Rob Roy Way: Strathyre to Killin

Summary

The Rob Roy Way leaves Strathyre by following a forest track above the east side of the glen at first. Once past the Mhòr 84 Motel (formerly the Kinghouse Hotel) the route follows the cycle path to eventually join the line of the old railway high above Lochearnhead. The old railway is followed northwards through Glen Ogle before a final descent through forests leads to the Falls of Dochart at Killin.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Forest tracks and cycle path.

Public Transport

Strathyre and Killin are both served by bus.

Start

Centre of Strathyre. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 21.5km / 13.25 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 341m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN560171

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The stage begins from the centre of Strathyre, where the back road to Balquhidder meets the main A84. The Rob Roy Way leaves the A84 almost opposite this junction, passing to the right side of the former Munro Inn (closed at the time of writing). Join the path at the far end that passes through a gate in a wall and then swings left past a small church. The path passes to the right of a tennis court; at the corner, turn left to continue along the far side of the court. At the next fork turn right, passing some more picnic tables and crossing a footbridge.

Stage 2

Turn left along the track. When it forks, take the higher, right hand branch. The track slowly gains height; although forested, there are good open views across the glen in places, especially in the later section looking west over the Braes of Balquihidder towards the distant high peaks of Ben More and Stob Binnein.

Stage 3

Follow the main track as it begins to descend, swinging sharply left at one point. Continue ahead at the next junction to eventually emerge on a tarmac section of the old main road. Turn right here, passing the Mhòr 84 Motel (formerly the Kinghouse Hotel). At the road junction here turn left towards Balquhidder, passing beneath the main A84. On the far side ignore the railings heading up onto the road but take the next right at the blue sign to join the cycle path to Killin.

Stage 4

The track is well surfaced and provides fast walking, if a little hard on the feet. It keeps close to the A84 at first, taking a winding course through birchwoods before passing north of the old Balquhidder station. It then swings back right to meet the line of the old railway at a T junction; turn left here (signed as Cycle Route 7). Further on the route forks left off a tarmac lane, but then curves right where the line of the old railway heads off to the north. Keep following the cycle path, eventually coming back alongside the A84. Go straight across a lane leading off the road, soon passing over an old viaduct - the centre section of this bridge having been replaced in memory of a teacher who was killed when cycling on the A9.

Stage 5

Soon a cycle path junction is reached - the track off to the right enables a detour to be made to Lochearnhead (shop, hotel, B&Bs) if required (the Way can be regained by following a steep path uphill past a Scout Station). If continuing on the main route, continue ahead under the bridge; the cycle way now begins a steep ascent in a series of sharp zig-zags to gain the old main railway line which passes high above Lochearnhead. The reward is a fine view east over Loch Earn.

Stage 6

Keep following the cycle path as it turns right along the line of the old railway - this section is known as the Glen Ogle Trail and is very popular with cyclists, so keep an eye out! The route goes through several gates but provides straightforward and level going, After around 3.5km the route passes over the Glen Ogle Viaduct - a landmark when seen from the main road in the glen below. Keep ahead on the trail, ignoring a stile on the right and passing beneath a bridge and then through a cutting.

Stage 7

Finally the route emerges at a car park beside the A85. Cross the road carefully to pick up a walkway on the far side. This soon leads to a second parking area, usually the site of a welcome snack van in season. Follow the track under the barrier - still signed Cycle Path 7 - now over the watershed and with a view of the Tarmachan Ridge on the skyline ahead. Pass through a wooden gate and then fork left to stay on the cycle path (both routes are signed for the Rob Roy Way - the track to the right should be taken if you intend not to visit Killin but to continue along the south side of Loch Tay.

Stage 8

The cycle path soon swings right to cross beneath the pylons, and passes a picnic bench. At the next track junction turn left, and at the following one turn right - both signed for the cycle route. There is then a final 2.5km stretch before the route emerges onto the main road, turn right towards Killin and the beautiful Falls of Dochart. The Rob Roy Way takes the next right turn, but most of the facilities of Killin are reached by crossing the bridge into the village centre.

Next stage: Killin to Ardtalnaig

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