Rob Roy became a Scottish folk hero after terrorising the British during the Jacobite risings of the 18th century. Now, walkers can tread the very paths he used in defence of his land. Running 128 kilometres from Drymen to Pitlochry, the Rob Roy Way takes in some of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs, wild moors and mountain peaks while winding its way through charming rural villages. With characterful accommodations along the way, walkers will be treated day and night with captivating views, cosy rooms and plenty of opportunities to indulge in Scotland’s charm and whiskey.

Day 1 | Arrive in Drymen

The Rob Roy Way begins in the village of Drymen, just north of Glasgow. Depending on when you arrive, you may wish to take a visit to nearby Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most famous, not to mention picturesque, bodies of water. Alternatively, spend some time enjoying Drymen and take a stroll around the village green, perhaps stopping in at The Clachan Inn, which was first licensed in 1734, for a meal and a wee dram.

Day 2 | Drymen – Aberfoyle | 16 km

Lace up your hiking boots and depart Drymen, walking along quiet rural roads and forest paths until you arrive in Aberfoyle, a small town on the banks of the River Forth. Developing as a gateway to Loch Ard and the Trossachs National Park, the town has a lovely main street and that classic village charm. It’s relatively easy walking for much of the day with views of Ben Lomond ahead in the distance, and your comfortable accommodation is the perfect place to recover for the next day’s walk.

Day 3 | Aberfoyle – Callander | 16 km

Continue northeast today, once more walking along forest paths as you make your way through the Menteith Hills before descending to Loch Venachar. The views on this descent are simply phenomenal, so feel free to take your time. Continue on to the village of Callander, which is not only the second-largest town on the Rob Roy Way, but also the historical heartland of Rob Roy’s territory. The town is packed with atmospheric pubs, tearooms and travellers heading off to explore Loch Lomond or driving north to the Highlands.

Day 4 | Callander – Strathyre | 14 km

Say a fond farewell to Callander as you depart for the shortest walking day of the Rob Roy Way. The route follows a disused railway line and is mainly flat.  Save a little strength for a climb through the Pass of Leny into the Scottish Highlands via Loch Lubnaig, passing the Falls of Leny and St Brides Chapel. Your destination, Strathyre, is a Highland village surrounded by Strathyre forest and often frequented by cyclists, hikers, twitchers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Day 5 | Strathyre – Killin | 19 km

The climb out of Strathyre offers splendid views to Ben Sheann across the valley. Enjoy a snack break, then tackle the steep descent into Kingshouse, a tiny village dominated by the Kingshouse Hotel. From here, walkers can take a side trip to Balquihidder, the site where Rob Roy lived and is buried, though it does add six or so kilometres onto the day’s walk. Alternatively, continue walking through the ever-changing mountain scenery – it’s not hard to imagine walking these paths as an outlaw – to Killin and the beautiful Falls of Dochart. Should you have the energy, you can visit the ruins of nearby Finlarig Castle and the Moirlanich Longhouse, which is one of the few surviving examples of a traditional Scottish longhouse.

Day 6 |Killin to Ardtalnaig | 19 km

One of the best days of walking as you tackle a cross-country section past Loch Breachlaich into the hills above Loch Tay. The steady climb, which takes you to just under 600 metres, provides excellent views of the surrounding region and is no doubt a highlight in good weather. From here, descend to the small community of Ardeonaig before following a rural road along the shore of Loch Tay to Ardtalnaig.

For your convenience, you’ll be transferred back to Killin for the evening and returned to Ardtalnaig in the morning. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy more of Killin’s fabulous restaurants. We recommend the roast, which is always a popular dish, served with a mean Yorkshire pudding that is well worth trying in these parts.

Day 7 | Ardtalnaig – Aberfeldy | 24 km

The longest leg of the Rob Roy Way sees you continuing along the southern shore of Loch Tay, past Acharn and along forest paths to the town of Aberfeldy. Along the way you’ll encounter the Falls of Moness and the Birks of Aberfeldy, which inspired Robert Burns’ 1787 poem ‘The Birks o’Aberfeldie’ (from which they take their name). Though it’s a longer day, and can be strenuous at times, the rewards are frequent as the mountain scenery continues to reveal itself. Aberfeldy is a lovely little place and home to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, where you can take a tour and enjoy a whiskey tasting if you wish.

Day 8 | Aberfeldy – Pitlochry | 18 km

The final section of the Rob Roy Way sees varied terrain as you depart Aberfeldy and head for Pitlochry – your final destination. The scenery of the Tay River Valley is stunning and you’ll cross open moors towards Pitlochry after walking over Wade’s Bridge and following the river downstream to Strathtay. Pitlochry, a thriving tourist town, is a fantastic spot to celebrate your achievement upon finishing and walking the suspension bridge across the River Tummel is a memorable way to wrap up the adventure. The brewery here is claimed to be the first microbrewery in Scotland, so be sure to sample a drop of the local beer before leaving.

Day 9 | Pitlochry

Your journey along the Rob Roy Way comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you want to keep discovering Scotland by foot, Wandering the World offers plenty more paths to explore.

Visit www.wanderingtheworld.com.au for more information.

Inclusions

• 8 nights accommodation, all carefully selected to enhance your walking experience
• Private en-suite facilities
• Daily luggage transfers from hotel to hotel (1 x 20kg bag unless indicated otherwise)
• Daily full English breakfast
• List of suggested places to dine in the evening
• Information packs with route maps and instructions on how to locate hotels
• Luggage identification tags
• Emergency contact details and 24/7 local on-the-ground support
• Pre-departure and ongoing support from Australian office

Optional Inclusions

• Suggested rest days as outlined in itinerary or if required
• Upgraded accommodation choices such as premium/high-end style
• Private vehicle transfers to the trip’s starting point
• Single supplement for your own room
• Additional night’s accommodation before or after trip (please advise at time of booking)

Not Included

• Flights
• Travel to trip’s starting point
• Transfers not already outlined in detailed trip itinerary
• Dinners
• Lunches

Accommodation

We know from personal experience that a good night’s rest can make or break a trip, which is why we carefully hand-select all our accommodation. We ensure we pass on our knowledge and firsthand experience of the best places to stay to all our walkers.

Your accommodation along the trail is booked in advance and is chosen to make your walking experience as rewarding as possible. Our carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels, often steeped in history, offer a charming, cosy feel, all with private en-suite facilities. Knowing you have delightful and characterful accommodation waiting for you makes all the difference.

All our places we stay in the UK and Ireland are chosen to keep you comfortable and content. From quaint B&Bs to refurbished highland manor houses complete with roaring fires and rare whiskies, the comfort of our accommodations is matched only by the views.

Single supplements are available so you can enjoy your own room with private en-suite, and a single supplement will apply if you are travelling alone, or if there is no gender share option.  However, you can request a shared room through Wandering the World at the time of booking, however this is not guaranteed.

In many places along the trails there are luxury, upgraded options available. Perfect for a special occasion, to celebrate a milestone or to enhance your entire journey should you choose. We can recommend some very special, unique places to indulge in the local hospitality in extraordinary style. Please ask us about these options.

Food & Dining

Walking and eating go hand in hand and your wander through this spectacular countryside gives you ample opportunity to experience each regions finest produce and cooking.

Breakfast at your place of accommodation, is always a highlight and you will start your day well fuelled. Enjoy a hearty, full cooked breakfast with all the trimmings, as well as fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juices.

Lunch, at your own expense, will depend on where you are on your walk and what is available.  You may discover local cafes or a pub en route to order some local fare. Some days you will need to carry your own picnic lunch, which can be arranged the evening prior, through your accommodation. Keep on the lookout for a traditional scones and cream afternoon tea to reward yourself at the end of your walking day.

Having walked these routes many times, Wandering the World is in the know as to where our walkers can enjoy a great evening meal. Dinner is your own choice and expense and we provide many suggestions on where to dine.  Ambient and traditional places where you can delight in a traditional Irish stew, freshly caught Scottish Salmon, good old Bangers and Mash or other home cooked dishes these regions are well known for.

THE WALKING

This trip is a self-guided itinerary, ideal for groups and independent travellers who prefer to navigate their own way, in their own time.

You will be provided with an information pack with easy to read maps and instructions, complete with directions to guide you on the well-marked paths and tracks. Your information pack will be available at your joining hotel on the first day of your trip.

TRIP GRADE

Moderate – This itinerary is carefully designed for easy to manage walking days. Averaging less than 20km on most days, approximately 4-6 walking hours. Surfaces are fairly even with moderate ascents and descents. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Given you only need carry a lightweight day bag, this trip is very manageable for those new to walking holidays. Preparation and training make all our walks more enjoyable.

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

For your comfort and enjoyment Wandering the World arrange a daily luggage transfer. All you need to carry is a day pack and be free to enjoy your walking. Luggage allowance is one bag per person of no more than 20kg. Luggage must be left in the reception of your hotel before breakfast (8am) each day, before you move on.

It is essential to attach the bag tag provided to ensure your luggage is delivered to your next accommodation.

*Please note only one bag will be moved each day, additional charges will apply if your bag is heavier than 20kg. Should you require special arrangements for additional luggage transfers, this can be booked ahead of time and must be paid as a part of your final payment to Wandering the World.

GROUP SIZE

Wandering the World guided groups have a maximum group size of 12 participants. This small group size has many advantages including flexibility to stay in a wide range of accommodation options, dining together of an evening, the opportunity to get to know your travelling companions, and the freedom to walk alone or together.

TRANSFERS/TAXIS

There may be options to amend your itinerary or shorten your walking day that include a transfer. Adding in extra days is also an option. Please talk to us about this when planning your trip.

On some itineraries, there are times when Wandering the World may arrange a transfer for you or can do so at your request. For example, this might be where small villages do not have accommodation with private facilities, or we want to take you to a special out of the way hotel we know you are going to love. In this case Wandering the World will either arrange a transfer for you or suggest in your trip notes that you will need a taxi at your own expense.

WEATHER

The weather and climate in the United Kingdom varies from region to region, and of course from day to day. Each season has its benefits, with lovely long warm and sunny days in Spring and early Summer, to cooler walking temperatures early Spring and late Autumn. Some walks may be too hot or wet at times. Talk to Wandering the World when making your plans and to discuss your preferences. Our expertise can guide you.

Once on your walk, the weather can play an important part on the enjoyment of the journey.  Checking the forecast can assist with your plans.  If you strike warm weather, which you think may be uncomfortable, leaving early to avoid the hottest part of the day can make a difference.

24/7 SUPPORT & CARE

Your information pack will include details of local emergency contacts and international contacts.

We have local on the ground support to give you any assistance you may need.

We also check in with each hotel at the end of each day to ensure your arrival.

GETTING THERE / GETTING HOME

This itinerary begins in Drymen and ends in Pitlochry.

There are bus, train & flight options for arriving and departing your walking commencement destination.

Remember all train bookings are recommended, and you can only book two months in advance of date of travel.

Nearest International Airports: Glasgow International and Glasgow Prestwick.
An airport shuttle bus operates to Glasgow city centre (journey time 25 minutes).

By Rail:

Nearest Railway Station: Glasgow Central Station and Glasgow Queen Street Station.

The journey from London Euston to Glasgow Central Station takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.  Frequent services are operated on the West Coast Mainline to Glasgow.

By Road:

If you plan to travel by car it is usually possible to leave it at the Guest House or Hotel at the start or end of your walk, for the duration of your holiday. We can check this for you when your booking is confirmed.

Getting to Drymen

Drymen is 20 miles north of Glasgow City Centre and a frequent bus service runs regularly from Glasgow to Drymen throughout the day. The journey time is approximately one hour.

Returning from Pitlochry

By Rail:

Train services operate south to Glasgow and Edinburgh and north to Inverness (journey time 2 hours).

By Bus:

There are regular Citylink bus services south to Edinburgh and Glasgow and north to Inverness (journey time 2 hours).

INSURANCE

Insurance is compulsory for everyone who travels with Wandering the World. The insurance policy must include cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability. Wandering the World recommends insurance coverage for cancellation to be taken at the same time payment is made, as no exception to the cancellation provisions can be made.

BOOKING AND TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Wandering the World’s full booking terms and conditions are available upon request and will also accompany your initial invoice for deposit.