Rob Roy Way: Aberfeldy to Pitlochry

Summary

The final part of the Rob Roy Way follows the River Tay eastwards from Aberfeldy to the attractive village of Grandtully. A final climb then leads up over the moors before a forested descent leads to journey's end at the town of Pitlochry.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Riverside and old railway paths, then hill path, boggy in places, finally forest tracks

Getting there

Start

Square, Aberfeldy.

Public Transport

Aberfeldy and Pitlochry are both served by bus; Pitlochry additionally has a rail station.

Start Grid Ref

NN856490

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Services

Aberfeldy and Pitlochry are both popular country towns with a range of shops, cafes and places to stay. Part way through the stage there are also hotels and an inn at Grandtully.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15km / 9.25 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 322m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

From the centre of Aberfeldy follow the main road (A827) northeast towards Pitlochry. Aberfeldy has a good selection of independent shops and a short way beyond the buildings of the town, the attractive distillery of Dewar's World of Whisky (a good wet weather option) is seen on the right. Just past this and the cemetery on the left hand side of the road head onto a path, signed for Grandtully.

Stage 2

Initially the path heads down to the River Tay and runs along the riverbank. In late spring the area is covered in primroses, bluebells and other wildflowers. The path goes through a gate to skirt round the edge of a field and then through another gate and then a footbridge.

Stage 3

After following the river for some distance the path curves away from the water into woodland eventually reaching a track where you bear left. This follows the line of the old railway to Aberfeldy which was a branch line from Ballinluig and closed in 1965 - it is popular with cyclists so keep an eye or ear out. Continue to follow the old railway line, heading through a rhododendron-clad cutting and under a bridge. Keep straight ahead when another track joins and ahead again when a track crosses the old railway line.

Stage 4

The route nears the main road and reaches the gated entrance to a house on the left, ignore the gate and continue ahead on the narrower path alongside the fence to head under a railway bridge. After another bridge the route emerges in the car park of the old station, now used as a campsite by the Scottish Canoe Association (which can often be used by the general public if booked in advance). Turn left to leave the entrance to the car park and continue ahead on the minor road which soon reaches the A827 on the edge of Grandtully. Turn right and cross the road to reach the bridge over the Tay - there is a footpath on the right side as you approach the bridge where slalom canoeing can often be seen.

Stage 5

Cross the narrow road bridge and then turn right on the far side. The road soon reaches a junction with a telephone box - continue ahead briefly before turning left onto a track signed 'Path to Pitlochry'. At the edge of the golf course turn right onto a smaller track, and then keep straight ahead alongside a tee when the track curves right. The path soon passes through a gate and climbs above the golf course, with numerous further gates. The path is walled in places but always keeps climbing, with the Tullypowrie Burn on the right.

Stage 6

At one point the path passes to the right of a house; beyond this the route becomes more open with excellent views back across Strath Tay. Continue up until a footbridge leads over the Tullypowrie Burn. On the far side a muddy path aims half right uphill, before continuing to climb with a fence alongside on the right. Eventually a pedestrian gate leads through the fence - pass through this.

Stage 7

A narrow path now leads on through gorse and broom, aiming ENE and passing through some birches and just to the right of a plantation. Continue in the same direction until a gate leads into the Fonab forest (sign). From here take the track ahead - signed for Pitlochry. Keep straight ahead when a track heads off left. Around 100m further on there is a stone circle (or should that be square?) off to the left in the trees.

Stage 8

The Rob Roy Way, however, continues along the track, and goes straight ahead onto a grass track when a crossroads is reached. The final descent has now begun, and the route soon crosses over another main forestry track. The forest is left behind at a gate, and when a track is reached, turn right (signed Pitlochry). A long section of track now leads gently downhill, through a farm, to meet the thunderingly busy and fast A9. It would be a real shame to get flattened so close to the end of the walk, so cross with great care. On the far side follow a track down to a road, and cross this (dead end sign) to continue down to the suspension bridge over the River Tummel. Cross the bridge and then take the footpath directly ahead to head into the centre of Pitlochry. Keep right at a road and follow this eventually up to the main street. The official end of the Rob Roy Way is at the small memorial garden where there is a metal arch and bench marking the finish.

Pitlochry is the end of the Rob Roy Way

Next stage Scottish National Trail: Pitlochry to Blair Atholl

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