Drymen - Aberfoyle
A pleasant sheltered walk starting on a minor road before entering the extensive Loch Ard Forest and using forest tracks. The route continues on forest tracks until Aberfoyle, the most southerly of the Trossachs villages.
Aberfoyle - Strathyre
A glorious walk through the Menteith hills on forest tracks and stony paths on to Loch Venachar. The last few miles encompass a very quiet minor road into Callander. Callander is a large town with plenty of shops and cafes.
You will leave Callander walking by the banks of the river Teith heading into the highlands. You will then follow an old railway line shared with cycle route 7 along the west shore of Loch Lubnaig. Today's destination is the small village of Strathyre.
Strathyre - Killin
Continuing north on forest tracks before you rejoining the railway line today is a varied day with pleasant views over the river and then Loch Earn. You can take an optional diversion to visit Rob Roy's grave at Balquidder. Killin is located at the west end of Loch Tay.
Killin - Ardtalnaig
This section is a highlight of the trip, climbing through the forest into the hills on the southern banks of Loch Tay with fine views over the rugged Trarmacan Hills and Ben Lawyers. It passes the remote Lochahan Breachlaich before following sheep tracks over high moorland countryside, then descending again to the banks of Loch Tay. A section along the minor road leads to Ardtalnaig, a small settlement on the south side of Loch Tay.
Ardtalnaig - Aberfeldy
Today is a more strenuous day with rewarding views from a ridge linking two gorges. Using forest tracks to the Falls of Moness and the Birks o' Aberfeldy the path down the Birks is steep in places but wooden platforms and bridges make the final descent to Aberfeldy easier.
If you wish, it is also possible to visit the Aberfeldy Malt Whisky Distillery or the nearby 16th century Menzies Castle.
Aberfeldy - Pitlochry
Today is mainly quiet back road walking starting fairly flat and turning more steep, but steady. You will finish with a moderate descent into your final destination of Pitlochry.
Pitlochry is known for its Hydro-electric dam and 'Fish Ladder.' The town also has two malt whisky distilleries. It is also possible to climb Ben Vrackie from here (2757 feet, 841m). |
