Loch Freuchie to Aberfeldy

Summary

The second part of the long stretch of the Scottish National Trail between Comrie and Aberfeldy is more straightforward than the first, following minor roads and tracks up Glen Quoich before a moorland track leads across the hills above the Urlar Burn. The highlight is the final descent of the excellent path through the gorge below the Moness Falls - the celebrated Birks of Aberfeldy.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor roads and tracks, with a good path for the final descent.

Getting there

Start

Minor road above Loch Freuchie.

Public Transport

No public transport to the start; bus links to Aberfeldy.

Start Grid Ref

NN863369

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Services

There is a bed and breakfast at Amulree at the start of the stage. Aberfeldy at the end is a small town with all facilities.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 20km / 12.5 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 296m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Head northwest along minor road up Glen Quaich, there are good views over Loch Freuchie. When the buildings at Auchnacloich are reaching turn right onto the smaller road (signed Shian Schoolhouse) and cross the metal bridge, on a branch of the Rob Roy Way which this stage follows all the way to Aberfeldy. Where the road bends right towards the cemetery at a lone tree, keep straight ahead on a rougher track (signed Footpath to Garrows).

Stage 2

Fork left to pass in front of the houses at Wester Shian and keep following the undulating track as it heads up the glen, at one point crossing a burn on stepping stones. Keep straight ahead on the main track at the entrance to Tirchardie and eventually the road is reached at the lovely stone bridge at Garrow. Brace yourself for the steep climb ahead and look out for speeding cyclists enjoying the freewheel as you turn right to climb up the road. After the high point (529m) the road crosses open moorland and starts to descend towards a small reservoir and hut on the right hand side.

Stage 3

Turn right at the gate and stile just before the reservoir onto a broad track. On a clear day there are great views across the reservoir to Schiehallion as well as the Ben Lawers group. The track takes a winding route across the moors - stay on the main route at any junctions, eventually passing through a fenced area and continuing beside the Urlar burn.

Stage 4

After fording a small burn the route passes a small hut used by shooting parties. Continue ahead, passing through a couple of gates before eventually meeting another track at a T junction near to Urlar farm. Go almost straight ahead here (slightly left and immediately right through a pedestrian gate) onto a footpath along the edge of a field.

Stage 5

At the field corner go through a gate and then left alongside the fence to emerge on a minor road just east of Urlar - this signed detour is to avoid the farmyard. Turn right along the tarmac, lined with daffodils in the spring. After just under a kilometre turn right on a good path into the trees - there is a white marker post but no sign. The path soon zig-zags down to reach a junction by a footbridge over the Moness burn. Cross the bridge - looking left for a dramatic view down the Moness Falls directly below.

Stage 6

The final descent to Aberfeldy is down the very scenic path through the wooded gorge of the Birks of Aberfeldy. An excellent viewpoint is passed for looking back at the Falls of Moness, before a series of steps and zig-zags lead down eventually to continue beside the burn. When the A826 road is reached turn left to follow this into the town, finally turning right along the main street to reach the centre and all facilities.

Next stage: Aberfeldy to Pitlochry

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