Rob Roy Way

Make your own way to Drymen which is a small town north of Glasgow that is a gateway to the Highlands. On the way you may have time for a boat ride on Loch Lomond from the village of Balloch. If you arrive early in Drymen there is a teashop with home made cakes across the green and the small Clacan Inn where Rob Roy used to come down for a swift pint whilst collecting "Blackmail." There is a nice view point towards Ben Lomond 10 minutes walk away from the green. Accommodation: Kip in the Kirk (a converted 1819 church hall) is our overnight stop, where the host will make you more than welcome and has become a favourite with our hikers.

The walk starts from the centre of Drymen and you can follow the West Highland way for a short distance before heading off beside the forest and the side of Muir Park Reservoir, reaching the day’s high point by a radio mast where in good weather there are attractive views out to the east and south. A walk along a minor road takes you onto a track into the Loch Ard Forest. The final walk into Aberfoyle is along a tarmac road crossing the River Forth and you pass ruined Kirkton Church with its 'Mortsafes.' Aberfoyle has become a popular outdoor activity centre and claims to have the longest zip-wire in the world. If you have an hour or so extra walking energy, you could climb Doon Hill, famous locally for its fairy-folklore. Accommodation: we use the Rob Roy Hotel, just out of the town.

Walking out of the village follow along the edge of the forest next to the Aberfoyle Golf Course. The track continues to climb towards the Menteith Hills. There is a further short climb passing by a small loch. This is the highest part of this section of the walk. There will be occasional views north through breaks in the forest to Stuc Odhar, Ben Ledi and Loch Venachar lying below the forest. The track then branches off down to the East Lodge on the south shore of Loch Venachar, from where you proceed along a metalled road to Gartehousie. Walk through Coilhallan Woods, follow a footpath which climbs to give you some good views across to Callander before dropping down to cross the River Teith into the town's Main Street. Accommodation: the Waverly Hotel, a 300 year old pub, is our usual accommodation. Other local B&Bs of a similar standard may also be used.

From the centre of Callander follow the route of a cycle track passing the site of a Roman Fort and then the line of the old railway along the south bank of the River Teith. Continue along a well surfaced track on the west side of the Falls of Leny. This is through wooded areas with Ben Ledi dominating the skyline ahead. The pathway twists round the Falls and approaches the south end of Loch Lubnaig. You soon gain some views towards Strathyre, across to Glen Ample and south to the Pass of Leny. The path descends to the Loch side once again as Strathyre is within sight. The Way climbs again into a forest walk before reaching forestry cottages and the Main street. Strathyre is a small community mainly located on either side of the A84 road from Callander to Lochearnhead. There is a general store and an Inn that offers both food and drink. Accommodation: A traditional house from the early 1900s. There is a sitting room with log fire for cold days and a small library is available for guests use. From the dining room enjoy the views of Ben Vane & Ardnadave Hill and the surrounding countryside.

Pass a renovated church and War Memorial to climb through a small glen, over a small burn before reaching the main forest road as it climbs gradually uphill north towards Kingshouse. This is a pleasant forest walk with views west over Strathyre, then into Balquhidder and Loch Voil. After another mile or so, The Way starts to run along an old railway line. There is a 4 mile (there and back) optional detour to visit Rob Roy's grave in Balquidder. The route starts to climb steeply and there are several commanding views east over Loch Earn which is some 100 metres below you. The path crosses an old railway viaduct before it reaches the head of the Glen Ogel, where you pass by a small loch. Ahead is a great vantage point, to the north east lies Killin, Loch Tay and Ben Lawers. It will take a further 60 to 80 minutes to walk into Killin. The section from here is almost totally downhill on forestry tracks. There are many attractive views across Loch Tay to the mountains on the northern banks. Coming into Killin, you will see the fairly impressive "Falls of Dochart." Accommodation: Our first choice is the Killin Hotel, a traditional countryside inn overlooking the River Lochay B&B.

Today The Way takes you to the South of Loch Tay. You are now on a single track road that climbs south east through forests. As the climb levels off, The Way comes above the tree line opening up wonderful views to Ben Lawers. Looking back there are commanding views up Glen Dochart and Glen Lochay. This countryside was traversed by the Macnab brothers on the Christmas raid on the MacNeish Clan in 1612. The track now ascends a little further for panoramic views over Glen Beich and towards Glen Lednock. You cross the Newton Burn by a wooden bridge then follow a rough farm track which emerges onto a single track road descending into Ardeonaig. You arrive at the South Loch Tay road at the Ardeonaig Hotel and the nearby Finglen Burn. Follow the road along the banks of the Tay to Ardtalnaig. There are commanding views both west and east along the Loch. Ardtalnaig is a small hamlet with only one or two houses and a telephone box! Accommodation: There is only one place to stay in Ardtalnaig, this is in one of two 'Armadillo' shaped wooden cabins overlooking Loch Tay. The cabin is fully self contained with wet room, fridge and microwave. Dinner can be booked in advance or taken 5km away from your accommodation. There are great views from the cabin, but we realise that these are not for everyone, and they are quite 'compact.' You thus have a choice to have an extra night in Killin and have a transfer set up to take you back and return to Ardtalnaig the following morning. If this is the case, or if the cabins are fully booked there will be an additional cost involved with the transportation (normally £30 each way). You can also choose to stay in a small luxury hotel 3 miles before Ardtalnaig in Ardeonaig. This option will mean 3 miles less walking today, 3 miles more tomorrow. Prices on request.

From Ardtalnaig follow the road then track to The Falls of Acharn. There are great views of the Falls from a Hermit's Cave. There are further interesting views of the Falls on leaving the Cave and crossing over a wooden bridge. The Way now follows the Queen's Drive, named after Queen Victoria who was inspired by the views from this pathway. The Queen's Drive generally follows a parallel line to the loch side road some 250 metres below. The views to the north start with the now familiar Ben Lawers in the west, then Meall Garbh and Meall Greigh. Further behind is the distinctive mountain called Schiehallion. Be ready to climb over a series of high stiles as elements of the forest path are divided by deer fences. You reach the attractive stone cottage at Tombuie and you will soon get views into the Tay valley, Castle Menzies and then the town of Aberfeldy. Walk around by the Falls of Moness and down to the centre of Aberfeldy, via a gorge area called 'The Birks.' You may have time to visit ‘Dewar's World of Whisky’ which is quite near the town. Accommodation: We generally use the Townhouse, a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, within minutes of the town centre.