The first 4.7 miles (7.5 km) of road-walking reaches Acharn, where walkers turn right uphill to reach the Falls with Hermit's Cave. Afterwards the Way continues north-east along the Queen's Drive, enjoyed by Queen Victoria, with fine views over Loch Tay and Schiehallion to the north.
The Way continues on forest tracks and grassy paths, parallel to the River Tay but well above it. At Dunskiag, turn right uphill for a mile (here joined by the Glen Quaich route) to enter the Birks o' Aberfeldy. This wooded gorge features fine waterfalls and birch trees (birks) made famous by Robert Burns' song of 1787.
The Way descends its east side, crosses the A826 and passes through the Lower Birks Park into the centre of Aberfeldy.
How to use this page
To zoom in (or out) on the route map, use the + (or -) at lower left. For full screen, click the four-cornered icon at upper right (opens in a new window). For a summary of distance, terrain, food & drink and points of interest, scroll to foot of page.
The 2026 guidebook
The official guidebook is produced by Rucksack Readers for walkers and cyclists. It offers detailed directions, mapping on 18 pages and 120 colour photos. This 5th edition (2026) celebrates for 25th anniversary of this route and makes the ideal companion. There is also a pocket-friendly map booklet (weight 45 grams) with mapping at 1:40,000.
Distance
14.6 miles (23.5 km)
Terrain
Tarmac at first, then rough paths and farm tracks, followed by descent through wooded gorge with timber steps
Maximum altitude: 350 m (1150 ft)
Food & drink
None between Ardtalnaig and Aberfeldy unless you detour into Kenmore
Points of interest
Falls of Acharn, Queen's Drive, Birks o' Aberfeldy
