Скачать или смотреть A Bonnie Laddie in Breadalbane

A walk on the Rob Roy Way from Aberfeldy to Pitlochry.

Starting in the Birks of Aberfeldy, we wonder where the statue of Robert Burns has gone; is he away for maintenance (again!), or has someone stolen him? If you know, comment below. The Birks of Aberfeldy got its name from Burns. He was so impressed by the woodland gorge and the fast-flowing waters of the Falls of Moness, that he penned some words in 1787.

Leaving our hotel - the Townhouse Aberfeldy - after a great overnight stay, we pass Dewars Aberfeldy Distillery and pick up the path on the edge of the wide River Tay. We had thought to visit St. Mary's Church and its wonderful 17th century painted interior, but somehow passed it by. Perhaps another day. The Rob Roy Way then continues on the route of the old railway line - hard to believe that Scotland has lost so many railway lines and stations - and on through dense woodland.

Through Grandtully and Strathtay we wandered, uphill by the Tullypowrie Burn and on to a high moor with great views. In Tay Forest Park the woodland tracks are very atmospheric and full of pixies. We then meander down hill to Pitlochry. You canny beat a guid meander.

It's a lovely hike on a well-defined path, with the option of taking a small detour near Pitlochry to see the Dunfallandy Stone, an ancient Pictish stone with well-preserved carvings.

As Pitlochry was just too busy for this tired wee laddie, I opted to catch an early train back to Glasgow.

[Bus service to Aberfeldy from Perth.]
[Ordnance Survey Landranger map number 52 - 'Pitlochry to Crieff.]