Loch of Lowes circuit, Dunkeld

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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 woodland and countryside, return via Dunkeld high street and a very short section of busy road.

Public Transport

Bus and train to Dunkeld.

Start

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

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.8km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 85m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO023437

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Cally car park which is 1km from Dunkeld. To get there follow the main road north from the village, turn 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 towards the entrance lane but rather than turning right back towards the road, head straight across, going past a gate to follow a track through the forest. After about 400m take two right turns in very quick succession (arrow waymarker and also sign for Drumbuie Woodlands) onto a path heading down through the trees. When this track comes fairly close to the road, fork left (waymarked) onto a path which runs above the road through beechwoods before reaching a road.

Stage 2

Cross the road and turn right onto a on the far side. After the boardwalk turn left up the tarmac lane towards the golf course keeping straight on to reach the car park. The route leaves from the far right of the carpark signed for 'Loch of Lowes'. Bear left to cross the grass to a kissing gate and follow the grassy lane to a wooden kissing gate. Pass through this and continue straight ahead on a track. Pass a cottage, and follow the, sometimes muddy, track as it swings left and reaches a junction with another path.

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. Bear slightly left to head gently downhill 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 straight ahead uphill to continue on an ancient path signed for 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. Follow this past a community garden and houses. Eventually it heads steeply downhill with good views over Dunkeld to the cathedral. At the bottom 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 sawmill) but take the second left beside an attractive cottage, signed for the Cally car park, to return to the start.

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