This short circular walk around the village of Kinloch Rannoch takes in the shores of the loch, the riverside and some fine broad-leaved woodland.
Good paths throughout.
Bus to Kinloch Rannoch.
Kinloch Rannoch.
Park in the attractive square at the centre of the village of Kinloch Rannoch. Begin the walk by walking along the road in the direction of Pitlochry.
Just after Allt Mor Crescent goes off on the right, take the track on the left, signed for Craig Varr. The track leads through a gate to reach an attractive waterfall cascading down a rocky slab. An information board has a map of the paths around the village.
Continue to reach a junction with the modern Allt Mhòr hydro building on your left. The track heading off up the hill is part of the steep ascent of Craig Varr; instead turn left following the path past the modern hydro building, signed for Loch Rannoch. This runs just above the level of the fields behind Kinloch Rannoch village. Further on an old stone well is passed; the path, which is boggy in a couple of places, keeps beside an old drystone dyke before emerging at the tarmac road by some houses. Turn left along a path that runs along the near side of the road, and follow it round the shore of Loch Rannoch.
The path joins the road as it leads back through the outskirts of the village - head towards the village. Just after the first cottage on the right, turn right onto a track, immediately taking the left track through a gate. Fork left again by the electricity substation onto a surfaced path. It leads down to the sluice gates at the foot of Loch Rannoch. Part of the Tummel hydro-power scheme, the powerful flow of the river is controlled and can lead to rapid changes in the water level so keep away from the banks. The great conical peak of Schiehallion is prominent. Follow the path downstream through the woods, passing under the stone road bridge.
On the far side of the road bridge is a junction. The village centre and start of the walk are just off to the left here, but our walk continues by the river. Eventually it curves left and reaches a footbridge on the right over a feeder stream. Turn right to cross this, passing to the right of a small housing estate. When the tarmac path curves left, leave it by forking right onto a path through the woods.
This soon runs alongside the river; continue on the path to a parking area and pass through this. Just past the parking area the path ends and emerges on the road. Cross the road and go through the gate opposite, signed for the Hillside path.
Very soon turn very sharp left onto a path rising through the edge of the woods. This delightful route leads back towards the village through the magnificent trees. Go through a gate and finally fork left onto a path that leads back down to Kinloch Rannoch, emerging on the road by the outdoor centre. Turn right along the road to return to the start.
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