Rob Roy Way: Ardtalnaig to Amulree

Summary

An alternative to the main Rob Roy Way sees the route divert through remote moorland glens and passes to reach Amulree. The hotel here has been closed for years so transport needs to be arranged unless camping - there are plenty of good wild camp spots on route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, remote moorland track, navigation skills needed.

Getting there

Start

Ardtalnaig phone box.

Public Transport

No public transport to Ardtalnaig, bus (school days only) to Amulree from Aberfeldy. Summer Breadalbane Explorer 3 times a day in each direction.

Start Grid Ref

NN701392

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Services

There may be cabins to rent near Ardtalnaig but there are otherwise no services or accommodation along this stage of the route, including at the end of the stage at Amulree.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 26.5km / 16.5 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 477m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Turn right (if coming from Ardeonaig) off the main road in Ardtalnaig to take the minor road opposite the telephone box signed by Scotways for Newton Bridge and Invergeldie. The road climbs steeply southeast passing a couple of houses with ever improving views looking back over Loch Tay and the mountains beyond. Continue up the road, crossing an iron-reinforced stone bridge to reach the farm at Claggan. Pass the farmhouse (following footpath signs) and a second house on a track to the left of the buildings and then aim for a gate and the open hills.

Stage 2

Take the left fork on the track, signed for Newton Bridge and Comrie, going through another gate and then over a bridge before the track curves right before a derelict cottage at Tullichglass. The route now heads up Gleann a' Chilleine, crossing a side stream and going through a gate before crossing the Allt a' Chilleine at a ford - if the water is deep it can be crossed at a bridge about 25metres to the left. After another gate the peaceful glen gains a real feeling of remoteness compared to the other sections of the Rob Roy Way which can be relatively busy.

Stage 3

The track descends slightly and then as it climbs, ignore a fainter track on the right. After a gate there is a striking view of drumlins, mounds of debris, left by a retreating glacier which formed the glen, and often described as "baskets of eggs". Soon the cottage at Dunan is reached, now used as a shooting bothy by the estate.

Stage 4

From the front of the cottage turn left off the track to bear ESE to pass the sheep fanks and follow the north bank of the River Almond. Keep following the riverside to follow a rough grassy track, boggy in places. Go through a gate and as the route heads downstream the track improves soon reaching a small dam.

Stage 5

Continue on the north side of the River Almond, going through a gate. After passing a ruined cottage, ignore a track to the left and continue on to pass the cottage at Dalriech. Ignore the steep track to the left and head over the bridge soon reaching a memorial cairn built on the site of Stuck Chapel to those who lost their lives in the first world war. Continue down the glen passing two small blocks of forestry, ignore the track to the right that crosses the river.

Stage 6

Pass the cottage on the left and then take the track to the left opposite the buildings on the right. This soon goes through a gate and the impressive house at Auchnafree can be seen up on the left. Go through the gate at the trees and then turn immediately right onto the track passing the farm shed and go through the gate with the gateposts then turn immediately left on a track, go through the gate, pass the barn on your left and go through another gate to climb the track uphill. Another gate leaves the farm behind as the route heads up Glen Shervie. As the track descends to a bridge, the cleft of Glen Lochan can be seen ahead, look for the diagonal path sloping to the right on the far side, this is the route to aim for.

Stage 7

Once over the bridge continue up the track for a short distance until it levels off and take a faint path up on the right which soon joins with the clearer path heading through Glen Lochan. Aptly named, the narrow path through heather soon passes a couple of lochans before the glen widens and the path passes Lochan Uaine on the south side. Stay on the higher ground on the south side of the burn until the faint path crosses at the low ground before Lochan a' Mhuillin. The path follows the north side of the loch and can be very boggy - it is possible to detour directly north uphill to reach a landrover track which rejoins the route later on at the far end of the lochan. Otherwise the lower path joins this track to continue straight ahead passing a fishing hut and descending with views to Loch Freuchie. Further on, after a gate, bear right where it meets another track

Stage 8

At the buildings go through the gate and straight ahead to reach the road opposite the entrance to Glenquaich Lodge. Turn right to follow the minor road east towards Amulree. Turn left at the A822 to reach the small hamlet of Amulree. Once a much larger settlement, many residents emigrated in the early 19th century, the impressive church remains. The hotel closed long ago but there is bed and breakfast accommodation is available nearby.

Next stage: Amulree to Aberfeldy

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