Comrie to Loch Freuchie

Summary

From Comrie the Scottish National Trail runs for some 50km before the next accommodation and services available in Aberfeldy, so this section is usually split into two stages. Wild-campers will probably break the journey well before the minor road at Loch Freuchie, but others could arrange a pick-up at the end of this stage. This walk includes a lonely hill crossing and miles of remote but beautiful and empty glens.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Remote moorland / hill crossing, with glen paths, some minor roads and boggy sections.

Getting there

Start

Comrie.

Public Transport

Bus services to Comrie; none to the Loch Freuchie road.

Start Grid Ref

NN770221

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Services

Comrie has both hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as a small range of shops and a bus service. At the end of the stage there is bed and breakfast accommodation at Amulree.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 30km / 18.75 miles
Time: 8 - 9 hours
Ascent: 813m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

Leave the attractive village of Comrie on the minor road up Glen Lednock, After 100m where this road bends left, leave it and turn right onto a signed path between two old stone gateposts. The wide path now leads just inside the edge of some beautiful beech woodland. The path soon heads into the woods and comes close to the River Lednock. Further along a smaller path descends steps off to the right - this is a loop to see the Little Cauldron falls, and soon rejoins the main path. This now ascends and runs close to the road once more; don't head onto the road but keep on the path to the right. The river is far below on this section.

Stage 2

The path becomes a wooden walkway fenced against the steep drop before steps lead down to the viewpoint for the Deil's (or Devil's) Cauldron itself, where the river Lednock emerges from a rock-walled gorge in a double cascade. Ascend the wooden staircase up to the road and then turn right along the pathway beside this. Soon the woods are left behind; after 600m turn right onto a path signed for 'Funtulich'. Follow this down to a footbridge, then on the far side follow the Lednock briefly downstream. After a gate climb the steps and turn left onto the fainter path at the top. This soon curves round to reach a minor road.

Stage 3

Turn left and follow the road past a couple of cottages and, now on a track the route climbs gently towards the mountain backdrop. Watch out for a marked grassy path on the left just before a wide bend in the track. Take this to head gently downhill. At the bottom cross a small stream and got through a basic gate in the stone wall to soon reach the ford. Stones should allow you to get across with dry feet but this could be difficult after very wet weather. On the far side follow the grassy track heading up the Glen, passing through a gate and alongside a thinly wooded area before another gate into a field. Keep on the clear track alongside the stone wall until another gate brings you onto the Glen Lednock road at Funtulich.

Stage 4

Head along the Glen Lednock road from Funtulich until the old schoolhouse and car park at Coishavachan. This is the start point for the walk up Ben Chronzie and its often busy with cars. From the road take the right fork to follow the track up towards the houses at Coishavachan, turning right to pass in front of the low cottages, through the farm gate and then turn left to follow the track. This goes over a bridge and through a gate before heading uphill. Descend to cross the Invergeldie Burn below the weir and climb up the far side, keeping left where another track forks right.

Stage 5

Keep an eye out for the track leaving to the left and take this to continue up the glen, staying near the Invergeldie Burn at times and crossing a couple of small side streams and then climbing more steeply to reach the top of the pass.

Stage 6

On the far side the path descends NNW into Glen Almond, crossing the Allt Aiteachan and becoming less distinct before reaching the River Almond. The bridge shown upstream on OS maps does not exist, but if the river cannot be crossed there is an unmarked bridge downstream. Now on the north bank, turn right (the route of the Rob Roy Way Amulree alternative has now been joined). There is no clear path at first but keep following the riverside and soon a rough grassy track, boggy in places, is picked up. Go through a gate and as the route heads downstream the track improves soon reaching a small dam.

Stage 7

Continue on the north side of the River Almond, the next gate may be locked and need to be climbed. 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 8

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 9

Cross the bridge and follow the track briefly until it levels off. Take a faint path up on the right, soon joining with the clearer path heading through Glen Lochan. The heather path passes a couple of lochans before the glen widens and the route passes south of Lochan Uaine. Stay on the higher ground on the south side of the burn until the faint path crosses the low ground before Lochan a' Mhuillin. The path follows the north side of the loch and can be very boggy - a landrover track higher to the north can be used as an alternative. The lower path eventually 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. At the buildings go through the gate and straight ahead to reach the road opposite the entrance to Glenquaich Lodge. There are no facilities here apart from the road.

Next stage: Loch Freuchie to Aberfeldy

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