Pitlochry - Killiecrankie - Linn of Tummel

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
19 kms	05:30 (hrs:mins)	200 metres	Explorer 386: Pitlochry & Loch Tummel

Description

This walk has it all - a spectacular gorge, crags, huge dizzying bridges and viaducts, a loch, waterfalls, salmon ladders, luscious woodlands, ancient drove roads, monuments ... there was even a battle here long ago! The walk passes through the Pass of Killiecrankie and Linn of Tummel, both areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The walk starts by optionally visiting the famous dam and fish ladder at Pitlochry, then following the bank of Loch Faskally, through pleasant mixed woodland and past a small loch - the area is popular with the locals. It skirts Faskally House, detouring again by Loch Faskally. The path climbs into the dramatic Pass of Killiecrankie, passing Garry Bridge, an old roadbridge.

The route goes right through the gorge, to Soldier's Leap - a spectacular viewpoint where Donald McBean fighting on the side of the Red Coats made an amazing 18 foot leap across the gorge to escape marauding Scots at the Battle of Killiecrankie, then visiting Killiecrankie Visitor Centre run by the National Trust for Scotland, which includes an excellent exhibition. The route then heads down into Killiecrankie Village itself, crosses the River Garry and climbs up a steep, small road, to the parish church at Tenandry, an extraordinary beautiful location.

It then drops to the Garry road bridge which is perched dizzyingly above the gorge and into Linn of Tummel, providing wonderful autumnal views towards the Ben a Ghlo range of hills at that time of year, eventually reaching the Coronation Bridge over the River Tummel. Finally the way back follows a small, winding country road for several kilometres, crossing Loch Faskally by Clunie Bridge, in the shadow of the dramatic A9 bridge. The last kilometre of the walk returns along the outward route.

Access Info

By car: Pitlochry, a poplular town with visitors, is just off the A9 Perth - Inverness road - the road itself bypasses the town. Once in the town follow signs to the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. The start is at a large public car park just before a railway bridge.

Additional Info

Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder is open to the public and is well worth a visit.

The Battle of Killiecrankie was fought on 27 July 1689 between the Scots and 3500 English Government troops (many of which were actually Lowland Scots). The Government army was forced to march through the Pass of Killiecrankie where it met 2400 Scots.

The ensuing battle resulted in 800 casualties for the Scots and 2000 for the Government troops and was a stunning victory for the Scots, despite losing their Commander, John Graham of Claverhouse - Viscount Dundee (or 'Bonnie Dundee' as he was known).