Drymen to Aberfoyle

The first stage of the Rob Roy Way is a gentle introduction, following a minor road from Drymen and then forestry tracks to Aberfoyle which is often bustling with visitors and has plenty of facilities. Some pleasant views over the Campsies and Gargunnock hills and interesting industrial heritage of a Victorian water scheme, but much of the route is through forestry plantation.

Terrain

Minor road, then forestry tracks.

Public Transport

Buses to Drymen.

Start

Square, Drymen. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.5km / 11 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 227m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS474885

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Drymen has a fine village square with two pubs and bus stop. Start the walk from here by heading north uphill with the Clachan Inn on your left. Follow this minor road (Old Gartmore Road) past the school and out of the village. This first stage of the Rob Roy Way is waymarked with blue markers and also yellow arrows and much of it follows the course of the Lochs and Glens section of National Cycle Route 7 which links Sunderland to Inverness.

Stage 2

As the road climbs steadily the views to the Campsie Hills on the right open up. Wider views in all directions can be seen when the road passes under a line of pylons near a mast on the right. After this high point, the road starts to descend and the plantations of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, which covers a vast part of the Trossachs area, are reached on the left side of the road. Once forestry is on both sides of the road, a crossroads is soon reached with Old Drymen Road car park on the right. Turn left here onto the signed forestry track, which is surfaced at first.

Stage 3

Almost immediately keep straight ahead when another track branches to the left, the pointy peak of Ben Lomond can be seen directly ahead. The track follows the line of an aqueduct bringing water from Loch Katrine in the Trossachs all the way to Glasgow. The rectangular plinths topped with green metal are access points for the system and soon a stone-built domed shaft is passed. The original water scheme was opened in 1859 by Queen Victoria. Sales of soap reportedly fell by a half in parts of Glasgow as the soft clean water from Loch Katrine needed less help to get people clean.

Stage 4

Keep following the track passing the cottages at Corrie, keeping on the surfaced road and ignoring any side tracks. The Corrie aqueduct is an impressive structure spanning a wide dip and burn. The longest aqueduct bridge on the Loch Katrine water scheme, it carries the water in an iron trough - the amount of iron in the construction reflects the lack of suitable local building stone. As well as hugely improving the public health of Glasgow citizens, the scheme, which was internationally admired at the time, also provided hydraulic power to some of city's heavy industry such as shipbuilding, helping to fuel a mini industrial boom. The track now has a gravel surface.

Stage 5

At a crossroads under powerlines, keep straight ahead and the route soon curves right and then left in broad zig zags to climb a slope. A clearing in the forestry has another domed shaft and soon after the route turns right at a crossroads of tracks, with the next shaft just ahead. The track on the right is signed for the RRW (if you continue on the track ahead and pass a vehicle barrier you have missed the turning). At Clashmore Cottage turn left just before the track ahead descends, and climb uphill. Stay on the main forestry track ignoring side turnings, some of which are signed cycle and walking routes.

Stage 6

Eventually the first house at Balleich comes into view with a good view of the Menteith Hills beyond. Follow the surfaced road ahead between the houses and keep left where another road (signed for Doon Hill) goes off on the right. The road now curves left with the first view of Aberfoyle on the right. After crossing a small bridge and bending right follow the road passing Aberfoyle cemetery on the right. The restored building of Kirkton Church can be seen through the splendid iron railings. Continue over the lovely stone bridge over the River Forth to reach Aberfoyle. The Rob Roy Way turns right here to head through the car park - the tourist information and toilets are midway along the car park and from there you can easily reach the main street.

Next stage: Aberfoyle to Callander

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