Loch Freuchie, Amulree
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 13 kms | 02:30 (hrs:mins) | 50 metres | Explorer 379: Dunkeld, Aberfeldy & Glen Almond |
Description
Loch Freuchie lies in a sheltered location in Glen Quaich behind the tiny settlement of Amulree. There is a pleasant circular walk around the loch, partly on minor road, partly on good tracks.
Set off from the car park (GR 899 364) next to the community hall in Amulree and take a clockwise direction along the peaceful, unclassified road. Continue walking high above the loch to reach the northern end and the turn off for the remainder of the circuit. A small shingle beach makes a good half way resting place, ideal for picnics and watching bird life on the loch. Estate tracks lead back to Amulree village where walkers will find a welcoming hostelry.
Dating from the 18th century, Amulree Church is also worth a visit and has an information display on the colourful history of the area. In the early 1800s around 300 crofters left the glen to resettle in Canada. After a three month voyage they colonised the Easthope area of Ontario and named their settlements Amulree and Glenquaich.
The crannog (man made island) on Loch Freuchie (Fraochie) has an interesting dragon legend?.. the story goes that a young man named Fraoch, at the request of the lady Maidh, went to the dragon inhabited island to gather rowan berries. He completed the task and evaded the dragon but the lady insisted that nothing would please her except that he return to her with the uprooted rowan tree. On his second visit he got the tree but awoke the dragon?. who, in mortal combat, gnawed off Fraoch's arms and legs?..
Access Info
Amulree is located 9 miles/14.5km west of Dunkeld on the A822. The circuit described above also makes a good mountain bike route.
Additional Info
If you have a head for heights and hairpin bends the nearby hill road through Glen Quaich to Kenmore is a must. Follow the metalled road along the side of the loch and continue over the hills for 10 miles/16km - there are plenty wide and impressive vistas to be enjoyed but careful driving is also called for!
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
