AMULREE to ABERFELDY

This section along with the section from Ardtalnaig to Amulree can be replaced with an alternative and shorter one day route. To choose this option click here. This alternative is fully detailed in the Rucksack Readers publication.

For a detailed map of this and the previous day click here. This is a larger file so allow a time for it to download if you are on a slow connection.

Amulree Church

Starting at the North end of Amulree where the A822 crosses the River Braan take the road to the left heading west along the north bank of the Braan. This is a non classified road passing Lochan Lodge, Wester Kinloch then going round the north side of Loch Freuchie to Turrerich Farm.

The track along the east side of Loch Freuchie initially offers great views of Glen Lochan, the valley through which the Way passes in the previous section.
The route passes though forest and the open land where there are the ruins of several old communities. When the Breadalbane's were clearing the inhabitants of Loch Tay to make way for new farming techniques many inhabitants first came to settle in Glen Quaich. For more details access the interest section.

View across Loch Freuchie to Glen Lochan

View across Loch Freuchie to Glen Lochan

Turn to the left and cross the bridge over the River Quaich. At the metal road turn right and NW. Follow the road to the next habitation at Auchnacloich, turning right across the River Quaich to Wester Shian then left along a track to Tirchardie and finally rejoin the road just above the bridge at Garrow.

Now start the ascent up the road leaving the River Quaich on the left and climbing toward the rise below Meall a' Choire Chreagaich. At one point the road does a zig zag and this offers views back down Glen Quaich and over Loch Freuchie.

Looking back towards Loch Freuchie

Walkers with Schiehallion in the distance

Ahead over the moorland and the Tay valley lie the mountains of Ben Lawers to the west, Schiehallion to the north and Farragon Hill to the right. Continue on a gradual descent until you reach a small loch on the right of the road, take the track to the right just before the loch and walk round the south and east side before the path takes off in an easterly direction.

This path curves to the right then left round a small rise. At this point the path starts to descend and ahead in a NE direction lies the Urlar Burn and the valley down to Aberfeldy. Continue on this path past the bothy on the side of the Urlar Burn.

Lochan at start of track towards Urlar

Pathway descending close to the Urlar Burn on the right

Shortly after passing under the pylons you come to a farm at Urlar. At the high gates the landowner has installed a new pathway avoiding the need for the walker to pass through the farm buildings. Pass through the kissing gate to the right of the high gates and follow the wood chipped path round a horse exercising field and farmhouse garden until ending at a second kissing gate on the farm road. Continuing NE and down towards the Falls of Moness.

As you enter the wooded area at the head of the Falls there is a path to the right into the Falls and the Birks of Aberfeldy.

There is a choice of either the west or east bank, we suggest the east as the one with the more interesting and varied path, although it is the more demanding being narrow and irregular. This Eastern path takes you past the Burns' Seat then at the foot it again crosses the Urlar burn before descending through parking areas onto the Aberfeldy to Crieff road.

Falls of Moness in the Birks of Aberfeldy

Aberfeldy Square with the Breadelbane Fountain

Proceed down the road but quickly turn in to the right to enjoy the final part of the Birks, this route ending up on the Main Street of Aberfeldy.
This pleasant Perthshire town has a host of attractions from the Dewar's Distillery to a Water Powered Mill. There is also plenty of provision for refreshments and overnight accommodation.

To access the following section click here.