Summary
This varied walk begins in Pitlochry town centre, passing Athol Distillery then through woodland to visit the fine Black Spout waterfall before continuing up to Edradour Distillery (not currently open to public). There are good views of the surrounding hills before the route returns to Pitlochry through the trees.
Terrain
Good woodland paths and minor roads; most junctions are waymarked.
Getting there
Start
Atholl Road car park in Pitlochry.
Public Transport
Buses and trains to Pitlochry.
Start Grid Ref
NN941580
Stage 1
The walk starts from Atholl Road car park in Pitlochry (parking charge). Alternatively you can park at Black Spout Woods in stage 2 and begin there. If walking from the town centre, follow the main road east towards Dunkeld, soon crossing the road to pass under the railway line using the underpass (signed Edradour Walk). After crossing back you pass the Blair Athol distillery, home of Bells Whisky.
Stage 2
After passing a row of bungalows turn left uphill signed for Black Spout Wood, passing under the railway again. Soon pass the car park off on the right, continue up the track ahead here, climbing gently through the woodland, the Atholl Palace Hotel golf putting course on your left. At a signed junction turn right, then keep straight on at another junction. At the next junction turn right (sign for Black Spout). The path soon reaches the Black Spout viewing platform. The waterfall is over sixty metres high and is particularly impressive after heavy rainfall.
Stage 3
Keep following the footpath, soon reaching another junction - turn right, signed 'Path to Edradour'. The path climbs uphill; keep right at a fork to head up towards the right end of a stone wall. At the edge of the wood; keep straight on between the drystone dyke and a fence, following the edge of farm fields (signed Edradour). Good views of Ben Vrackie can be seen to the left. As the walk approaches Edradour it passes a cottage and distillery buildings to your right before emerging on the road just to the left of the pretty distillery (not currently open to the public). Here turn left on the road and climb out of the hamlet and follow the road for a short distance until you reach a farm gate on your left just before a set of ornamental stone gate posts. Here follow the waymarked path beside the road, soon turning left to follow the fenced path between fields.
Stage 4
The path meets another grassy path, turn left downhill, again signed for Pitlochry. The path soon heads through an old gateway into Black Spout Woods, before reaching a cross-paths - go straight again (signed Pitlochry). Ignore a path off right, then leave the track at the next bend to follow a path on the right (white waymarker on yellow background). The path winds down through the trees until it reaches a t-junction; turn right here (signed Pitlochry), and follow the path down to cross a wooden bridge. On the far side turn left, and ignore the first path that forks uphill to the right to the Atholl Palace Hotel.
Stage 5
Instead take the second path (waymarker arrow) to fork right heading uphill. This emerges at a road, turn left and descend to the A924 passing the entrance to the Atholl Palace Hotel. Turn right to follow the main road back to the centre of Pitlochry.
Route Profile
