Parent Larch

Dunkeld Hilton House Hotel

Immediately to the west of Dunkeld’s famous cathedral, just outside the cathedral grounds is the remaining Parent Larch (Larix deciduas).

The tree is the sole survivor from a group of larches planted as seedlings over 250 years ago.

The young trees had been collected from the Tyrol mountains in central Europe in 1738.

These trees became famous as the seed source for the large-scale larch plantings carried out by the Dukes of Atholl on the hillsides around Dunkeld.

Visit the tree at any time of year.

See the tree as part of the easy-going Larch Walk of 3 miles/ 5 km described in the Dunkeld & Birnam Walks leaflet.

Location

Take the Dunkeld & Birnam exit from the A9.

Public transport & other facilities

Take the bus or train to Dunkeld & Birnam and walk either from the station or from Dunkeld town centre.

Car parking is provided in the centre of Dunkeld.

All facilities including toilets and refreshments are available in both Birnam and Dunkeld.

Tourist Information Centre in Dunkeld provides all walk route information.

Unlike other conifers, the larch is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter.

In April, prior to the needles opening, the tree bears yellow flowers which are male. The female counterparts are generally rose-pink or white, and with their rose-like shape, they are often referred to as ‘larch roses’.