Rob Roy Way: Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy

Summary

This stage of the Rob Roy Way follows the very scenic minor road on the south side of Loch Tay for the first 7.5km from Ardtalnaig. The next section is a delight, climbing up past the dramatic Falls of Acharn before following a succession of paths and tracks across the hillside giving superb views

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, tracks and paths across open hillside and through forestry.

Getting there

Start

Ardtalnaig phone box.

Public Transport

There is no public transport to Ardtalnaig. Aberfeldy is well served by bus.

Start Grid Ref

NN701392

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Services

There may be cabins to rent near Ardtalnaig. Acharn - part way through this stage - has a bed and breakfast. Aberfeldy is a popular country town with all facilities.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 24km / 15 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 501m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The stage begins from Ardtalnaig and follows the minor road eastwards for a further 7.5km to reach Acharn. Although the tarmac can be hard going, there are good views out across the loch to the Ben Lawers range and the traffic is usually quite light. At Acharn, turn right (signposted Falls of Acharn) up a track at some picturesque cottages.

Stage 2

The track rapidly climbs, giving ever improving views back over Loch Tay. After 750m look out for a path on the left leading into the Hermit's Cave. Enter this artificial stone-built cave, constructed in 1760s (when such things were fashionable) by the 3rd Earl of Breadalbane to give the most dramatic introduction to the falls. Visitors included Robert Burns and William Wordsworth. The cave is fairly dark inside but a torch isn't usually necessary; part way in take the passage off to the left. This leads out through an archway to a balcony giving a fine view of the falls - falling over 20 metres in a single leap. Head back into the cave and turn left to leave via the upper exit and return to the track. Continue uphill, ignoring a sign off to the left for a viewing platform, until the track reaches and crosses a bridge over the ravine.

Stage 3

Pass through a gate and follow the track as it curves sharply right - (SP Aberfeldy). The track soon curves back left and begins traversing the hillside - this section is known as the Queen's Drive and gives superb views to the Ben Lawers mountains looking back. Continue ahead, passing through two gates. When the main track swings right (signed for a stone circle) leave it and instead go straight ahead over the fenced bridge, then forking left on the far side. Pass through another gate, but keep to the left of the next one, over a stone culvert, to continue by a fence until yet another gate and a grassy track leads on to Balmacnaughton.

Stage 4

At Tombuie Cottage turn left onto a track signed 'Path to Aberfeldy'. This soon curves left and descends, passing to the left of a grand new house. As the track reaches a gate in a stone wall by the trees, turn right, passing through another gate and continuing above the wall. The route soon joins another track joining from the woods on the left. Go ahead along this, soon heading through another gate into the woods. There is a glimpse of a whitewashed tower house on the left. Continue through the trees until a gate leads out onto a more open section on a muddy, fainter track. The massive Taymouth Castle is well seen below on the floor of the strath.

Stage 5

After more gates and a further forestry section the route meets a much larger track - turn right along this. Cross a cattle grid and continue until a marker post indicates where to fork left onto a minor track once more. The next section has open views over the Strath and, if the day is clear, to mountains including Schiehallion and the Cairn Mairg group.

Stage 6

Massive gates and another forestry section follow, with the track being muddy in places. At a fork go left, passing under the pylons, across another open section to reach the large house at Upper Farrochil. Head right along the track from here. At a signed junction fork right (SP Aberfeldy) and follow a track through scattered birchwoods.

Stage 7

Eventually there is a good view along the strath to Aberfeldy, and to Menzies Castle at the village of Weem across the way. More gates and a gentle climb lead to the tarred Urlar road. Turn right along this, but then left after 100m onto a path that descends to the head of a gorge. At the junction cross the footbridge over the river - with grand views down over the Falls of Moness into the gorge far 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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