Pitlochry Walks – The Braes of Killiecrankie
Accommodation near Pitlochry Walks at Rosemount Hotel
The Braes of Killiecrankie
There’s a wholehearted guarantee for a day of joy for those able to undertake a 3, 5, 8 or 11-mile walk along quiet road and through woodland alongside the water’s edge. The River Tummel sports some of the most stunning scenery to be found in the UK. Furthermore,
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Variations Upon the Killiecrankie Walk
Phase 1 – Pitlochry Dam to The Boating Station and Back to Town. A shorter, pleasant loch-side stroll which can be extended to the fuller walk
The route to Pitlochry Dam (Fish Ladder) is well marked at the northwest end of town. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there form Rosemount Hotel Pitlochry. If the intention is simply to enjoy the waterside stroll to cross the Clunie Bridge (marking the start of the walk on the map, above) and walk back to the Boating Station, then there will be time to enjoy the small independent shops and cafes that make our town so very pleasant a place to spend a few hours’ browsing and relaxing.
The views from both sides of Pitlochry Dam are perfectly delightful. However, if you wish to press on, take the path to the right once you have crossed the dam and follow this along the loch in front of Fonab Castle Hotel to an opening that takes you very briefly near the A9, so maybe any off-lead dogs and small children could be secured at this stage. From here, a perfectly good pavement takes you along the quiet Foss Road to Clunie Bridge – where the Killiecrankie walk picks up on our map above.
Phase 2 – Clunie Bridge to Clunie Dam (Idyllic Picnic Spot) and Spardon Wood, then press on for Linn of Tummel, or return to Clunie Bridge and Pitlochry Town
Now’s the time to take a choice. Either cross Clunie Bridge, heading back to town via Pitlochry Boating Staion, or press onwards. Your walk could take you to Clunie Dam and Spardon Wood for some fabulous birds eye views of the most spectacular part of the Tummel Valley, then maybe down to the Loch at Clunie Dam for picnic before returning to Clunie Bridge and Pitlochry, or you could press on for the Linn of Tummel, across Coronation Bridge to the meeting of the Rivers Tay and Garry. This is a delightful walk alongside tumbling rapids of the Linn of Tummel. When the rainfall is sufficient, waterfalls also grace the hillside drops into the river and the mind turns to Hobbits, Elves and Fairies.
On, then to the Garry Bridge – the next point which gives an opportunity to curtail the walk. Coincidentally, this is also home to Highland Fling Bungee, so fear not should you hear blood-curdling screams upon approach. It really is nothing personal:-
Phase 3 – Another choice to press on to Killiecrankie Visitor Centre ( and maybe a bus back to Pitlochry or the uphill Beallach Route) or to take the route along the opposite side of Loch Faskally to return to Pitlochry
The last phase of the walk allows one or two more opportunities to curtail – either by pressing on to Killiecrankie Visitor centre (being mindful of the 100 step upward climb) and catching a bus back to Pitlochry, or else by returning along the north facing shore of Loch Faskally via the Boating Station.
Also from Killiecrankie Centre, it is possible to take the Beallach hillside path back to Pitlochry, though we advise that if this is the preference, to reverse the direction of the entire walk, since this stretch is the hardest on the legs.
Back at Rosemount Hotel, a warm, cosy bar awaits with a fine stock of malt whiskies. Just the job to put a spring back in your step. A hearty dinner and fireside chat make a perfect end to the most perfect day.
