam Wood

A9, northbound
A9, northbound Credit: N Chadwick

Birnam Wood, located in Perthshire, Scotland, is a historic and picturesque woodland that holds immense cultural and natural significance. Stretching across an area of approximately 3,000 acres, it is nestled along the banks of the River Tay and is part of the wider Perthshire Big Tree Country.

The wood is renowned for its rich biodiversity, boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Ancient oak and birch trees dominate the landscape, creating a dense canopy that provides a habitat for numerous species. Bluebells, wood sorrel, and wild garlic carpet the forest floor, adding vibrant bursts of color during spring.

The wood's historical importance is inextricably linked to its association with William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. It is believed that Birnam Wood was the setting for the famous scene where the soldiers camouflage themselves with tree branches to deceive Macbeth's forces. This connection has earned the wood a place in literary history and attracts visitors from around the world.

Today, Birnam Wood offers visitors a range of activities to explore its beauty and heritage. Well-maintained paths and trails wind through the wood, inviting hikers, nature enthusiasts, and families to immerse themselves in its tranquility. The wood also features a variety of viewpoints that allow for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Additionally, the wood is home to a visitor center that provides information on its history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. The center also offers educational programs and workshops to engage visitors of all ages.

Birnam Wood in Perthshire, with its captivating beauty and historical significance, stands as a cherished natural haven and cultural landmark.

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Birnam Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.537345/-3.5524374 or Grid Reference NO0439. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A9, northbound
A9, northbound
A9, Pass of Birnam The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. It runs 279 miles from junction 5 of the M9 at Polmont to Scrabster. Originally it ran from Edinburgh.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A9" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A9">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
A9, Pass of Birnam
The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. It runs 279 miles from junction 5 of the M9 at Polmont to Scrabster. Originally it ran from Edinburgh. LinkExternal link
A9, Pass of Birnam The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. It runs 279 miles from junction 5 of the M9 at Polmont to Scrabster. Originally it ran from Edinburgh.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A9" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A9">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
A9, Pass of Birnam
The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. It runs 279 miles from junction 5 of the M9 at Polmont to Scrabster. Originally it ran from Edinburgh. LinkExternal link
Tourist information on A9 The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. It runs 279 miles from junction 5 of the M9 at Polmont to Scrabster. Originally it ran from Edinburgh.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A9" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A9">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Tourist information on A9
The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. It runs 279 miles from junction 5 of the M9 at Polmont to Scrabster. Originally it ran from Edinburgh. LinkExternal link
Signage - A9 northbound
Signage - A9 northbound
Stair Bridge
Stair Bridge
A9, Birnam Wood The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. Running for 273 miles, it is the longest road in Scotland and the fifth-longest A-road in the United Kingdom. Historically it was the main road between Edinburgh and John o' Groats but its importance has been eclipsed somewhat in the south by the A90 across the Forth Road Bridge and the M90 motorway, which now links Edinburgh more directly with Perth, and the M9, which is now the main road between Edinburgh and Bridge of Allan.
A9, Birnam Wood
The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. Running for 273 miles, it is the longest road in Scotland and the fifth-longest A-road in the United Kingdom. Historically it was the main road between Edinburgh and John o' Groats but its importance has been eclipsed somewhat in the south by the A90 across the Forth Road Bridge and the M90 motorway, which now links Edinburgh more directly with Perth, and the M9, which is now the main road between Edinburgh and Bridge of Allan.
Roadworks on the A9 The deployment of Orange traffic cones has temporarily reduced the northbound carriageway of the A9 to a single lane.
Roadworks on the A9
The deployment of Orange traffic cones has temporarily reduced the northbound carriageway of the A9 to a single lane.
Snow covered forest at the A9 Photographed from the car, through the open window, while sitting in very slow moving traffic.
Snow covered forest at the A9
Photographed from the car, through the open window, while sitting in very slow moving traffic.
Traffic jam on the A9 On December 27th, inclement weather combined with the heavy traffic to cause a quite epic traffic jam on the A9. Several miles of traffic at walking speed around Dunkeld, just before one of the sections that has not been dualled yet.
Traffic jam on the A9
On December 27th, inclement weather combined with the heavy traffic to cause a quite epic traffic jam on the A9. Several miles of traffic at walking speed around Dunkeld, just before one of the sections that has not been dualled yet.
"Roman" Bridge over Birnam Burn This bridge carried the carriage drive from Murthly Castle westwards to Birnam. It was begun in 1832 but only completed in 1858, for a total cost of £1,019 5/3d.
The bridge has six arches over a deep ravine and was deliberately 'antiqued' to give the impression of a Roman aqueduct. (There was a strong Roman presence in the area circa AD 85 with a huge fort at Inchtuthill just a few miles down the Tay.)
"Roman" Bridge over Birnam Burn
This bridge carried the carriage drive from Murthly Castle westwards to Birnam. It was begun in 1832 but only completed in 1858, for a total cost of £1,019 5/3d. The bridge has six arches over a deep ravine and was deliberately 'antiqued' to give the impression of a Roman aqueduct. (There was a strong Roman presence in the area circa AD 85 with a huge fort at Inchtuthill just a few miles down the Tay.)
Viewpoint over the River Tay This crenelated picnic spot has a view up river to Birnam Hill and also overlooks Boat of Murthly Cottage. It was once a stopping point on the carriage road from Birnam to Murthly Castle and can now be enjoyed as part of the core path following the Tay through Murthly estate.
Viewpoint over the River Tay
This crenelated picnic spot has a view up river to Birnam Hill and also overlooks Boat of Murthly Cottage. It was once a stopping point on the carriage road from Birnam to Murthly Castle and can now be enjoyed as part of the core path following the Tay through Murthly estate.
Railway Cottages
Railway Cottages
A Very Rural Turnstile No one expects the Spanish Inquisition . . . or to pech to the top of a rocky crag and have to negotiate a turnstile. Neatly in the frame is the Buffalo Hut, a very stylish bothy so called by locals as it sits in the park on the slope of Birnam Hill where Sir William Drummond Stewart kept a small herd of American Bison. Souvenirs of his adventures with the Mountain Men across the Great Plains and into the Rockies in the 1830s.
A Very Rural Turnstile
No one expects the Spanish Inquisition . . . or to pech to the top of a rocky crag and have to negotiate a turnstile. Neatly in the frame is the Buffalo Hut, a very stylish bothy so called by locals as it sits in the park on the slope of Birnam Hill where Sir William Drummond Stewart kept a small herd of American Bison. Souvenirs of his adventures with the Mountain Men across the Great Plains and into the Rockies in the 1830s.
Murthly Sawmill Solar Array The original sawmill dates from the early 19th century. It was a three storey structure beside Byres of Murthly farm, powered by water drawn from nearby Rohallion Loch and Stair Dam (both artificial) fed by a system of sluices into Mill dam. 
Today, power largely comes from this solar array.
Murthly Sawmill Solar Array
The original sawmill dates from the early 19th century. It was a three storey structure beside Byres of Murthly farm, powered by water drawn from nearby Rohallion Loch and Stair Dam (both artificial) fed by a system of sluices into Mill dam. Today, power largely comes from this solar array.
Byres of Murthly One of the oldest farms on Murthly Estate.
Byres of Murthly
One of the oldest farms on Murthly Estate.
Kingswood Kennels
Kingswood Kennels
Track to Muirheadston
Track to Muirheadston
Show me another place!

Birnam Wood is located at Grid Ref: NO0439 (Lat: 56.537345, Lng: -3.5524374)

Unitary Authority: Perth and Kinross

Police Authority: Tayside

What 3 Words

///quest.parkland.retail. Near Bankfoot, Perth & Kinross

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.537345,-3.5524374
Created By: Merkaartor 0.12
Lat/Long: 56.5407356/-3.5482191
Created By: Merkaartor 0.12
Lat/Long: 56.5399667/-3.5465025
Clune Hill
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 56.5365596/-3.5446347
Duncan's Hill
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 56.5365596/-3.5531105
Information: guidepost
Operator: Perth and Kinross Council
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 56.5357888/-3.5467788
Access: private
Entrance: yes
Lat/Long: 56.5412042/-3.5555815
Access: no
Barrier: turnstile
Lat/Long: 56.5412943/-3.554995
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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