KILLIN to ARDTALNAIG

Falls of Dochart

Start from the bridge over the River Dochart the Way takes to the South Loch Tay unclassified road (Cycle Route 7).
Within 1 mile / 1.6 km. near to Auchmore the Way is signposted off the road and through a gate on the right. The walkers is now on a single track road that climbs south east through forestry. A further 1 to 1.5 miles the climb levels off as the way come above the forestry line opening up wonderful views to Ben Lawers.

The Way is now close to a radio mast on the right were the road meets up with the alternative high level track from Glen Ogle. The combines route now follows the road heading east and continue on this road all the way to the left side of the dam wall at Loch Breaclaich. The metalled road now reverts to a rougher track round the north side of the Loch. This is now high above Loch Tay but looking back there are commanding views up Glen Dochart and Glen Lochay.

Views back into Glen Dochart

Loch Breaclaich looking Northwest

This is countryside that was traversed by the Macnab brothers on the Christmas raid on the Neish Clan in 1612. The track now ascends a little further to another mast before panoramic views open out South and South East over Glen Beich and towards Glen Lednock. The path then descends turning NE with new views into Loch Tay and the Ardeonaig area below. Remain on the track with Meall Odhar above on the left.

Soon you descend to run parallel to large water carrying pipes, the outfall from Loch Breaclaich. Follow the pipes along the first leg, but at the corner where the pipes bear to the right leave the track and head NE over the grass in the general direction of Ardeonaig below, passing to the right of the triangular tree plantation and keeping the rectangular tree plantation on the right. (ref the picture below)

Loch Tay from Meall Odhar

Loch Tay in distance, the pathway descending between the tree plantaions

This section has no clear path and it can be quite wet underfoot. As you descend towards the second tree plantation you will come upon stone foundations of what were a series of small shielings. Once below the shieling ruins head for the gate at the NW corner of the rectangular plantation, pass through the gate then follow the straight line of what may have been a drainage track down towards Braentran and Ardeonaig. At the mid point of this drainage track cross over to the right and continue walking parallel to the ditch.

Just be thankful that you were not one of the four Macnab brothers who came up this route carrying a boat in the darkness of a winter's night. This would be a rough and wet climb, perhaps stumbling over some of the outcrops, and without the later assistance of a well formed track.

At the end of the drainage channel the grass path reaches a gate and rough track that crosses the burn that has been running on the left since leaving the large waterpipes. By following the fence line on the left you can cross the Newton Burn by a wooden bridge then return to the rough farm track heading SE and passing through several gates.

Finglen Burn with Creag Uchdag in the distance

Ardeonaig Hotel and road junction

The buildings beside the track are frequently used by the farmer for sheep dipping and shearing (Grid Ref NN662 344). You may have to divert up the side of a dry stone dyke then down the line of a fence to avoid this part of the track when in farm use. Soon the track emerges onto a single track road descending into Ardeonaig.

Pass the Christian Outbound centre and some houses then with the Finglen Burn on the right arrive at the South Loch Tay road at the Ardeonaig Hotel.
Ardeonaig is a very small community with the Hotel at the centre. The Finglen Burn has attractive falls close to the bridge.

Loch Tay looking East from County Boundary

Ardtalnaig

Turn right on the road, cross the bridge and follow the road along the banks of the Tay to Ardtalnaig. This road is generally very quiet but be aware of cars and bicycles. The road climbs first towards the Stirlingshire, Perthshire boundary. There are commanding views both west and east along the Loch. The road now starts to descend into Ardtalnaig a small hamlet with only one or two houses, a telephone box and the end of this section of the walk.

There is now a choice of route.
To continue directly to Aberfeldy click here. (79 mile route option)
To continue via Amulree to Aberfeldy click here. (92 mile route option) .