This walk explores the rolling countryside on the north side of Dunkeld. The objective is the Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve at the Loch of Lowes, with its hides (admission charge) overlooking its famed osprey eyrie.
Summary
Paths and country lanes through pastoral countryside. One very short section of busy road.
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1. The walk begins from the Cally Car park which is one kilometre from Dunkeld. Follow the main road north from the village, turning right at the t junction onto the A923 Blairgowrie road. The lane leading to the car park is the second left from this road. The route is signposted from the car park for Loch of the Lowes and Fungarth'. It begins by heading back to the lane but rather than turning right back towards the road, head straight across, following a lane through the forest. After about four hundred metres take a grassier track on the right (waymarked) heading into the trees. When this comes closer to the road, fork left (waymarked) following a path through the fine beechwoods to reach the road further on.
2. With care, cross the busy road and follow the path on the far side that heads back down it to the right. Almost immediately turn left up the tarmac lane towards the golf clubhouse; keep along this lane to reach the golf club car park. The route on from here is not the signed right of way to the left, but instead leaves from the lane at the far end of the car park and is marked for the 'Fungarth walk'. Cross the grassy field to a kissing gate and then follow the grassy lane to a wooden gate. Pass through this and continue straight ahead up the pleasantly wooded track. This passes a cottage, swings left and finally joins another lovely old track at a higher level.
3. The walk eventually returns to this point and heads to the right, but before doing this it is well worth detouring to visit the Loch of Lowes. Continue ahead along the lane, with great views over the golf course to the left. The lane eventually descends to reach a minor road close to the shores of the loch. Cross the road and join the path on the far side, which runs through the trees alongside the road, with glimpses out over the water.
4. After a short distance the parking area for the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve is reached. There is an entry fee to visit the hides and information centre; well worth it for the chance to see the birdlife of the loch. Ospreys nest here and can usually be seen between April to August, both using the provided telescopes and on the CCTV. Return from the reserve back to the track mentioned earlier.
5. This time keep left to continue along the lovely old lane towards Dunkeld. Eventually a tarmac road is reached; keep right onto this, again turning right at the houses. The road now leads downhill, giving good views over Dunkeld to the cathedral as the little town is reached. In Dunkeld, turn right along the main street.
6. Now simply follow the road north through and out of Dunkeld. Soon the ornate gateway for the Dunkeld House hotel is passed; keep ahead to reach the t-junction on the main road. From here there is no pavement and the road is busy so take great care; turn right along the road towards Blairgowrie. Ignore the first turning on the left (which leads into a small industrial estate) but take the second left beside an attractive cottage. The lane is signed for the Cally car park which is soon reached a short distance further on.
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