The Rob Roy Way, Routes of the Rob Roy Way, Walking Directions.

 


 















 

 

 

The Rob Roy Way is named after the villain Rob Roy McGregor, a man forced into thievery who also looked after the poor. You have seen the film, perhaps read a book about him now you can walk through the countryside of his birth, life and death.

The Rob Roy Way is a relatively new path and is not way-marked so you do have to have the ability to read a map and of course to follow directions. The path starts at Drymen and is about 79 miles long, passing through much of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park on the east side then the north eastern village of Killin where it leaves the park and passes through the equally breath taking scenery of Loch Tay and eventually ends at the Town of Pitlochery on the Southern edge of the Cairngorm National Park. Unlike the longer West Highland Way this route is on the whole much easier and therefore perfect for those who love walking through wild scenic countryside but who also like to end each day in civilised surroundings. 

Rob Roy Macgregor was born to Margaret Campbell and Donald Macgregor at Glengyle at the head of Loch Katrine (Loch Katrine is close to Brig o'Turk).  He was baptized on the 7th of March 1671. Although Rob Roy was not Clan Chieftain to the Macgregors he did become War Leader.

The name Rob Roy actually is an Anglicized name from the Gaelic for Red Robert a name given to him because of the colour of his hair. There are many stories of Rob Roy's exploits which are recounted at numerous locations around the East of the National Park. His grave can be visited at Balquhidder Kirk yard.

Rob Roy is often portrayed as a tremendous protagonist, a naive man whose belief in honour and whose love for a woman, family, and clan make him a figure to cheer for. Whatever he was, there is no doubt that he was a villain who had the reputation of helping those who were less fortunate than himself, thus the legends began.

  

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Rob Roy Way - Route Summary (You must use an official route map or get lost)
Drymen to Aberfoyle - apprx. 10 miles
Take the little used  B road north from the village square towards the village of Gartmore. This is a gentle climb on a good surface on the Southern Fringes of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The directions on the official guide are easy to follow, however there is a bit of tree felling and you may be detoured in and around Clashmore. Take care at the Clashmore junction to follow your directions as there are quite a few tracks to choose from. Aberfoyle village has all facilities you might need if this is your first overnight stop. There is a reasonably well stocked Cooperative, pubs, hotels post office, bank, restaurants and many B&B's. It is usually necessary to pre-book in the high season, why not use our B&B links to book now. If you do spend time in Aberfoyle and like wildlife then you must visit the David Marshall Lodge. There are a pair of Ospreys which nest locally and you can view there nest via a video link. Both Female and her partner arrived back safely after a 3000 mile flight in mid April this year.
Aberfoyle to Callander apprx.  9 miles
 The route leaves the centre of Aberfoyle by way of the Doonan Outdoor Centre (beside Aberfoyle Health Centre and up into the forest. (The road goes between the Outdoor Centre Buildings). Turning Right onto the forest track proper and continues along by the edge of the golf course. Follow your directions carefully after the Golf course as there are numerous new paths in this area. Eventually the track takes you to ford and a single track trough the Menteith hills towards Loch Venechar and Callander The views of Ben Ledi and other hills are quite stunning as you come of the higher ground to the shores of Loch Venechar.   Callander is a small town but with many hotels, restaurants and all main facilities.
Callander to Strathyre apprx.  9 miles
This part of the route is the easiest walking as it is along the old railway line and as such is flat. The track takes you near the Falls of Leni which are worth seeing if in full flood and then on along the south shore of Loch Lubnaig. The main road in this are goes along the opposite shore and so unlike some old railway line paths this one is peaceful. Follow directions to the Munro Hotel in Strathyre village. This is a small village with a shop and a couple of hotels and some B&B establishments.
Strathyre to Killin apprx. 12 miles
The route out of Strathyre is a little convoluted however it leads up to the forest line and onto a beautiful forest track with vith views over Balquhidder glen and Loch Voil with the majestic peaks of  Ben More and Stob Binnein (pronounced Stobinian) in the north west. The path takes you to Kingshouse Hotel where you then head for Balquhidder and following the directions you come back to the railway line which starts to climb up Glen Ogle, however before this if you are walking for historical reasons then you should detour to Balquhidder Church and see Rob Roy's grave. At the top of Glen Ogle which is often a misty wet place there is a resting place by way of Ron and Sheila's snack bar. We mention this as it is probably one of the finest mobile eating places in Scotland. Your tea is in a china mug and refills are free, vegetarian hot fillings are cooked in separate grills and the crack (chat) is good.  Just after the picnic area the main Rob Roy route takes the left hand track ie the high route and goes directly to Ardtalnaig but we would recommend Killin as a worthwhile loop for its general character and facilities. The track now continues down the north side of Glen Ogle to Killin a large village which is dominated by the Falls of Dochart. The falls in dry periods are interesting with lovely rock pools, but when the river is in spate the falls are awesome.
Killin to Ardtalnaig apprx. 12 miles
When leaving Killin you have a climb up to nearly 2000ft with views to the North across Loch Tay of Ben Lawers (nearly 4000ft) and to the west of that colossus, Tarmagan Ridge. The track then leads down to Ardtalnaig. For those who want a less strenuous route, from Killin you could leave the Rob Roy Way and take the South Loch Tay B road which still has beautiful views but does not have the strenuous climb. However this is a public if quiet road and you must be aware of what traffic there is as there is no path at the edge of the road.  As there is limited accommodation around Ardtalnaig it may be necessary to organise a lift to Kenmore and back again in the morning or alternatively make this a long day (20 miles total) and walk to Kenmore (see map)

 Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy apprx. 15 miles
 Take the South Loch Tay road to the east (remember , watch for traffic, as this is a quiet road don't be taken by surprise when a car does pass by) to Kenmore the route then takes to fields and birch forest to Aberfeldy. The official guides give a long alternative into the hills in this area but as this is over 12 miles more  it would take an extra day for most people. Aberfeldy is a small town on the banks of the Tay and for those wanting to do something other than walking there is Canyoning at Kenmore and white water rafting on the river Tay. The author of this has done both and would recommend this to anyone who loves getting wet while being scared out of your wits. Aberfeldy has all facilities you would expect in a tourist town.
Aberfeldy to Pitlochray apprx. 11 miles
Leaving Aberfeldy across the most excellent Tay bridge (built for General Wade around 1717) the route now goes North toward Tummel Bridge (another wonderful bridge) and then Pitlochray. The scenery here you will note has been subtly changing and there is more of a mid highland feel to this part of the route. The elevation of this part of the route reaches to around 1100 ft. Pitlochray is a large town with all facilities and although not in the official Cairngorm National Park, it is for all intents and purposes the main gateway to the park from the south and well worth visiting.