Loch of Lowes circuit, Dunkeld

Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation

Summary

This walk explores the rolling countryside on the north side of Dunkeld. It can be started in Dunkeld itself, but we describe it here from the Cally Woods car park where parking is free. The walk gives the chance to visit the Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve at the Loch of Lowes, with its hides (admission charge) overlooking the famed osprey eyrie.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Paths and country lanes through pastoral countryside. One very short section of busy road.

Public Transport

Dunkeld is well served by both buses and trains.

Start

Cally car park, near Dunkeld. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 85m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO023437

Mapping and GPS

Install our App FREE
Download our route descriptions and use offline with GPS mapping

Want to sponsor this route?

Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Cally Car park which is one kilometre from Dunkeld. Follow the main road north from the village, turning right at the t junction onto the A923 Blairgowrie road. The lane leading to the car park is the second left from this road. The route is signposted from the car park for 'Loch of the Lowes'. Begin by heading back to the lane but rather than turning right back towards the road, head straight across, following a track through the forest. After about 400m metres take two right turns in succession (waymarked) onto grassier track heading into the trees. When this track comes closer to the road, fork left (waymarked) following a path through the fine beechwoods to reach the road further on.

Stage 2

With care, cross the busy road and follow the path on the far side that heads back down it to the right. After the footbridge turn left up the tarmac lane towards the golf clubhouse; keep along this lane to reach the golf club car park. The route on from here leaves from the lane at the far end of the car park and is marked for 'Loch of Lowes'. Cross the grassy field to a kissing gate and then follow the grassy lane to a wooden gate. Pass through this and continue straight ahead up the pleasantly wooded track. This passes a cottage, swings left and finally joins another lovely old track at a higher level.

Stage 3

The walk eventually returns to this point and heads to the right, but before doing this it is well worth detouring to visit the Loch of Lowes itself. Continue ahead along the lane, with great views over the golf course to the left. The lane eventually descends to reach a minor road close to the shores of the loch. Cross the road and join the path on the far side, which runs through the trees alongside the road, with glimpses out over the water.

Stage 4

After a short distance the parking area for the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve is reached. There is an entry fee to visit the hides and information centre; well worth it for the chance to see the birdlife of the loch. Ospreys nest here and can usually be seen between April to August, both using the provided telescopes and on the CCTV. Return from the reserve back to the track mentioned earlier.

Stage 5

This time keep left to continue along the lovely old path towards Dunkeld. Keep straight on when another track is joined coming in from the left. The woods are full of bluebells in early summer. Eventually another track joins from the left, keep right onto this, again turning right at the minor road. The road now leads downhill, giving good views over Dunkeld to the cathedral as the little town is reached. In Dunkeld, turn right along the main street.

Stage 6

Now simply follow the road north through and out of Dunkeld. Soon the ornate gateway for the Dunkeld House hotel is passed; keep ahead to reach the t-junction on the main road. Turn right along the road towards Blairgowrie. Ignore the first turning on the left (which leads into a small industrial estate) but take the second left beside an attractive cottage. The lane is signed for the Cally car park which is soon reached a short distance further on.

Route Profile

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support Walkhighlands?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.