The Deil's Cauldron & Melville Monument, Comrie

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Summary

The River Lednock cascades out from a rocky gorge in the atmospheric tree-clad amphitheatre known as the Deil's Cauldron. This excellent and varied circular walk from the attractive village of Comrie visits the Cauldron itself. It also includes the ascent to the Melville Monument, the obelisk atop Dun More - a wonderful viewpoint.

Grade (key)

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Rating

Terrain

Most of the route is on waymarked woodland paths. The very steep climb to the Melville Monument is on rougher and steeper paths but could be omitted.

Public Transport

Comrie is served by both local and long-distance buses.

Start

School Road car park, Comrie. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.5km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 270m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN772220

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

WARNING

The wooden boardwalks and steps at the Deil's Cauldron itself are currently inaccessible due to storm damage. The rest of the walk can still be completed - simply join the road when the path nears it at the end of Stage 2, and turn right to rejoin the route at the top of the steps above the Cauldron - the start of Stage 4.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

The walk begins from School Road car park at the west end of Comrie, between the two right-angled bends on the main road. The walk is mostly signposted from here as the Glen Lednock circular. Begin the route by leaving the car park and turning right along the road. When the main road turns sharp left, keep straight on, following the start of the minor road towards Glen Lednock. After another 100m where this road bends left there's a car park on the right - turn right here onto the signed footpath between two old stone gateposts. The path runs along the inside edge of beautiful beech woodland.

Stage 2

The path soon leads more into the woods and comes closer to the River Lednock. Further along a smaller path descends some gradual steps off to the right. This is the start of a short loop to see the Little Cauldron. Follow this path to visit the Cauldron, where the river cascades into a deep pool in a low rocky gorge; it is well fenced. The two paths oon rejoin. The path now climbs and at one point comes very 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 3

Soon the path becomes a wooden walkway fenced against the steep drop into the gorge. A flight of steps leads 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 into a wide pool. The verdant foilage adds to the gloomy atmosphere.

Stage 4

After admiring the Cauldron follow the wooden staircase that leads up to the road. There is a pathway alongside; turn right along this. After a short distance, before reaching a parking area, a signed path goes off to the left. This is the start of the ascent to the Melville Monument; this part of the walk involves a steep climb on a rougher path be omitted by simply continuing along the road, rejoining the route further on. To make the climb, turn up the path and head steeply through the felled area. As the slope eases slightly follow the path that bends left towards the prominent obelisk of the Melville monument. The path joins a better path coming in from the right (used for the descent) as it zig-zags up to reach the monument.

Stage 5

Just beyond the monument is a view indicator which helps identify the features in the grand panorama. To the south across Strath Earn are the Ochils whilst there is a glimpse of Loch Earn to the left, with Ben Vorlich and Stùc a'Chròin visible high above. Return down the zigzags to the path junction mentioned and follow this to the left.

Stage 6

The path leads on through the felled area, descending gently until it meets an old hill track known as the Maam Road. Turn right along the track, passing a wooden seat and with fine views ahead looking up Glen Lednock. The descent can be made via a series of wide zig-zags on the track, or by using a good path that shortcuts some of these but requires stepping over a fence to regain the road.

Stage 7

Turn right along the road until a signpost indicating a grassy track for 'Laggan Wood' to the left. If you omitted the climb to the monument, this is where you will rejoin the main route by turning right. Otherwise bear left from the road to follow the grassy trod down to a bench; keep right here to cross a wooden footbridge known as the Shaky Bridge (not actually so shaky since it was replaced in 2024). On the far side, take the path to the right running downstream.

Stage 8

The path now runs alongside the river heading over a stile and bridge and then up steps away from the river. When it reaches a wider grassy path turn right. Keep left when this forks to climb gently to a bench with a perfect outlook up the glen. Just beyond here go through a gate in the stone wall and continue uphill on the path with the monument visible across the valley. The path continues through regenerating woodland, it can be boggy underfoot in places.

Stage 9

Soon the route starts to descend through mature trees. At a waymarked junction take a path off to the right. Continue through the oakwoods; further on at another fork keep right to head downhill (the path ahead ends at a wooden bench with a view across Strathearn). When the path emerges on a bend in an all-abilities path keep straight ahead soon crossing a bridge. Follow the path as it curves down to reach a picnic bench at a weir and then keep following path downstream. Pass through a open grassy meadow before turning right over the footbridge. Now on the route of an old railway line; keep ahead on the path through fields behind the houses to return to the start.

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