This short but steep hillwalk from Killin reveals a truly classic view down the length of Loch Tay. The climb from the village may be strenuous, but it leads through lovely oak woods and then along an enjoyable ridge with great views throughout.
Clear path which is very steep at times, climbing 400m.
Buses to Killin.
McLaren Hall car park, Killin.
Start this walk from the McLaren Hall north of Killin village centre where there is parking. Go through the gate to the right of the hall into Breadalbane Park, and then follow the surfaced path left, keeping the playground on your left. Don't head out the other gate to the road, instead turning right to head to the west corner of the park, where a gate gives access to the hill path. Before taking it you can detour left along the main path to visit Fingal's Stone, supposedly the burial place of the mythical celtic giant, who also gave his name to the cave on Staffa and the causeway in Northern Ireland. According to legend Fingal was murdered by a love rival in Loch Tay and his head cut off. His followers buried him in Killin, marking the grave with this stone.
Return to the gate to begin the ascent on the rougher hill path, heading up through another gate and on up towards the oak woodland. When you reach the woods cross the stile and follow the path as it goes very steeply uphill through the trees. It then turns left along the ridge line, soon emerging onto open moorland.
This is a sheep grazing area and dog owners are asked to keep their dogs on leads during lambing season (mid April to mid June). Keep following the grassy path as it climbs steeply. The gradient eases briefly before a steeper climb in a series of tiers - you can either follow the stepped path direct, or an alternative path that keeps just to the right of the ridge before regaining the crest higher up.
The two routes rejoin before a steep climb up the line of crags known as Sròn a'Chlachain, reaching a cairn at the top of the crag. There are truly stunning views looking back down over Killin and Loch Tay.
Many people make this cairn the end point of their walk, but you can continue to the top of Creag Bhuidhe on a slightly damper path. It is flat for a while before climbing alongside the remains of an old stone dyke to reach the broad summit marked by two cairns. The true summit is the largest cairn on the right, at 510 metres; it gives an excellent view up Glen Lochay. The other cairn has a view of Glen Dochart.
The descent is by the same route, the aerial, toy town view of Killin getting bigger all the time.
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