Backmuir Woods and the Drovers Road

The Walk

This is best as a circular walk. (Woodland Trust leaflets available from dispenser beside gate opposite car park entrance)

Go through the gate to the left and walk north, skirting the left-hand edge of the wood. Pass through a gap in a dry stane dyke and follow the path as it bends to the left and rises. Notice stands of oak, birch, beech and Scots pine. Keep an eye out for red squirrels. 

After 1.2km pause and enjoy the view from a carved seat.The path emerges at the highest point of the walk and from Old Alex’s or Tom’s seats look over the Carse of Gowrie. As the path progresses, you’ll have magnificent views over the Dighty Valley toward the Sidlaws or over the River Tay to Fife. Notable in the Sidlaws are Lundie Craigs and Craigowl, with its masts. Towards the Tay spot the rail bridge, Dundee Law, Cox’s Chimney Stack and Lomond Hills of Fife. 

Beyond Tom’s seat join the Drovers’ Road, coming up from the A923. Cattle were in the past driven on this track from country districts to market. 

Walk west between high dry stane dykes forming a cattle ‘raik’, which kept cattle from straying. The path turns south and descends towards Liff. Turn left at the houses towards Loch of Liff Road and walk down it passing the playing field, formerly a common for resting cattle.

At the crossroads turn left and walk along the road about 0.75km to the car park.