Kirkton Glen, Balquhidder

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Kirkton Glen is a forested valley running north from Balquhidder. The glen is on the line of an old right of way over the hills to Ledcharrie in Glen Dochart but these days is more often visited on a circular walk from the south end. There are good views of the surrounding mountains.

Terrain

Forestry tracks for most of the walk with some easy paths; fair amount of ascent

Public Transport

Bus C60 Callander to Killin.

Start

Rob Roys Grave, Balquhidder. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 380m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN536209

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is limited parking near the churchyard in Balquhidder, which is well-signed as the site of Rob Roy's grave. If full, there is alternative space with a voluntary charge at the community hall a short distance further along the road. Rob Roy's grave stands immediately in front of the ruins of the old church, immediately between that of his wife and his sons. The words 'MacGregor despite them' refers to government efforts to suppress the clan which included the banning of the MacGregor name. The graveyard is very old and repays exploration. Begin the walk by following the lane from the parking area that runs uphill beside the churchyard.

Stage 2

When the path reaches a junction, bear right past the Forestry Commission sign for Kirkton Glen. Keep heading uphill, after 400m a Scottish Water building is reached and a path goes off to the right. This leads to Creag an Tuirc, a historical site associated with Clan MacLaren and a superb viewpoint - it is a short walk and can be easily included as a detour. If omitting the detour, continue ahead on the track.

Stage 3

At the next junction another track comes in over a bridge on the left. Again, continue straight ahead here; the track forking to the right rejoins a short distance further on. Almost immediately another junction is reached. It doesn't really matter which is taken as from here the route is a circuit, but the route described here continues straight on towards a group of Scots pines. The forestry plantations are set back from the track which enables good views of the rocky headwall of the glen.

Stage 4

The track continues up the glen for around three kilometres. At this point a grassier track goes off left and a sign indicates the continuation of the right of way to Glen Dochart - a route which would require transport to be arranged at the far end. There is also a bench giving a good view back down the glen towards the Corbett of Benvane across Balquhidder. The walk continues by following the track which swings sharply to the right and ascends as it turns southeast across the side of the glen. On the route back the extra height makes the views even better.

Stage 5

The track continues back along the glen for over three and a half kilometres before swinging to the right and beginning the descent back down to the track up the glen floor. There are superb views along the length of Loch Voil on this section. Once the track rejoins the outward route at a t-junction, turn left to return towards Balquhidder. Again keep straight ahead past several junctions to return to the Kirkton Glen Forestry sign just above the village.

Stage 6

Rather than heading back down the lane to the start of the walk it is worth taking the right fork to vary the route to the village. At the next junction turn right to reach and cross a footbridge with a view of an attractive waterfall. The path now swings left and returns to the houses of Balquhidder via an old stone hump-back bridge. The road is reached just beyond; turn left to return to the start.

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