United Kingdom : Scotland

Walking the Rob Roy Way

Trip code: W08RR

Self-guided walking

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

14.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Discover the real-life locations behind the legend of this most famous Scottish rebel, stopping off at historic sites, picture perfect villages and dramatic waterfalls
  • A quiet and easy to navigate route, starting in Drymen and ending in Pitlochry, some 128km later, with most days a 4 - 5 hours walk
  • Witness beautiful views across the Highlands, following the route through woodland, past lochs and breath-taking mountain scenery
  • Optional longer and more challenging route available, as well as extra nights in Pitlochry at the end of your walk

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Created in 2002 to provide a walking route through the folklore and history of Rob Roy, this walk has fast become one of Scotland's most popular. During the varied and exciting 8-day itinerary, the trail takes you along the banks of stunning lochs, past historical sights and through villages and towns most associated with this famous outlaw.

Following the route from Drymen in Stirling, walkers will pass through many areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park covering much of the Trossachs, and with views over the nearby Ben Lomond. Through to Callander, the 'gateways to the Highlands' the Rob Roy Way then follows the disused railway to Strathyre passing waterfalls and Loch Lubnaig, with an option to visit Balquhidder to view Rob Roy's Grave. Onwards to Killin with incredible views of the Tarmachan Ridge and the Falls of Dochart at the entrance of the town. Through the beautiful moorland and forests the paths descends onto Ardtalnaig and the Birks of Abefeldy before reaching the final destination Pitlochry in Perth and Kinross.

Your evenings will be spent in the company of fellow walkers from all around the world, experiencing quality hotels, offering the very best of Scottish hospitality. All accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with evening meals and picnic lunches easily available either at your hotel, or in the nearby village.

Terrain

Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Drymen

Arrive in Drymen for a relaxing evening at your hotel before starting your walk in the morning. Spend the night at the Braeside Guest house (or similar).

You stay at Braeside Guest House.

hotel details

 equivalent

Braeside Guest House, Drymen

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
TV
Tea/coffee


This warm and welcoming bed and breakfast is situated in the village square of Drymen, which is the starting point for many of the walks in this area. There are 8 rooms in total and all are en suite. Wi - Fi is available and all have tea and coffee making facilities. The owners are very knowledgeable and will happily advise you on anything you need to know to make the most of you stay. The village has plenty of choice for eating out and breakfast is served in the Drymen Inn just around the corner.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 2: Drymen to Aberfoyle (16km/9.9mi)

Today will see a gentle start to the Rob Roy Way as you leave the village and begin the journey to Aberfoyle, the path conveniently signed with blue markers. Beginning to climb with the Campsie Hills coming into view, you will then descend onto forestry ground, the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, which covers a huge part of the Trossachs. The trail leads on with views to Ben Lomond and Loch Katrine, described by Sir Walter Scott in his famous poem 'The Lady of the Lake'. This is also the area where Rob Roy was born and was well known to him and his cattle stealing exploits! Passing the Corrie aqueduct which has supplied water to Glasgow since 1859, you will finish your day at Aberfoyle and your stay at the Forth Inn (or similar).

You stay at Forth Inn.

hotel details



Forth Inn, Aberfoyle

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


A traditional inn, located in the centre of the village of Aberfoyle. There are six individually styled rooms, all with en suite and tea and making facilities. There is a lovely and welcoming environment, with comfortable interiors and a great choice of food and drink from the inn's menu, including a great range of Craft beers and other local produce.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 3: Aberfoyle to Callander (16km/9.9mi)

Leaving the town after a delicious breakfast, the next stage of the Rob Roy Way begins by climbing gently through the forests of the Trossachs, with incredible views of the Campsies and Ben Lomond. The path then opens up and follows the shores of the loch, a great place to enjoy your picnic lunch with more stunning views of Ben Ledi and Loch Venachar. Today's walk ends when you reach the picturesque town of Callander, the 'Gateway to the Highlands' for your third nights rest. Be sure to visit the Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre as this is a great way to learn more via the 'Rob Roy Story'. Your hotel is the Crags Hotel (or similar).

You stay at Crags Hotel.

hotel details



Crags Hotel, Callander

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Situated in the pretty village of Callander, this traditional Scottish inn is family run and was completely renovated in 2018. The rooms all have free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs with freeview channel and are all individually furnished with local and traditional features. The hotel itself serves Indian cuisine from its restaurant and provides a delicious Scottish breakfast from its cosy breakfast room, complete with open fire. There are many shops, restaurants and take aways available in Callander, so you have plenty of choice for your evening menu.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 4: Callander to Strathyre (15km/9.3mi)

From Callander, you can take a short detour to see the Falls of Leny, impressive waterfalls reached through a beautiful oak forest. Returning to the Rob Roy Way, the trail takes you through woods alongside the shores of Loch Lubnaig, also known as 'the loch with a bend'. This area is popular with fishermen, open water swimmers and kayakers, especially in the summer months, is a great place to stop for a rest and a drink. Continuing on, a well-defined cycle path will guide you towards the village of Strathyre, a pretty Victorian settlement which became important following the arrival of the railway. Crossing the River Balvag over the wooden suspension bridge, you will arrive in Strathyre and your hotel for the evening, the White Stag (or similar).

You stay at White Stag.

hotel details



White Stag, Strathyre

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Located between Killin and Aberfoyle, the White Stag is the perfect stopping off point for those on the Rob Roy Way. Surrounded by forest, it is deep in the Trossachs National Park, a breathtaking location. The hotel provides lovely comfortable rooms with a beer garden for summer evenings, and a roaring fireplace for the cooler months. The Inn is regularly featured in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide and there are many craft and local beverages for you to choose from. They also provide a full menu, or there are other pubs you can walk to if you prefer for your evening meal. The rooms are all furnished with their own identity be it Wallace, Stewart or Fraser and a full breakfast is available for you in the morning.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 5: Strathyre to Killin (19km/11.8mi)

Leave Strathyre and the forest track which first takes you past a small church and then out to the open countryside. There are fantastic views overlooking Balquihhidder towards Ben More and Stob Binnen. Balquidder is the final resting place of Rob Roy and his family and is well worth a short detour. Joining the cycle path to Killin, you will soon reach the line of the old railway above Lochearnhead, perfect as a lunch stop before you continue through Glen Ogle, descending through the woods with stunning views of Tarmachan ridge and onto the Falls of Dochart to reach Killin, your destination for this evening, Breadalbane House(or similar).

You stay at Breadalbane House.

hotel details



Breadalbane House, Killin

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Meaning the 'Uplands of Alba', Breadalbane has been welcoming guests for many years and is set in the picturesque village of Killin. Family owned and run, the guesthouse is a welcome rest stop for travellers on the Rob Roy Way, with a guest lounge to relax and read a book, and the comfortable rooms are well equipped with TV and DVD players, tea and coffee facilities and Wi-Fi throughout. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs nearby for you to choose from for your evening meal and the breakfasts at the guesthouse are a treat.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 6: Killin to Ardeonaig (19km/11.8mi)

From the picturesque Falls of Dochart, today's section of the Rob Roy Way takes you along a private road, which climbs steeply and has some fantastic views through the trees to Loch Tay and the Tarmachan Ridge. The moorland is incredibly stunning but can be extremely open in adverse weather conditions, so as always, prepare for all weathers! Winding across the moor, you will descend with views of the loch and Newton Burn. Continue through Brae Farm to Ardeonaig and your hotel for tonight, The Old Mill House (or similar).

You stay at Old Mill Guesthouse.

hotel details



Old Mill Guesthouse, Achan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Tea/coffee


Renovated from an 18th Century mill house, The Old Mill is a touch of luxury set in the midst of stunning Scottish scenery. The owners have been welcoming guests for many years and will ensure you have a lovely stay with them. The rooms are bright and modern, with everything you will need for your stay and a full Scottish or continental breakfast is included of course. The town of Aberfeldy with many shops and eateries, is only a short 6 miles taxi trip away, but even nearer is the village of Kenmore boasting the oldest inn in Scotland, which has to be worth a visit!

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 7: Ardeonaig (Ardtalnaig) to Aberfeldy (24km/14.9mi)

Picking up the Rob Roy Way at Ardtalnaig you will follow the track until you reach Acharn, before ascending past the village and the 'Hermits Cave', reputedly visited by Wordsworth and Robert Burns. Onwards to the awe-inspiring Falls of Acharn, take in this beautiful natural sight and the view towards Loch Tay. The route then takes a twisty path descending towards the impressive Taymouth Castle, a Grade A listed building built on the site of Balloch Castle, the ancient seat of the Campbell clan. Schiehallion, one of the area's best loved mountains can also be seen. After a gentle climb you will reach the Falls of Moness and its roaring waters, before continuing onto Aberfeldy through the scenic birch woods, the 'Birks of Aberfeldy', as featured in the poem by Robert Burns. Your guesthouse for the night is Tigh n Eilean (or simliar).

You stay at Tigh na Eilean.

hotel details

 equivalent

Tigh n Eilean, Aberfeldy

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


A beautiful Edwardian house, a warm welcome awaits all guests at Tigh ‘n Eilean guesthouse. with its elegant rooms and gorgeous lounge with open fireplace, perfect for guests. The house has a great position overlooking the River Tay and near all the attractions of Aberfeldy nearby. Rooms are all en suite and with complimentary toiletries, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and all other mod cons you should require.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 8: Aberfeldy to Pitlochry (18km/11.2mi)

All too soon you have reached the final day of your journey on the Rob Roy Way. The trail follows the River Tay east out of Aberfeldy, where you must stop for some whisky tasting at Dewars World of Whisky, before venturing on towards Grandtully. Following the river for some time, you will then bear onto the old railway line to Aberfeldy now closed and popular with cyclists. Climbing above a golf course and past a few houses, the route continues through woods and onto the moors, passing an ancient stone circle, and a final descent through the and your arrival into Pitlochry. A beautiful town with many attractions of its own including Blair Athol Distillery, Loch Tummel and Athol Palace Museum. Your last night will be enjoyed at the Poplars Guesthouse (or similar).

You stay at Poplars Guesthouse.

hotel details

 equivalent

Poplars Guest House, Pitlochry

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Poplars Guest House in Pitlochry is an elegant Victorian guesthouse, the perfect place to end your walk on the Rob Roy Way. Each of the rooms has been furnished with comfort and style in mind, from crisp white linens to the Scottish toiletries and complimentary tea and coffee. All rooms are en suite with views to the mountains or down the Tummel Valley. Pitlochry itself has tons of shops, restaurants and pubs so you should definitely stay an extra night or two and explore this lovely town, positioned in the heart of the Highlands.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 9: Depart Pitlochry

Depart your hotel after a hearty breakfast to begin your journey home, or stay an extra day to enjoy the delights of Pitlochry

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $669.

These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $669.

TRAVEL DETAILS

On arrival transfers can be arranged from Glasgow airport or train station to Drymen, for a supplement. At the end of the trip, transfers can be arranged from your Pitlochry hotel to the train station for a supplement.

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

So far the service and help we’ve received from Headwaters has been good.
You could call us nervous travellers and we have been pleasantly surprised by their assistance and attention to detail.
Still early day as we have booked well in advance. The staff have always been informative helpful and very pleasant to deal with.

Stephen Slinger, 1 Dec 2023

Very helpful and patient

11 Nov 2023

Good communication and rapid responses to questions by e-mail and later by ‘phone. We anticipate the holiday to meet all our expectations.

6 Nov 2023

Excellent telephone response. Answered all questions in an informative and warm manor. We have changed our original holiday plans and this was easily rectified. The email response was prompt and precise making me feel confident that our holiday will be equally efficiently organised. I have not holidayed before with headwater but recall friends speaking highly of the service. All in all we are both looking forward to our cycling holiday in September knowing that we can relax and let headwater are organising things for us.

Diane Hall, 26 May 2023


Self-guided walking

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

14.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

8 nights from $1820

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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