The Rob Roy Way: Follow the path of Rob Roy MacGregor, one of Scotland's most notorious outlaws, as you walk The Rob Roy Way. The glens, lochs and mountains of the Southern Highland of Scotland will take you through the history and breathtaking scenery of this part of the country. The walkway starts in Drymen on the West Highland Way and finishes in Pitlochry. You have a choice of two routes, so you can walk either 79 or 92 miles depending on which one you choose. Of course, you can also walk sections of the trail if you don't have the time or the inclination for a 7–day walk.
Drymen is the logical starting point for the Rob Roy Way because of its association with Rob Roy MacGregor. The area was the site of constant feuding between the Buchanans and the Grahams, who banded together to fight Rob Roy. Drymen was the community that Rob Roy used on a regular basis as he drove the cattle he rustled to the safety of the Trossachs.
Distance:
79 or 92 miles - 127 or 148km
Special Requirements:
Walking boots
The Route:
Walk the Rob Roy Way to Aberfoyle, the outlaw's hometown. Here you can visit the Rob Roy Cave. Aberfoyle is also on the Trossach Trail and is the location of the Trossach Discovery Centre and the Scottish Wool Centre. Continue the trail to Strathyre to see some of the old gold mines and of course the spectacular scenery of the area.
Take time out from walking the Rob Roy Way to visit the Rob Roy & Trossachs Visitor Centre in Callander and not too far away you can see the remains of Roman habitation. See the Falls of Levy, made famous by Sir Walter Scott in "The Lady of the Lake". See the peaks of Schiehallion and visit the village of Moulin with its church dating back to the 17
th century, Pictish carvings and the ruins of Castle Dubh.
The Rob Roy Way will take you through Aberfeldy and although it is not on the trail, a visit to Fortingall is worth taking a side trip from the walk. This area is where Rob Roy's brothers lived and is important for four things: the wedding of Ian MacGregor, the site of the oldest tree in the world, the possible birthplace of Pontius Pilate, and MacGregor's Leap. When you leave Glen Ogle, you will pass by the memorial to two RAF pilots above the Falls of Dochart.
Follow the route of the MacNab's as you walk the Rob Roy Way to Finglen Burn and on to Lochearnhead. Here you can take an alternate route to go down into the town. Whether you take this route or stick to the Rob Roy Way, the reward is the same – a panoramic scenic vista in front of you. Travel through the Pass of Leny, with its spectacular waterfalls and explore the ruined communities along the banks of Loch Freuchie, known as the Glen Quaich Communities. Take the suspension bridge to Pitlochry over the River Tummel as you come to the end of one of the best walks in the country.
In all the towns and villages along the Rob Roy Way, there are plenty of places for you to set up camp or enjoy more comfortable accommodations. The people in the area are very friendly and will go out of their way to help you with any problem you might have.
