Glen Tarken, St Fillans
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 9 kms | Variable | 450 metres | Explorer 368 Crieff, Comrie & Glen Artney |
Description
Glen Tarken rises above the picturesque village of St Fillans on Loch Earn. A beautiful woodland walk climbs from the west side of the village past the small Hydro-Electric station and old railway line and on through Glentarken Wood. Through the trees, glimpses of Loch Earn and surrounding high mountains are rewarding. Continue upward and the path gives way to open hillside and more spectacular vistas. Once on the hill there are clearly defined tracks offering circuits of 9km, 13km and a linear route (10km one way only) over to neighbouring Glen Beich.
The best starting point for the walks is the small public car parking area on the lochside (GR 689 247) just opposite the whitewashed Four Seasons Hotel. Walk up the small track on the west side of the hotel to reach the old railway line. Turn left along it and then fork right onto the narrow path which leads up through Glentarken Wood. The track climbs to open moorland and the appropriate OS map should then be used for ease of navigation and choice of route.
The deserted hillside settlement of Morell or Easter Glen Tarken lies 1.5 miles/2.5km west of St Fillans and makes an interesting stopping point on the route down from the hill. Deserted in the 19th century, the villagers found life on the exposed site inconvenient and uncomfortable and families moved to more salubrious surroundings closer to the loch. The houses at Morell were long and one end was used to house the 'beasts', a good source of heat and manure! Despite having no cement some of the walls still stand quite high - the best time to see them is in the autumn when summer vegetation has died back.
Access Info
Small car park off the A85 at the west side of St Fillans, just opposite the Four Seasons Hotel. Access the hill from the track at the side of the hotel. Regular bus service between Perth and St Fillans.
Additional Info
There are three hotels in the village of St Fillans offering bar meals and refreshments. The village also has a small shop.
Free Big Tree Country Guide available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre. Packed with information on walking, cycling and wildlife watching at over 65 woodland and countryside sites, this is the ideal companion to help you explore Perthshire's great outdoors. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
