Ben Vrackie, near Pitlochry

Ben Vrackie is indelibly associated with the town of Pitlochry at its foot, and has for long been an extremely popular ascent for those visiting the town. The summit is a great viewpoint and the ascent follows good paths through woodland, open moorland and past picturesque Loch a' Choire. The route description includes two optional extensions to make longer walks.

Terrain

Well made path with some steep sections on the ascent of Ben Vrackie.

Public Transport

Buses and long distance coaches to Pitlochry.

Winter Safety

Please note that hillwalking in winter conditions - which is whenever there is snow lying - requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly, and to judge which routes are safe for the conditions and your party in winter. Please see our Winter Essentials for details.

Users' reports

Read reports by: EwaMH SMRussell gammy leg walker wilkiemurray PeteR Stretch jwramsay BlackPanther cheekykarma jamie23 AlastairStevenson naepace Craiging619 JohnJS grahamdrew Jockstar U059361 blueyed wilkiemurray nathan79 gedme goldfishrock mband blueyed rogers sloosh Lorna sproot bio-man
Write your report - there's £90 to win at Webtogs each month

Start

Ben Vrackie car park just north west of Moulin . Map and directions.

Currently 4.08/5

User Rating
Log in to vote

grade grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km/5.75 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 720m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NN944597

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Ben Vrackie

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Perthshire hostels

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start at the Ben Vrackie car park which is just north west of Moulin. Turn left off the A924 immediately behind the Moulin Hotel and follow the road uphill and continue straight ahead at a junction, the car park is 300 metres on the right. From the car park follow the clear path uphill through beech trees. The path is well signed. Cross a track and continue uphill, skirting the woodland and turn left onto a small track. Cross another forestry track and follow the path across a bridge and through woodland until you pass through a gate onto the open moorland.

Stage 2

The path crosses the heather moorland giving the first views of the summit of Ben Vrackie. There are good views back to Pitlochry and the River Tummel below. Continue on the main path where a path heads off to the left. This is part of the Bealach walk and the return way if you choose the optional extension around Loch a' Choire. The track passes through another gate and continues gently uphill.

Stage 3

The path now dips down towards Loch a' Choire. As you round the corner you can see the steep path climbing the side of Ben Vrackie on the other side of the Loch. After passing a beautifully carved seat on the left continue across the small dam and cross the outlet stream on stepping stones to start the climb to the summit.

Stage 4

The climb to the top at 841 metres is steep but the path is excellent and the views across to Beinn a Ghlo and the Cairngorms beyond. There is a viewpoint marker at the summit so you can work out what you are looking at. The easiest return route is by the same outward path. A slightly longer detour around Loch a' Choire is described as an alternative.

Stage 5

Return downhill until just before the outlet for Loch a' Choire. Here take the clear path branching off to the right and skirt around the edge of the Loch. Towards the far end the path becomes boggy and climbs slightly through heather moorland. Keep on the main path, ignoring a path heading uphill to the left.

Stage 6

The narrow path continues with good views towards Blair Atholl. Continue downhill until you reach a clear T junction signed for Killiecrankie to the right. Taking this turn allows you to join the rest of the Bealach and River Garry walk which would add an additional 7km to your route. Turn left to climb gently uphill and through the Bealach na Searmoin to eventually return to the outward Ben Vrackie path where you turn right and head downhill to the start of the walk.

Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? Please let us know by using the error report form.