Walks Pitlochry & Aberfeldy

Author: Felicity Martin

Rewalked by: Richard Hallewell & Becky Coope

This book covers north-west Perthshire, an area whose main features are the three pronounced valleys which fan out from Ballinluig and the old resort town of Pitlochry; the River Garry (shadowed by the A9) running north-west to Blair Atholl and Briar; the Tummel heading due west, through Lochs Tummel and Rannoch, to Rannoch Station and the wide, empty expanse of Rannoch Moor; and the Tay, leading past Aberfeldy to Kenmore and Loch Tay.  Between these valleys are expanses of moorland and high hills, including popular Munros such as Schiehallion, Ben Lawers and Càrn Liath (all of which are in this guide).

The walking is terrific and varied.  In addition to the high hills, there are long, lineal paths across Rannoch Moor to Glen Coe and Corrour; hill crossings; woodland walks.  A particular feature of the area is the number of splendid wooded den/glen paths: The Pass of Killiecrankie, Falls of Bruar, Falls of Acharn, the Birks of Aberfeldy and others.  There are fine networks of paths around Pitlochry and Blair Atholl – including the paths up Ben Vrackie, around Loch Faskally and overlooking the splendid Blair Castle – so it is possible to stay in the area for a few nights and get plenty of varied walking without having to travel far.

The rewalk was done over two trips, and was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.  No new routes were added this time around (with the exception of the short loop path from the Schiehallion car park), but a great many minor changes were required – new signs, gates, car parks, etc – and the routes will be significantly easier to follow in the new edition.

For more details or to buy a copy, click here.

Photograph: Rannoch Moor