Loch or the Lowes to Dunkeld

[raykilhams]

Sitting in the house looking out at the snow in the garden can`t help looking forward to the spring ( although of course we do get out in the hills in the winter , with its own special magic ) and the warmer longer days , I hope . We are already planning to walk The Great Glen Way and The Pennine way and in October going to Crete to try a few gorges and mountains , not forgetting all the hikes to be done in between , probably bag a few more Monros. But we also look forward to our regular short walks of between 6 to 10 miles . These include Pitlochry to Killiecrankie , a number of glorious bluebell woods and our spring walk from Loch of the Lowes to Dunkeld.
We park at the visitor centre at the L of the L then make our way to Dunkeld following a clearly defined path . After about 30-40 mins you reach a wooded hillside on your right , made up of beech and oak trees . There are several small paths that wind their way up through the trees , and best of all if you go in late spring the ground is carpeted with bluebells. I think it is one of the truly great sights in Scotland in the spring and we are blessed with having a number of such woods not too far from where we live. As you make your way to the top of the hillside to get tantalising glimpses of the Lochs behind you and the hills to the north ( best to do this walk on a fine day) . You may see Roe deer , woodpeckers and maybe even see a cuckoo ( you will hear them) . As you continue to follow the path , it will take you through the woods and some pretty amazing trees , and bring you out to a roadway . All you have to do then is follow to roadway into Dunkeld where coffee , scones/jam/ cream await or maybe something more substantial . If the weather is really warm , a cold beer or an ice cream always goes down a treat. This is the sort of walk you can take the family on , not too tiring and a good introduction into the joys of walking ( we used to take the kids and now they all have a love of walking ). While in Dunkeld you can explore the streets and the buildings of this historical place. When you have finished , just make your leisurely way back.
This is a great short walk with so much to see. PS best to look at photos last first.