Loch Tay from Killin

Summary

This stunningly beautiful short walk offers great views over Loch Tay and the Rivers Lochay and Dochart. The walk is level and easy to follow, but prone to flooding and boggy sections. The final rougher and boggier loop is optional and should be omitted unless there has been a dry spell.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Old railway line, paths on fairly level ground - some sections prone to being boggy or flooded. After wet weather parts of the walk may be impassable. Livestock are also often present.

Getting there

Start

North-east car park with toilets beyond Coop, Killin.

Public Transport

Buses to Killin.

Start Grid Ref

NN574332

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.3km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.25 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 10m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

Start the walk from the car park at the north east side of Killin. To reach it follow the road signed for parking and toilets from opposite Killin Outdoor Centre, passing St Fillans Church on the way and the Coop. From the car park get access the old railway line by heading through a gate by the toilets. Turn left and follow this muddy track, crossing the River Lochay on the old railway bridge.

Stage 2

On the far side of the bridge turn right - signed for Loch Tay - and follow a path that leads downstream beside the River Lochay. Kayaking and fishing are popular pastimes on this section of the river. Keep following the wide river; there are wooden boardwalks in one or two places; the going can be very wet if water levels are high. Pass through a small metal gate and continue by the river.

Stage 3

Eventually the outflow into Loch Tay is reached; there is a small beach here. Turn left along continue by the shores of the loch, through some fine woodland. There are great views to the Tarmachan Ridge ahead.

Stage 4

Continue through some beautiful woodland, with stunning views out over the loch. Eventually a gate is reached - turn left here to walk along the old railway line, which runs parallel to a minor road at first before eventually curving away from it.

Stage 5

Soon the railway curves left and heads back towards the bridge over the River Lochay you crossed earlier. Head back over it. The next section of the walk is can be boggy indeed underfoot - if there hasn't been a dry spell, it is best to omit it by simply continuing ahead on the railway until you return to the toilets at the start.

Stage 6

To include the optional loop, turn left down the bank immediately after the bridge, dodging the low growing branches. Continue parallel to the river, passing through a small metal gate at one point; the field is prone to flooding. Follow the river bank until some distance before the trees and shrubs block the way; from here there are views out across the loch towards Beinn Ghlas in the Lawers range. Turn right here to cut across the field avoiding the worst bock nearer the thicket, soon reaching the banks of the River Dochart.

Stage 7

Turn right to follow the banks of the Dochart upstream. Eventually pass through a farm gate into another field, and when you approach the old railway follow a path up the steep bank to regain it. Turn right here and follow the track until it emerges in a small housing estate. Turn right and look for the old railway continuing after a turning space. Follow this back to the car park and the start of the walk.

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