Rob Roy Way: Amulree to Aberfeldy

Summary

The second section of the Amulree alternative route on the Rob Roy Way follows the north side of Loch Freuchie and the pleasant, quiet, countryside of Glen Quaich before climbing steeply to exposed moorland and a gentler approach to Aberfeldy. Remote and requires good navigation.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Tracks, minor roads, descent on woodland footpath with steps.

Public Transport

Bus (school days only) to Amulree from Aberfeldy which has regular buses. Summer Breadalbane Explorer 3 times a day in each direction.

Start

Amulree church. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 24.75km / 15.5 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 329m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN900365

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Begin the walk at the north end of Amulree, turning left off the main road (A822) onto a private road signed as Footpath to Kenmore. This soon passes Lochan Cottages and then keeps left to go around Lochan Lodge and soon becomes a rough farm track. Keep straight on crossing the cattle grid. There are good views back to Amulree. Pass another cottage to the right and a lone pine tree on the left and then another cattle grid. The track crosses open farmland. Before reaching a barn keep left ignoring a track to the right uphill. Go past the barn and then through a gate.

Stage 2

The track passes between some dry stone walls and climbs gently uphill. Soon Loch Freuchie comes into view. Keep following the clear track which is now at a level gradient. Pass through a large metal gate and keep following the track. Woodland now replacing grazing land on the right hand side. Pass through another gate and eventually into denser woodland. The head of the loch can now be seen and there are good views beyond up Glen Quaich. After emerging from the woodland, pass through a gate and keep on the track which can be muddy at times. Two more gates are passed as well as the ruins of an old settlement.

Stage 3

Keep on the track, passing through a gate and then an old barn on the left before the track curves to the left towards Turrerich Farm. Climb the stile and go through the farmyard and then to the left of the bungalow and keep following the track. The route follows the head of the Loch and crosses a lovely stone bridge over the River Quaich before reaching the road which is popular with cyclists. Turn right to follow the minor road up Glen Quaich, there are good views back over Loch Freuchie. When the buildings at Auchnacloich are reaching turn right onto the smaller road (signed Shian Schoolhouse) and cross the metal bridge. Where the road bends right towards the cemetery at a lone tree, keep straight ahead on a rougher track (signed Footpath to Garrows).

Stage 4

Fork left to pass in front of the houses at Wester Shian and keep following the undulating track as it heads up the glen, at one point crossing a burn on stepping stones. Keep straight ahead on the main track at the entrance to Tirchardie and eventually the road is reached at the lovely stone bridge at Garrow. Brace yourself for the steep climb ahead and look out for speeding cyclists enjoying the freewheel as you turn right to climb up the road. After the high point (529m) the road crosses open moorland and starts to descend towards a small reservoir and hut on the right hand side.

Stage 5

Turn right at the gate and stile just before the reservoir onto a broad track. On a clear day there are great views across the reservoir to Schiehallion as well as the Ben Lawers group. The track takes a winding route across the moors - stay on the main route at any junctions, eventually passing through a fenced area and continuing beside the Urlar burn.

Stage 6

After fording a small burn the route passes a small hut used by shooting parties. Continue ahead, passing through a couple of gates before eventually meeting another track at a T junction near to Urlar farm. Go almost straight ahead here (slightly left and immediately right through a pedestrian gate) onto a footpath along the edge of a field.

Stage 7

At the field corner go through a gate and then left alongside the fence to emerge on a minor road just east of Urlar - this signed detour is to avoid the farmyard. Turn right along the tarmac, lined with daffodils in the spring. After just under a kilometre turn right on a good path into the trees - there is a white marker post but no sign. The path soon zig-zags down to reach a junction by a footbridge over the Moness burn. Cross the bridge - looking left for a dramatic view down the Moness Falls directly below.

Stage 8

The final descent to Aberfeldy is down the very scenic path through the wooded gorge of the Birks of Aberfeldy. An excellent viewpoint is passed for looking back at the Falls of Moness, before a series of steps and zig-zags lead down eventually to continue beside the burn. When the A826 road is reached turn left to follow this into the town, finally turning right along the main street to reach the centre and all facilities.

Next stage: Aberfeldy to Pitlochry

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