The Rob Roy Way is a route following the Southern Highlands along beautiful countryside and historic villages in and around the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This 7 day walk starts from the village of Drymen and passes Aberfoyle, Callander, Strathyre, Killin and some other villages until it reaches Pitlochry after about 92 miles (148 km) depending on what route options you take.
The route leads you through the Rob Roy Country which has lovely lochs, glens and woodlands. The paths go along Loch Ard Forest, Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig , Loch Earn and Loch Tay. If you enjoy hillwalking you can combine this route with walks to Ben Ledi or Ben Lawers which are near the Rob Roy Way. A stop at Balquhidder nearby Bonny Strathyre is a must even though it is not on the official route. This is where the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy lived and is buried.
The Rob Roy Way leads you through the heart of the Trossachs where the popular figure, Rob Roy MacGregor was born and lived.
Peculiarly, the route does not pass Glengyle where Rob Roy was born, visit any of the Caves that he allegedly hid inside from The Redcoats, or visit Balquhidder where he is buried and the resting place is a popular destination for visitors?
The walk is easier than the West Highland Way and not promoted as much as some other long distance routes in Scotland. Therefore you can be sure that it will give you some peace and tranquility on some sections and accommodation should be easier to book and find.
Some paths are not well signposted highlighting the route of Rob Roy Way. Therefore it is good to use GPS and download a map with the route on it. Alternatively, you can buy Rob Roy Way Maps and Guides with lots of helpful information.
Some sections of the Rob Roy Way described below can be changed depending on how much you want to walk in one day.
Drymen to Aberfoyle
The first section from Drymen to Aberfoyle allows you to walk the West Highland Way for a short distance or alternatively choose a minor road to the north of Drymen. You will walk along the Muir Park Reservoir and later through the Loch Ard Forest. At the end of this section you arrive in Aberfoyle where you can see the ruins of Kirkton Church and the graveyard of Reverend Kirk. Some highlights of Aberfoyle are the Scottish Wool Centre, The Lodge Forest Centre and the zip line adventure from Go Ape.
Aberfoyle to Callander
Starting at the Tourist Information Centre in Aberfoyle, the route leads through forest, along the Aberfoyle Golf Course and the Menteith Hills where you can enjoy some beautiful views. You will be able to see Ben Ledi and Loch Venachar. Later you will cross River Teith and arrive in Callander where you can find lots of accommodations and places to eat. Callander is known for the Rob Roy Visitor Centre and has excellent places to enjoy a Single Malt Whisky.
Callander to Glen Ogle
From Callander you continue your walk along the Falls of Leny. You will walk through woodland and see Ben Ledi as well as Loch Lubnaig. In Strathyre are some historic monuments such as the War Memorial and the renovated church. In the 1850’s there was a gold mine which had to close because the amount of gold was not viable.
You will pass Balquhidder and Loch Voil which are surrounded by beautiful nature. As mentioned above, it is worthwhile to stop at the place where Rob Roy was buried even though it is not part of the official Rob Roy Way. Later you can stop in Lochearnhead, a village next to the beautiful Loch Earn. The route finishes in Glen Ogle where you can choose to extend your walk to the village of Killin where you can see Loch Tay, Ben Lawers and if you like, the beautiful Falls of Dochart.
Glen Ogle to Ardtalnaig
This section includes walking through woodlands and over hills with views to Killin, Loch Tay, Ben Lawers and some other mountain peaks. From the Loch side of Loch Breaclaich you can see Glen Lochay and Glen Dochart. You will walk through an area known for the Macnab brothers who attacked the Neish Clan in 1612. You’ll see beautiful small waterfalls of the Finglen Burn.
Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy
From Ardtalnaig you can choose if you want to take the direct way to Aberfeldy or walk via Amulree which would take 2 days. You can see the stunning Falls of Acharn and follow the Queen’s Drive with beautiful views to hills and mountains. You will walk through woodland and the Tay River Valley, along Taymouth Castle and Castle Menzies before arriving in the beautiful village of Aberfeldy. One of the highlights in Aberfeldy is the Wade Taybridge.
Aberfeldy Pitlochry
This section passes at the Dewar’s World of Whisky and the banks of River Tay. One of the highlights is Grandtully Castle which was built in 1414 and home to the Lady of Lawers in the 17th century. You can see the hill Schiehallion meaning “Fairy Hill”. The believe in fairies in the area are connected to the books about fairies written by Reverend Kirk from Aberfoyle. Once in Pitlochry, you can find many accommodation types and if you have some free time try and visit the local whisky distilleries.
For more information on The Rob Roy Way visit the official website.
Join the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge! It is one of Scotland’s most successful fundraising events covering 55 miles of the Rob Roy Way. The first part of the challenge is a 16 miles walk from Drymen to the Trossachs where the participants switch to bikes. After 39 miles by bike, the challenge ends in Kenmore. For more information about this event please have a look on the Rob Roy Challenge website.