Craigower circuit, Pitlochry

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Summary

If climbing Ben Vrackie seems a little too daunting, little Craigower provides the perfect short hill ascent near Pitlochry. Owned by the National Trust of Scotland, the wooded summit offers great views both down the strath and up Loch Tummel.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good paths and tracks, waymarked; steep ascent at times.

Public Transport

None to start but the walk can be reached from Pitlochry by walking up Larchwood Road to reach the start.

Start

Craigower parking area, Balnacraig. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.2km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 240m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN936953

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

There is a small parking area for Craigower on the left just before the farm buildings at Balnacraig; it is signed Pitlochry. Begin the walk by following the track (the continuation of the road) past the buildings to reach the golf course. A cross paths with a signpost is reached almost immediately - bear right here and watch out for golf balls as you follow the path towards the fourth tee, where there are excellent views back over Pitlochry. Just before a gate at the edge of the golf course turn left on a path along the top edge of the course.

Stage 2

The path soon swings right and then left beside a wall, before heading into the woods and gently climbing. When the path reaches a track, turn left and then almost immediately right onto the path signed for Craigower summit. The path now climbs very steeply through the larch plantations. Higher up a small post indicates the start of the land owned by the National Trust for Scotland; the woods are more open and attractive.

Stage 3

Eventually the path bends left to head up some wooden steps to reach the flat top of Craigower. A path junction is reached; the route heads right, but first it is well worth diverting first to the left to reach a seat with a fine view down the strath over Pitlochry. Return to the path junction and continue to quickly a view indicator with a fine outlook to Loch Tummel with Schiehallion rising to its left.

Stage 4

After enjoying the views take the path that initially descends in the direction of the loch - though it soon curves to the right and climbs again. Eventually the path goes up a couple of steps to meet a forest track. Turn right along this track, passing beside a communications mast. The track soon begins to wind downhill.

Stage 5

Further down the track reaches the junction where you crossed it earlier. Turn left here to follow the outward path back down through the woods and along the top of the golf course, retracing your steps right back to the start.

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