This sadly dying yew, of nevertheless spectacular appearance, is known as the Gartocharn Yew and is marked on the Aber Path from Gartocharn to the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Local tradition is that it was a famous gathering place for cattle hundreds of years ago.
The trunk swells noticeably and is the result of creating secondary wood to strengthen its stability, typically after suffering limb loss or damage due to storms. This makes a girth measurement particularly unreliable as an indicator of age and also it is unlikely there has been any girth increase for a considerable period of time as the yew has struggled to survive. Only one branch of the yew which overhangs the path still bears any appreciable foliage, though very small areas of spray are found on the trunk and some branches meaning there is still some life in the root system. The question is, is there enough for the yew to make a recovery.
There are no obvious signs of disease and exposed sapwood is solid so the reason why this yew is apparently dying is not known, but perhaps waterlogging of the root system may be a factor, as the yew stands on damp ground as shown by the presence of marram grass around it. However, it is never prudent to write off a yew in this condition. There are many examples of yews appearing to be dead or dying which have been reduced to stumps but have sprung back to full vigour. Specific examples can be found at the ancient monastic site of Prestonfield House Hotel at the foot of Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh, and at Ross Priory, Loch Lomond.