Glen Lyon is renowned for its great beauty; this walk gives a chance to explore its middle reaches, climbing through the Ben Meggernie birchwoods to give fine views. Equally important is the opportunity to visit a tea-shop on the route.
Summary
Unsurfaced but waymarked woodland paths, clear throughout. The path climbs a fair way above the valley floor.
Terrain
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1. Park at Innerwick car park on the west side of the Allt a'Mhuic; there are public toilets, an information board and leaflets for the walk. Before beginning you might want to cross the road bridge over the burn to visit the tall war memorial or perhaps picturesque Innerwick Church on the other side of the road. Start the walk by following the broad path that leads into the forestry beside the information board. The first part heads through a dense plantation of Sitka spruces.
2. Soon a signed junction is reached, marked for 'Lower route' and 'Upper route' to Bridge of Balgie. Our route follows the upper route (to the right) - but it doesn't really matter which is taken and both routes have the same amount of ascent. Soon the spruces give way, first to larch and finally to beautiful natural birchwoods as the Lower route joins back in from the left near a bench.
3. The path continues to climb, gaining a fair amount of height above the valley floor and permitting some good views up and down Glen Lyon. At the top of the ascent there is a wooden seat with a particularly fine outlook.
4. The path now gently descends to reach another junction. You can shorten the walk by turning left to head directly to Bridge of Balgie, but to continue the slightly longer route go straight ahead (signed for 'Viewpoint'). This leads slightly uphill.
5. The viewpoint is soon reached, adorned with a seat looking across the valley to Meall nan Tarmachan and Meall Ghaordaidh. The path then begins to descend once more, with wooden steps in places. Further on it doubles back to the left and then the shortcut route joins in. Continue down the path with views of the Bridge of Balgie and the beautiful white Tower house beside it.
6. The path reaches the road immediately next to the post office and tea-rooms with a delightful location looking out over the river. The Glenlyon Tearoom is usually open seven days a week from March to October with restricted opening times during the winter - it could be difficult to refuse a cake. If you can still move afterwards continue along the road to return to Innerwick and the start.
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