The Rob Roy Way

Day 1 – Arrive in Drymen

Today you make your way to the village of Drymen, where your overnight accommodation is included, and spend the night there before hitting the trail tomorrow morning.

Day 2 – Drymen to Aberfoyle

Starting in the centre of Drymen, your hike begins with a single step! The first few miles out of the village are on quiet road, but soon you are turning off onto forest trails which take you through the ancient Loch Ard Forest and the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park to Aberfoyle. It is straightforward hiking on good trails, making a good warm up day.

Distance: 17.5km/11 miles Ascent: 230m

Day 3 – Aberfoyle to Callander

This morning an ascent out of Aberfoyle leads you to the top of the Menteith Hills. The path continues through forest and open moorland before you descend to picturesque Loch Venachar. From here a short section of road takes you a last rise through Coihallan Wood before the route arrives in the village of Callander, known as the Gateway to the Highlands.

Distance: 16km/10 miles Ascent: 250m

Day 4 – Callander to Strathyre

Today’s route is an easy distance along a well built cycle track that provides stress free walking and allows you to really enjoy the views around you. Setting out from Callander you cross the river and then walk north through the Pass of Leny, and soon reach the shores of Loch Lubnaig. The rest of the hike is easy along the shore of the loch until you reach the end and the village of Strathyre shortly afterwards.

Distance: 15 km/9.5 miles Ascent: 155m

Day 5 – Strathyre to Killin

The first part of today’s route ascends into the forest above Strathyre with good views across the glen. It then descends again and winds its way to Lochearnhead before climbing once more to join a disused railway that leads north into Glen Ogle. Following the track that leads you on toward the distant peaks of the Tarmachan Ridge you arrive in the village of Killin, and can admire the beautiful falls of Dochart before continuing to your accommodation.

Distance: 22km/13.5 miles Ascent: 340m

Day 6 – Killin to Ardtalnaig

A long steady ascent out of Killin offers some good views to the hills before you reach the moorland at the top. After crossing this a long descent takes you back to the loch-side at Ardeonaig. You then walk along quiet backroads for 6km before reaching Ardtalnaig. There is no accommodation on this section of the walk so a pre-arranged taxi will pick you up to take you back to Killin for a second night.

Distance: 19 km/12 miles Ascent: 520m

Day 7 – Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy

A short transfer takes you back to Ardtalnaig so that you can continue hiking where you stopped the previous day. An easy start takes you along the quiet road before the trail heads uphill at Acharn. Here you will see the fantastic Falls of Acharn before making your way along the path known as the Queen’s Drive. You continue on through forest to the splendid woodland gorge of the Birks (Falls) of Aberfeldy before descending down into the village. A long but rewarding day!

Distance: 24 km/15 miles Ascent: 500m

Note: The roadside sections on Loch Tay can be skipped by arranging alternate pick up and drop off points with the transfer drivers. You may like to do this to shorten a day’s walk for a rest, or to make time to explore more of the local area.

Day 8 – Aberfeldy to Pitlochry

Your final day of hiking starts with an easy section alongside the River Tay before crossing the bridge above the rapids at Grandtully. The trail then leads uphill for a long steady climb with views back toward Strathtay. The path then crosses moorland before entering Fonab Forest where you start your descent to Pitlochry. Take care as you cross the busy A9, then walk easily across the River Tummel via a pretty iron footbridge and into town. The end of the trail is on the main street at a small memorial garden. You’ve made it!

Distance: 15km/9.5 miles Ascent: 320m

Day 9 – Depart Pitlochry

After a leisurely breakfast, you can spend some time exploring the charming village centre before catching a train south to Glasgow or Edinburgh. On the way home you’ll have time to reflect on a beautiful hike through the Highlands you’re sure to remember.