Glen Lyon is renowned for its great beauty; this walk gives a chance to explore its middle reaches, climbing through the Ben Meggernie birchwoods to give fine views. Equally important is the opportunity to visit the excellent cafe on the route.
Unsurfaced but waymarked woodland paths, clear throughout. The path climbs a fair way above the valley floor.
None to start.
Car park at Innerwick.
Park at Meggernie Estate Innerwick car park (toilets) on the west side of the Allt a'Mhuic; there are public toilets on the upper level of parking. Before beginning you might want to cross the road bridge over the burn to visit the tall war memorial or perhaps picturesque Innerwick Church on the other side of the road. Start the walk by following the broad path that leads from the lower half of the car park, with a blue and red waymarker.
Soon a junction is reached. Our route follows the red waymarkers for the upper route (to the right), and then uses the blue route for a short return from the tearoom at the end. Soon the path leads into beautiful natural birchwoods, and leads up lots of wooden steps. Ignore the black trail off to the right (that leads back to the upper part of the car park).
The path continues to climb, gaining a fair amount of height above the valley floor and permitting some good views up and down Glen Lyon. At the top of the ascent there is a particularly fine outlook.
The path now gently descends to reach another junction. You can shorten the walk by turning left (black route) here to head directly to Bridge of Balgie, but to continue the slightly longer route go straight ahead (still following the red markers). This leads slightly uphill.
A viewpoint is soon reached, adorned with a stone seat looking across the valley to Meall nan Tarmachan and Meall Ghaordaidh. The path then begins to descend once more, with wooden steps in places. Further on it doubles back to the left and continues the idyllic descent. The short cut part of the black route mentioned earlier joins in from the left - bear right here. Continue down the path with views of the Bridge of Balgie and the beautiful white Tower house beside it.
Keep left at another junction (red and black marker). Yet another junction is just beyond, where the blue route goes left. We use this for the return, but first continue ahead to detour very briefly down to the road immediately next to the post office and cafe with a truly delightful location looking out over the river. The Glenlyon Tearoom (best to check online for opening times). To head back, return to the last junction and take the blue route.
This wide path runs through the woods at a lower level, with views over another cottage. Keep ahead when another path joins from the left. Further on the path forks - the main route ahead leads straight back to the car park, or you can follow the blue marker to descend, passing a stone seat and to the right of a lochan, to reach the road, then turn left to head back to the start.
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