ARDTALNAIG to ABERFELDY

At Ardtalnaig there are two options on how to reach Aberfeldy. This single day route option effectively replaces two days going by Amulree. The overall route is 79 miles compared to the longer option of 92 miles.
To access the longer route via Amulree click here.

From Ardtalnaig take the road towards Aberfeldy. Enjoy the views to the loch as you proceed north east. After a forest on the right and a few small properties the road reaches Acharn.

Immediately on entering this community turn right up a track marked for the Falls of Acharn. The Falls will be on the left as you climb steeply from the loch side.

For a view of the Falls enter the Hermit's Cave. There are further interesting views of the Falls on leaving the Cave and crossing over the wooden bridge. Then head to the top before arriving in open countryside.

Falls of Acharn, in late May and by placing the mouse over a view a month early.

Ben Lawers from the Queen's Drive

The Way now follows the Queen's Drive, name so after Queen Victoria who was inspired by the views from this pathway. The Queen's Drive generally follows a parallel line to the lochside road some 250 metres below.

This photo and the following two are all taken from the same point on the Queen's Drive.

The views to the north start with the now familiar Ben Lawers in the west, then Meall Garbh and Meall Greigh. Further behind is the destinctive Schiehallion, on this late April day still covered in snow.

Then turning to the east the attractive lockside village of Kenmore is to be seen at the end of the loch with the lower range of hills between the Tay and Loch Tummel in the background.

White peak of Schiehallion from the Queen's Drive

Kenmore from the Queen's Drive

Heading east the path crosses from the Remony Estate to the Bolfracks Estate. There is a lot of forestry development to be seen and an information board to tell you about the work. Be ready to climb over a series of high stiles as elements of the forest path are divided by deer fences.

This attractive high level path now merges onto the single track road from Kenmore to Amulree. The Way turns right up the road for about quarter of a mile before reaching the very attractive stone cottage at Tombuie. At the gate the route again takes to the north east along an estate track, this shortly turns into a new forestry road running to the south of a divide walk and trees. All along this section there are attractive views into the Tay River valley, with Taymouth Castle very dominant in the landscape below.

Tombuie Cottage

Typical high stile crossing deer fences

With Taymouth Castle behind and having passed through the forest below Bolfrack Hill the next significant building in the Tay valley is Castle Menzies. This is to the west of the village of Ween.

Also becoming visible is the town of Aberfeldy, the view from here is of the River with the Wade Bridge and behind the much more modern golf course bridge.

The picture shows a typical style over the many deer fences that exist on this section. If you are walking with a dog be aware that only by carrying the dog over the styles will you be able to take a dog with you.

The route continues to descend gradually then hits a surfaced track that leads to a derelict farm. Just prior to the buildings turn to the right up a grass track, gaining height as the path heads south east to the Urlar Road. At the Urlar Road, turn right for a matter of a few yards before turning left into the Birks of Aberfeldy.

This is the point where the two route options rejoin, they now follow the common route round the Falls of Moness and down the Birks to the centre of Aberfeldy.

Forest path below Bolfracks Hill

Carpark at the Birk of Aberfeldy

The Birks of Aberfeldy is full of natural history and interest. It also has the Burns' Seat overlooking the gorge with the Urlar Burn flowing below.

Towards the bottom of the steep path there is a wooden bridge across the burn taking you to the car park and picnic area. There is now only a few minutes walk before this section is complete and you arrive in the centre of Aberfeldy.

To access the next stage of the route from Aberfeldy to Pitlochry click here.